Chicago City (part 15 of 57)

Chicago, Cook County, And Illinois. 56 1 John E. Van Pelt

John E. VanPelt, member of the Board of Cook County Commissioners from 1882 to 1886, was born in Burlington, N. J., July 23, 1836. At the age of three years he came West with his parents who settled at Jerseyville, 111., and there during his early years he became known as a young man full of promise of public usefulness. Before arriving at his majority he engaged in the grain and himber business, and by his energy speedily built up a successful' and prosperous business. He was an ardent Democrat in politics, and his influence and advice in political matters in Jersey county were sought by his party friends. From an early age he took an active interest in all political movements intended to advance public interests and conserve the cause of good government. In 1862, when but twenty-six years old, he was elected Treasurer of Jersey county, and held the position for two terms, or four years. He discharged the duties of his office in a manner highly satisfactory to the people of Jersey county, and retired possessing the respect and confidence of all. Other political offices of trust and honor were proffered him which he declined in order to give his attention to his private business interests. In the spring of 1873 tne municipal affairs of* Jerseyville were in a disordered state, and a Citizen's movement was inaugurated in the interests of better government. The better element of the Democrats and Republicans united to form a Citizen's ticket and Mr. VanPelt was tendered and accepted the nomination for Mayor. His opponent was Archie Locke, also a Democrat. One of the closest and most exciting campaigns ever witnessed in that locality ensued, and Mr. VanPelt made a personal canvass and met with a decisive and gratifying success. In 1874 he removed to Chicago and entered the grain and commission business on the Board of Trade. In the fall of 1882 he was made the Democratic nominee for County Commissioner, and was elected by a large majority. During his term he proved himself one of the most capable and industrious conservators of public interests ever elected to the County Board, and by reason of his energy and great ability as a financier he became the most conspicuous member of that body. He has been a persistent advocate of reform in matters relating to revenue and taxation, and it is mainly through his unceasing efforts in this direction that a more just and equitable scale of taxation has been recommended by the State Board of Equalization, and that the financial affairs of Cook county are in a fair way of recuperation. During his term he was Chairman of the Commit- tee on Public Service, of Public Charities, and other important committees. In December, 1882, he was elected Chairman of the Cook county Democratic Central Committee, and was twice re-elected to that position. He has been an active and influential delegate in State, County, and City conventions, and his political sagacity is acknowledged by his party associates and his opponents as well. In October, 1886, he received the votes of the Twelfth ward delegates for State Senator in the Senatorial convention of his district, and was nominated but declined to make the race, as there was a contest in the district. In 1885 he established the Chicago Commercial and Financial News Company, and was elected Vice-President of the company, and to the interests of this successful concern he now gives his attention.

James M. Doyle

James M. Doyle, Chief Deputy to the Clerk of the Criminal Court of Cook county, is widely known in Chicago, where he has resided since boyhood. He was born in County Wexford, Ireland, in 1839, and in 1848 he came to America with his parents, who located in Chicago. His father, Peter Doyle, died in Chicago in 1851, but his family still reside here. James M. Doyle was educated at the old Scammon school, commencing upon his arrival here in 1848. In 1852 and 1853 he attended the college of St. Mary of the Lake. When seventeen years of age he learned the grocery business, and at once engaged in the trade on his own account on the West side. In August, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company B, Twenty-third Illinois Infantry, better known as Mulligan's Brigade. He participated in all the engagements of the brigade, and was mustered out of the service at Chicago, August 1, 1865. He was successively promoted to Second Lieutenant and Captain, and at the close of the war was breveted Major. On leaving the service he became a bookkeeper for E. W. Brown on South Water street for two years He then engaged in the produce business on his own account, which he carried on until January, 1870, when he entered the office of City Collector under W. J. Onahan as a clerk. He remained in the Collector's office for about three years, serving there during the first term of George Von Hollen. In 1S73 he became Chief Deputy Clerk of the Criminal Court, which position he still occupies. Major Doyle was a candidate in 1 868 for West Town Assessor on the Democratic ticket, and was defeated together with the entire ticket. From this time until 1876 he

-continued quite active in politics. In the fall of 1886 he was nominated by the Democratic County convention for Clerk of the Criminal Court, his Republican opponent being James H. Gilbert. In the election he ran over 3,000 votes ahead of the candidate for Sheriff, but went down in the general defeat that overtook the ticket on account of the Socialist and labor uprising. Major Doyle is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Mulligan Post, No. 306. He is also a member of the Catholic Benevolent Legion, which he founded in Chicago in March, 1884, being the first introduction of the order in the West. He was married in Chicago in 1878 to Miss Rose Donnelly. They have four children, Eleanor, Leo Joseph, Julia and James J,

William Eisfeldt

William Eisfeldt, Alderman of the Fifteenth ward, has resided in Chicago since infancy, where he is widely known both in business and political circles. Mr. Eisfeldt was born in Magdeburg, Germany, in February, 1852. When he was but six months old his parents removed to the United States, coming direct to Chicago. William Eisfeldt, Sr., settled in what is now the Fifteenth ward, and still lives in the house he erected for himself more than thirty years ago. His wife still survives, and William is the only one of his children living. Mr. Eisfeldt was educated in the public schools of Chicago, and also for some time attended German schools. He learned the trade of a butcher, and in 1873 opened a meat market on his own account at South Halsted and Sixteenth streets. He carried on business here for about one year, when he sold out and removed to Wentworth avenue, near Twenty-sixth street, where he opened a market, which he operated until 1877, wn^n he disposed of the business and removed to Fort Worth, Texas, where he at once entered the butcher trade, operating two markets, and doing his own slaughtering. Two years later he sold out his entire establishment, and began the business of shipping cattle. This last venture not proving successful he returned to Chicago in 1879, and resumed his old business at his old stand on Wentworth avenue. In the spring of 1882 he once more disposed of his business and returned to his old home in the Fifteenth ward. In June of that year he opened a market at No. 171 ^outhport avenue, which he still operates. In September, 1886, he entered into a copartnership with Charles L. Griebenow, under the style of Griebenow & Eisfelclt, to carry on at Clybourn and Webster avenues, a wholesale and retail flour, grain, and feed store. Mr. Eisfeldt, like his father, has always been a pronounced Republican, but has never taken an active interest in politics until within the last four years. In 1883 he was a candidate for Alderman in the Fifteenth ward, on the Citizen's Union ticket, and was elected by a majority of 6$j votes. In the preceding Council both representatives from the ward were Democrats. In 1885 he was a candidate for re-election on the Republican ticket, and was returned by the largely increased majority of 1,195 votes.

Mr. Eisfeldt was married in Chicago, in 1877, to Miss Maria Gnadinger. They have four bright children, William I., Sadie, Augusta, and Edward.

Henry F. Donovan

Henry Francis Donovan was born in Whitby, Ontario, August 8, 1858. His father, Christopher F. Donovan, and his mother, Mary L. (Duffy) Donovan, were both born in Canada. His grandfather emigrated to America from Ireland in 1815. He was a man of learning and an ardent patriot. A greatgrand-uncle of Mr. Donovan's sat in the Irish Parliament, and voted to the bitter end against the union with Britain. Henry F. Donovan came to Chicago with his parents when an infant, and has resided here ever since. He was educated, in the public schools of the city, having first attended the old Washington school, corner of Sangamon and Indiana streets. When thirteen years old he went on the local staff of the Chicago Evening Journal, and remained there ten years. His experience on this old and reliable Republican journal had no influence on his politics, for he was always a Democrat. In 1882 he was elected a member of the County Board of Education, and in 1883 elected President of the Board, and reelected President in 1884. In the fall of the latter year he was unanimously nominated by the Democratic County convention for Clerk of the Superior Court of Cook county, and ran 3,000 votes ahead of his ticket, which was defeated by large Republican majorities. June 15. 1885, he was appointed General Superintendent of the Free Delivery of the Chicago Postoffice, embracing the Carrier's Department. September 17 of the same year he was elected President of the Cook County Young Democracy, an organization at that time embracing 12,000 members. He resigned this office in October following, and in a letter addressed to the organization stated that duty to his public position would not admit of his serving. He was again elected a member of the County Board of Education in September, 1885, for a term of three years, and in 1886 was elected President of the Board for the third time, having declined prior elections. Mr. Donovan is Secretary of the Board of Civil Service Examiners ; President of the Postoffice Mutual Aid Society ; a member of the Iroquois, Cook county, and Algonquin clubs ; of the Ancient Order of United Workmen; of the Royal Arcanum; of the Catholic Benevolent Legion, and a charter member of the Chicago Press Club. He was also one of the originators of the old Second Regiment. Popular, enterprising, in politics aggressive, a fluent orator, Mr. Donovan has made a record of which his friends are proud. He was married in 1876 to Miss Cornelia E. Cassleman, daughter of Christian Cassleman, and is the father of three children. He has lived in the Fifteenth ward eight years, and occupies a well appointed home at the corner of Webster avenue and Fremont street.

Hon. William E. Mason

William Ernest Mason was born in Franklinville, 'Cattaraugus county, New York, July 7, 1850, the son of Lewis and Nancy (Winslow) Mason. His father was a merchant ; a man of firm principles, independent character and a pronounced Abolitionist. The family removed to Bentonsport, Van Buren county, Iowa, in 1858. Lewis Mason died in 1865, and his wife in 1875. At thirteen years of age William E. Mason entered Birmingham college, Van Buren county, and remained two years. During the succeeding two years he taught district school in the winter, and for two years following taught at DesMoines, where he began to study law under Hon. Thomas F. Withrow. That gentleman was appointed General Solicitor of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific railroad in 1871, and Mr. Mason came with him to Chicago and remained in his office during the following year. For the succeeding five years he was in the office of John N. Jewett. Here he completed his studies and perfected himself in practice. In 1877 he formed a law partnership with J udge M. R. M. Wallace, which continued until the latter was appointed Prosecuting Attorney. Mr. Mason has always been a staunch Republican; an active worker for the interests of his party and his exceptional gift of oratory has often been brought into play on the rostrum and in conventions dur- ingpolitical contests. In 1879 he was nominated and elected to the State Legislature, and in November, 1882, was made the nominee for State Senator from the then newly organized Ninth district, and was duly elected by a large majority. He was Chairman of the Committee on Warehouses in the Thirty-third Assembly, and of the Committee on Judiciary in the Thirty-fourth Assembly, and served also as a member of the Committees on Judiciary, Corporations, Insurance, Military Affairs, and Miscellany. His record in the General Assembly as a law maker and supporter of measures beneficial to the public made him one of the most prominent members. He was a leading supporter of Gen. John A. Logan for United States Senator in the memorable contest of the " 103 " for supremacy, and by advocating the bill to abolish convict labor he gained many friends among the laboring classes. In 1883 he was elected Attorney of the Board of West Park Commissioners. In 1884 he was induced to become a candidate for Congress in the Third Chicago district, and a contest arose as to the prerogatives of the District Committee, a portion of whose members favored the candidacy of George R. Davis, the retiring Congressman. The matter was referred to the National Republican Committee for arbitrament, and that body decided in favor of the claims of Mr. Mason, and he took the field. The dissatisfied element induced Gen. J. E. Fitzsimmons to run also, and an exciting campaign followed, the inevitable result being the election of a Democrat, James H. Ward. Mr. Mason's friends have always maintained that he was in the right in this contest from the start, and that after receiving the sanction of the National Committee he was more than ever entitled to the field, and the loss of the seat in Congress to his party could not be attributed to arbitrary action on his part. The vote in the district was: Mason, 10,806; Fitzsimmons, 8,928 ; Ward, 15,601. In the fall of 1886 Mr. Mason was again nominated for Congress by the Third district Republican convention, and so great was his popularity known to be that no formidable candidate cared to risk the exigencies of a campaign against him. The United Labor party placed a candidate in the field in the person of Benjamin W. Goodhue, and the Prohibitionists had a candidate, Mr. Whitlock. The vote in the November election stood: Mason, 12,701 ; Goodhue, 6,161 ; Whitlock, 389; majority for Mr. Mason, 6,540. Mr. Mason is noted for his genial traits and accomplishments. He married, in 1873, Miss Julia Edith White, daughter of George White, Esq., a wholesale merchant of Des Moines, Iowa, and they have six children.

Charles Kern

Charles Kern was born at Otterbach, Rhenish-Bavaria, April 18, 1 83 1, the third son of John and Mary (Stemmler) Kern. Until the age of eighteen he profited by the admirable educational facilities offered by the German system, and he then decided to make his home in the United States. On his arrival here he settled in Dover, Tenn., but soon removed to Cincinnati and subsequently to Terre Haute, Ind., where he was engaged as clerk in a hotel. His first business undertaking was the opening of a hotel and restaurant which he conducted with great success. His many superior qualities of character made him hosts of friends, and he became the popular Democratic nominee for Sheriff of Vigo county in 1862. It was in the midst of the war excitement, and the county was regarded as hopelessly Republican, and neither Mr. Kern nor his friends regarded his election as probable. The unexpected happened, however, and Mr. Kern was elected by a gratifying majority, that testified to his popularity and public confidence in his character. He conducted the office in such an exemplary manner that his opponents failed to find cause for criticism and he was acknowledged to have been an exceptionally good official. When his term expired in 1864 he became interested in the Galr House at Cincinnati and remained in that city until October, 1S65, when he removed to Chicago and engaged in the restaurant business, which he still conducts successfully, having become the best known caterer in the city. He lost his entire property in the great fire of 1871, but, although he collected only a small percentage of his insurance he met all his obligations in full, and was among the first to make a new start upon the ruins of his prosperous business. He immediately caused to be erected a temporary building on the old site, and his energy and confidence caused others to have faith in the destiny of Chicago. In order to accommodate many of his patrons he also converted his residence at No. 458 Wabash avenue into a restaurant and occupied it until August, 1872. The immense building operations speedily put under way compelled him to vacate his old site and he rented a building near the corner of La Salle and Monroe streets, which he occupied until June, 1872, when he removed to no La Salle street, his present location, to which subsequently he added No. 108, and he now conducts one of the largest and best appointed restaurants in the city. Mr. Kern speedily achieved popularity and standing upon his advent in Chicago.

In 1868 he was made the Democratic nominee for Sheriff of Cook- county, and as the county was largely Republican he was defeated. He was re-nominated unanimously as the choice of his party in 1870 and again in 1872, and although defeated he ran 4,000 votes ahead of his ticket. In 1876 he was for the fourth time nominated unanimously and this time was elected by a majority of 6,000, running 10,000 votes ahead of his ticket, which was defeated by average majorities of 4,000. His conduct of the office was characterized by economy and strict regard for the public interests, and left no room for partisan criticism. In 1878 it was thought Mr. Kern's popularity would redeem Cook county from the apathy aroused among the Democrats by the failure to seat Mr. Tilden, and he was re-nominated, and although he ran 10,000 ahead of his ticket and lacked only 3,000 of election, the inertness of his own party killed the ticket, the other candidates being defeated by average majorities of 13,000. Mr. Kern, while a strict Democrat and a party man, has always maintained personal independence, and has held views at variance with many party leaders. He has been prominently mentioned in connection with various offices of importance, but of late years declined political honors in order that he might devote his attention to his business interests. Upon the advent of the Democratic National administration his friends pressed him forward for United States Marshal, and for a time he held first place in the race, but the contest was decided by the appointment of a compromise candidate. In December, 1885, he waselected President of the Cook County Democratic club and he speedily strengthened and improved the serviceability of the club by reorganizing it under a new constitution. In the fall of 1886 he received prominent mention for Sheriff and also for County Treasurers many party leaders held him to be available for either place. Upon the opening of the campaign he was unanimously elected Chairman of the Cook County Democratic Campaign Committee, and at once entered into the conduct of the campaign with his accustomed energy and ability. He is a prominent and influential member of the Iroquois club of which he was Vice- President one year, and throughout the Democratic organization his judgment is respected, and he is given credit for great discrimination and political sagacity. Mr. Kern's chief recreation is in the line of field sports, and he is a crack shot. He was President of the Prairie shooting club, one of the first sportsmen's organizations in Chicago ; has been for seven years President of the Audubon Club, and in 1885 was elected President of the

Illinois State Sportsmen's Association, and he has taken an active part in the framing, passage and enforcement of the game laws of the state. He is a member of the Washington Park club, and though not claiming to be a turfman, always keeps a number of good roadsters that can show speed on occasion. He is a member of Ashlar Lodge No. 303, A. F. & A. M., of Washington Chapter No. 43, R. A. M., and of Chicago Commandery No. 19, Knights Templar. He married in 1852, Miss Mary A. Whitman, of Lyons, N. Y., and they have two children, Josephine and Henry W.

Christian Cassleman

Christian Cassleman, one of the best known and most popular of Chicago's old residents and self made men, was born in Utica, Oneida county, New York, in 1829. He came to Chicago in 1855 and engaged in business as a tanner, which he has followed successfully ever since. From a small beginning, Mr. Cassleman's tannery has grown to its present splendid proportions. He also operates a large mitten factory, and still another enterprise, is engaged in the manufacture of mattresses. His public spirit has brought him actively to the front in all matters concerning the welfare of his fellow citizens, and no man in the community has enjoyed the regard of the people to a greater degree. His genial disposition attracts to him many warm and steadfast friends. An incident illustrating his indomitable will and devotion to the people will not be out of place here. Many citizens will remember the failure of the Western Marine Bank early during the war. The bank failed on a Saturday. The day before (Friday) Mr. Cassleman, who was Treasurer of the draft fund of the old Twelfth ward, had deposited $12,000 in the bank to the credit of that fund. The money was taken in, and not a word uttered as to the insolvency of the institution. The next morning it did not open its doors. Mr. Cassleman, accompanied by a large number of persons interested in the fund, started for the bank. He gave the officers fifteen minutes in which to pay back the money or be strung up by the excited crowd. The $12,000 was forthcoming at once. Mr. Cassleman was elected to the City Council in 1863 and 1 866, as a Democrat, both times from a strong Republican ward, and against very strong opponents. In 1865 he was unanimously nominated by the Democratic party for the office of Commissioner of Public

Works, but the chances of the party were wrecked by the feelinggrowing out of the assassination of President Lincoln, which occurred shortly before election day. In 1876 Mr. Cassleman was a strong supporter of Mr. Tilden. In 1877 he was nominated for County Commissioner, but failed of election, although running far in the lead of his ticket. In 1878 he was, against his will, nominated and elected West Town Collector, by thelargest majority of any man on the ticket. In 1880 he was unanimously nominated for Sheriff by the Democracy, and ran 4,000 votes ahead of his ticket. In 1885 ne was again nominated for County Commissioner, against his will, and was triumphantly elected. He has served faithfully and well in the County Board. Mr. Cassleman and his friends may well be proud of his political record. He has never solicited a nomination, and has always ran ahead of his ticket.

Mr. Cassleman was married in Utica, N. Y., in May, 1851, to Miss Ellen Croak. They have three sons and one daughter living. Christian Cassleman, Jr., is in business for himself. In 1884 he was elected West Town Collector, and in 1886 was appointed one of the Commissioners of Election, but resigned the office after a few months. Joseph Ward Cassleman is in the tannery business with his father, and Edwin is attending school. The daughter, Cornelia E., is the wife of Henry F. Donovan, the well known General Superintendent of the Postal Delivery.

William P. Whelan

William Patrick Whelan, Alderman for two terms of the First ward, was born December 9, 1849, m tne °^ Lake House, at the corner of North Water and Rush streets. His father, Martin Whelan, was born in County Wexford, Ireland, and came to Chicago in the fall of 1845. His mother, Rosanna (White) Whelan, was the daughter of Colonel P. H. White, who settled here in 1832 ; a prominent man among the old settlers, and the first Street Commissioner of Chicago. William P. Whelan is well known to the present generation of native born Chicagoans. He first attended the old Dearborn school on Madison street, and afterward took a course at the Christian Brothers' college, corner of Van Buren street and Fourth avenue. His first employment was as Cashier in the Continental Billiard Hall, in Walker's Block, adjoining the old Matteson House on Dearborn street, which was, twenty years ago, a celebrated resort of politicians and public men. After the fire of 1871 he went to Kan- sas City, and remained a year, being employed with Coates' Omnibus Company. He returned and started in the liquor business at 167 Adams street, and remained until 1881 in this location, when he opened the Theatre Comique on West Madison street. He next engaged in business at 4.7 La Salle street ; removed to 123 Monroe street, and thence in the spring of 1884 to No. 194 Clark street, his present location. He has always been a straight out Democrat, and from an early age took an active interest in politics, in connection with David Thornton, Aid. Thomas Foley, Dan. O'Hara, Phil. Conley, and others. He enjoys great popularity ; is generous and obliging, and is ever willing to assume personal inconvenience to do his friends a favor. For a period of ten years he was in the front rank of opposition to unfair primaries and elections, and always fought the "machine." In April, 1884, he ran as an independent candidate for Alderman against Moses J. Wentworth, the Democratic nominee, and was elected by a majority of 1,268 votes. In the spring of 1886 he was made the regular Democratic nominee, and in the face of a bitter fight from the united opposition defeated Francis W. Warren, Republican, by a majority of 52. He became a member of the City and County Central Committees in 1884, succeeding Joseph C. Mackin, and continues to represent his ward in these bodies. As an Alderman he has been instrumental in securing many permanent improvements in the First ward. He is a member of Court Acme, No. 55; Independent Order of Foresters ; of the Knights of Pythias ; of the Irish Nationalists, and of the Benevolent Order of Elks.

James Joseph McGrath was born December 15, 1838, near Arthurstown, County Wexford, Ireland. His father, John Mc- Grath, died in 1885, at the age of 83 years, and his mother, Bridget [McNamara] McGrath is still living in Ireland at the age of 75 years. James J. McGrath attended the public schools in his native place; came to the United States in 1854, and resided for some time in New York with an uncle, where he attended the public schools. He came to Chicago in 1856 and has since resided here, except two years spent in the South before the war, and several months spent in a visit to the old country in 1867. He learned the cooper trade and for several years was foreman and paymaster of the large cooperage of the old Chicago Distilling Company, of which Erastus Rawson was

President, and Walter S. Gurnee, ex-Mayor of Chicago, was Treasurer. He finally purchased the shops and land in 1865, and succeeded to the business. He was a member of the Board of Trade from 1865 to 1869. He has been a steadfast Republican in politics since i860, and voted for Abraham Lincoln for President in that year, his residence in the South having a great deal to do with forming his political sentiments. For some years prior to 1869 he took a somewhat active interest in politics, and in the latter year was elected to the Common Council over T. D. Hull, from what is now the Fourteenth ward; was re-elected to the Council in 1871 over John Vantwood ; again in 1873 over Christian Cassleman, and again in 1880 over Frank A. Stauber, the Socialist, and the celebrated Stauber-McGrath contest, already detailed in these pages, ensued. In 1881 when Stauber ran for City Treasurer and received 1,999 in the city, lie was again a candidate for Alderman of the Fourteenth ward, and received 947 votes against three opponents - Clemens Hirsch, Thomas Ryan, and Peter Peterson. He was Chairman of the Committee on Fire and Water during the memorable fight ovei the location of the present West Division Waterworks, and at that time made an exhaustive report on the folly of trying to furnish an additional water supply by having artesian wells, which was strongly advocated by the Chicago Tribune. He was Chairman of the Finance Committee in 1874, in which year he resigned from the Council and was elected immediately after to the office of City Tax Commissioner, serving in that capacity for two years, when the office was abolished. He was elected in 1873, while a member of the Council, to the State Senate, from what was then the Fifth district, comprised of the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Seventeenth wards, and it was principally through his efforts that the law making it a criminal offense for employers to blacklist their employes by preventing them from obtaining employment for any cause, was passed. He also introduced the bill, which became a law, prohibiting city authorities in Illinois from licensing houses of ill-fame. In 1875 he became an Independent candidate for Mayor, and was defeated by Monroe Heath. He has been employed by the Abstract department of Cook county since 1876, and has had principal charge of tax matters during that time.

Mr. McGrath was first married to Miss Mary Gibbons of Pekin, 111, who died in November, 1878. He was married a second time in September, 1881, to Belinda Fay of Chicago, and has nine children living.

Hon. Charles B. Farwell

Hon. Charles B. Farwell was born at Painted Post, a small village in Steuben county, New York, July i, 1823. He was educated at the Elmira Academy, and at the age of fifteen years came west with his father. The family settled on a farm in Ogle county, Illinois, and for some time young Farwell followed land surveying. After a time he found agricultural life incompatible, and in January, 1844, ne came to Chicago to seek his fortune, having nothing upon which to build it up save energy and determination. The first post he obtained was that of assistant or deputy clerk to George Davis, then County Clerk. He had not been in the department very long before Davis was incapacitated by illness, and the task of opening the County Commissioner's Court devolved upon young Farwell. He carried on the affairs of the office in the absence of his principal for four months, when the latter returned and the young man resumed his accustomed sphere, adding, meanwhile, to his not too abundant resources by spending his evenings in the employ of a dry goods house. That he was economical and husbanded his resources is evidenced by the fact that in November, 1845 - ^ess than two years after his arrival in the city - he effected his first purchase of real estate. He turned his attention to tjie piece of land on Jefferson street, on which Crane Brothers' ironworks now stand, and finally bought it out, paying for it $100 in cash and giving a note for the balance. The value of the same piece of property is now estimated at all the way from $25,000 to $35,000. He left the County Clerk's office early in 1846, having received $200 and board for the preceding year's service. He entered the real estate office of J. B. F. Russell at $400 a year and staid there three years, receiving an advance of $ioo in salary for the last two years of service. In 1849 ne entered the banking house of George Smith and became principal teller, remaining there until 1853. In the latter year he was nominated for County Clerk, and was duly elected, his defeated opponent being Dr. E. S. Kimberly. Mr. Farwell served a term of four years; was reelected and retired from the office in 1861, again turning his attention to real estate and business pursuits. He reorganized the entire system of keeping the county records, and his administration of the office was particularly able. In 1864 he formed a connection with his brother in the house of John V. Farwell & Co., purchasing an interest from his brother. With Mr. Farwell's keen insight in the business, and his able management, the house at once took rapid strides toward its present great proportions.

In 1867 Mr. Farwell was elected to the Board of Supervisors and was made Chairman of the Board, and during his term the wings of the old Courthouse which was destroyed in the fire were erected. In 1870 he was nominated by the Republicans for Congress against John Wentworth, who was running as an Independent candidate. A notable campaign ensued, which resulted in the election of Mr. Farwell by a large majority. He was reelected in 1872, and again in 1874. He forsook politics for a season when his latter term expired, but in 1878 he ran again for Congress and was duly elected. Of late years Mr. Farwell has been conspicuously brought forward for Governor, United States Senator, Mayor, and other important offices, but has evinced no personal desire to again enter official life. Mr. Farwell has been active in politics since 1844 I a member of the Republican State Central Committee for many years ; Chairman of the Committee in 1872, and he has ever been one of the principal contributors to campaign funds. He has always been found a faithful supporter of the Republican party and its candidates, and has played an important part in many State and National conventions and campaigns. The public services of Mr. Farwellare many, and he has been one of the principal builders up of the business district, owning many fine structures occupied for business purposes. It was through his instrumentality also that the completion of the Washington street tunnel was effected, after the original contractors had left it in a condition of almost total wreck. He furnished the bulk of the capital for its reconstruction, and under his supervision the work was pushed forward to a finish in a creditably short space of time. His public-spiritedness and liberality in assisting all worthy enterprises is a matter of note, and though avoiding ostentation himself, there are many who know of his benefactions to various charities, and innumerable instances where he has held out a helping hand to the deserving unfortunate. For many years he has been the largest contributor to the funds of the Lake Forest University, an institution under the management of the Presbyterian Church, which is of great public usefulness. In connection with Col. Abner Taylor and others he is now conducting the construction of the great State Capitol building of Texas. He is a member of the Union League Club; the Commercial Club; the Banker's Club, and Chicago Club, having been one of the founders of the latter. Mr. Farwell was married October 11, 1852, to Miss Mary E. Smith, of Williamstown, Mass., and has a family of four children.

Hon. George R. Davis

George R. Davis was born in 1840 in the town of Palmer, Mass. His father, Benjamin Davis, was a native of Massachusetts, and his mother, Cordelia (Buffington) Davis, of Connecticut, her family being one of well known Quakers. When 17 years of age George R. attended Williston Seminary at East Hampton, from whence he graduated. For a period of two years he was engaged in business with his father at Springfield, Mass. In July, 1*862, he enlisted in Co. H, Eighth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry ; was commissioned Captain, joined the Eighteenth Army Corps, and served in the North Carolina campaign until August, 1863, when he resigned his commission and returned to Massachusetts, where he organized a battery of light artillery. He next became Captain of the Third Rhode Island Cavalry ; was promoted to Major in December, 1863, and commanded the regiment in many of the principal battles of the war, and until its close. He was next transferred to the Department of the Missouri, and served under Gen. Phil. Sheridan on the plains, and was with Gen. Custer in the battles on the headquarters of the Washita, in which Chief "Black Kettle" and his band were defeated. Col. Davis was three times wounded ; once at the battle of Pleasant Hill, during the war, and tw"ice during the campaign on the plains. He first came to Chicago with Gen. Sheridan in 1869 ; resigned from the army May 1,1871, and went into the insurance business, accepting the agency of the Hartford Insurance Company, and this position he held for a number of years. Col. Davis, as may be supposed from his war record, has always been a staunch Republican, and while engaged in business was brought into prominence as an active party leader. In the close and exciting State and National campaign of 1876, when the Democrats and Greenbackers effected a fusion on the Illinois state ticket, and Tilden was the popular Democratic candidate for President, Col. Davis was made the Republican nominee for Congress in the old Second district, against Carter H. Harrison, who had been re-nominated by the Democrats, and the vote stood : Harrison, 14,732 ; Davis, 14,090. He was re-nominated in the same district in 1878, and was elected over Miles Kehoe, Ind. Dem., James Felch, Labor; James Condon, Dem., and George A. Schilling, Socialist, by a plurality of 4,236 votes. He was again nominated for Congress in 1880, and was elected by a plurality of 4,589 votes over John F. Farnsworth, Ind., C. G. Dixon, Greenback-Labor, and Rein- hard Lorenz, Socialist. In 1882 the districts having been changed, he was nominated to represent the new Third district, and was elected by a plurality of 2,237 over William P. Black, Democrat, and C. G. Hay man, Independent. Col. Davis was a member of the State and County Central committees, and a delegate in National conventions, having taken a prominent and active part in the latter in 1880 and 1884. In his every movement in politics he has been a consistent Republican, and has acted in the interest of his party as his best judgment dictated. In 1884 a contest arose in the Third district over the organization of the Congressional committee, and Col. Davis and William E. Mason both took the field as candidates. Col. Davis submitted to arbitrament by the National committee, and withdrew from the contest, after which Gen. J. E. Fitz Simons entered the field, and the result was the election of a Democrat. In the spring of 1885 Col. Davis was given great prominence as a candidate for the Mayoralty, and although the party management was in the hands of his friends he withdrew in the interest of harmony and became Chairman of Judge Sidney Smith's campaign committee, and by hard work and experienced and capable management he was mainly instrumental in reducing the accustomed large Democratic majorities, and making the result so close as to necessitate the famous Smith-Harrison contest. In the fall of 1886 he was made the nominee of the Cook county Republican convention for County Treasurer, and although he was made to bear the brunt of the bitter partisan opposition aroused in this campaign, he won a complete and highly gratifying victory. Notwithstanding that his Democratic opponent, Michael Schweisthal, received 29,966 votes ; Stauber, Socialist- Labor, the large and unexpected number of 25,437 votes, and Bush, Prohibition, the important number of 1,413 votes, Col. Davis1 plurality was 9,165. In Congress he achieved great prominence, and brought about much legislation of public importance, being mainly instrumental in securing large appropriations for the improvement of the Chicago harbor. He is noted for genial and generous traits of character ; is true to his friends ; an enterprising citizen, and a capable public official. He was united in marriage July 25, 1867, to Miss Gertrude Schulih of New Orleans, and they have six children, two sons and four daughters.

Hon. Abner Taylor

Abner Taylor was born in Bangor, Maine, January 19, 1829. His father, Daniel W. Taylor, and his mother, Sophia (Dean) Taylor, were both born in Maine, and his father was a farmer. His parents removed to Ohio when Abner was four years old and settled in Champaign county, and Abner was raised on a farm and attended district school until he reached his majority. In 185 1 he removed to Illinois, settling in McLean county, 'and went into the business of buying cattle. For a period of three years he bought and herded cattle and drove them to Philadelphia, the trip consuming one hundred days. He next located in Clinton, De Witt county, and entered government land until 1857, when he went to Fort Dodge, Iowa, and took the contract for building the Courthouse there, and also entered the business of merchandising, buying out and conducting a dry-goods store. He remained in Fort Dodge until i860, when he removed to Aurora, 111., and bought out E. and A. Woodworth's wagon manufactory in company with Thomas Snell, Samuel L. Keith and Hiram Butterworth, and here he continued in business for three years. At the outbreak of the war he was in Fort Dodge and enlisted there, but was rejected on account of a defect in his eyesight ; he again enlisted at Aurora, but did not succeed in passing examination. When General Orme was appointed Special Agent of the Treasury to supervise the admission of supplies through the lines and take charge of goods abandoned by the Confederates, he selected Col. Taylor as his deputy, and he joined Gen. Orme at his headquarters in Memphis and remained until after the close of the war. From Memphis he came to Chicago and engaged in buying real estate, which he has followed ever since, although at times he has engaged in railroad building and other extensive contract work. His first purchase of Chicago real estate was twenty-seven acres near Milwaukee and Chicago avenues from the agent, Judge Van H. Higgins, for $81,000, or $3,000 an acre, on which he paid $3,000 down and owed the balance. This property he subdivided and sold in lots. He had great confidence in the future greatness of Chicago, and that the speculation was a wise one is evidenced by the fact that while the balance of the purchase price was paid many years ago, Col. Taylor yet holds some of this valuable property. His first contract after locating in Chicago was one for street paving in Memphis ; amounting to a million dollars, which he sold out when about half completed. In

1869, in company with Thomas Snell and James Aiken, he went to railroad building, and built some of the most important main lines and branches in Illinois and Iowa, among others the Chicago and Southwestern ; the La Fayette, Bloomington and Mississippi; the La Fayette and Muncie ; the Cincinnati and Decatur Short Line ; a line for the I. 13. & W., and smaller branches. In 1881 he became connected with the Chicago and Pacific Elevator Company in connection with W. H. Harper, and is President of the Company. Two elevators were built by the Company, both on Goose Island, and they are among the largest in Chicago, each having a storage capacity of 1,500,000 bushels of grain. When the panic of 1873 disturbed the business of the country, Col. Taylor closed up his contracts and went to Europe, where he remained a year. Again in 1879 ne went abroad for a year and he did no further business in the line of contracting until in 1882. in connection with J. V. and C. B. Farwell and Col. A. C. Babcock, he took a contract to build the Texas Statehouse, at Austin, the largest capitol building in the United States, except the National Capitol at Washington. For the construction of this building, according to the plans adopted by the state, the builders received a grant of 3,000,000 acres of land in Northwest Texas, on the "Panhandle,1' and they now have this land all under fence and 75,000 head of cattle on it. When this contract is completed, it is Col. Taylor's intention to again retire from active business pursuits. He is an entirely self-made man and his success in life is due to habits of toil and self-sacrifice, and a faculty for seeing and taking advantage of favorable opportunities for progress. He is a bachelor, and as he says himself, has had no time to get married. For several years he has taken an active interest in politics and has been given prominence in connection with important offices. In 1884 he was elected to the Illinois Legislature from the Third Chicago district, and took a prominent part in the Haines Speakership contest and the famous fight of the "103" for Gen. John A. Logan for United States Senator.

Miles Kehoe

The Legislative Manual of 1873 gives the birthplace of Miles Kehoe as Ireland, and his occupation as a laborer. He was born in 1846, came to Chicago with his parents in 1847, and they settled in that portion of the city now comprised in the Second Congressional district, which then contained but few peo- pie. Miles attended the Foster school and ex-County Commissioner Spofford taught him his letters. He graduated from the Foster school in 1863, and immediately set about earning a livelihood. Having a natural gift of oratory, as the West side wards began to grow in population, he took an active part in public meetings, held for the purpose of securing improvements, and in various political movements. In 1872 he ran for State Senator against J. H.^Hildreth and the late R. P. Derrickson in the old Third district, composed of the Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh wards, and was re-elected in 1874 by a great popular vote. He was the first laborer elected to office from the district, and the youngest man elected to the State Senate up to that time. In 1873 he took a prominent and active part in the formation of the People's party, and was Chairman of the Campaign committee. In 1875, after the charter of 1872 was adopted, and Mayor Colvin claimed the right to hold over, he opposed the charter and Colvin's claims ; made speeches in various great public meetings ; went before the Grand Jury and gave evidence that led to the indictment of the Sixth ward new charter ballot-box stuffers ; was Secretary of the great Exposition Building mass-meeting at which Thomas Hoyne was nominated for Mayor, .and in company with Judge Otis and Mr. Prussing, was appointed as a committee to wait on Mayor Colvin and demand his resignation. In 1877 ne opposed Carter H. Harrison for Congress and secured the nomination, and in return was opposed in the field by W. H. Condon, James Felch and George Schilling, and was defeated by George R. Davis, Rep. Mr. Kehoe refused $5,000 and his expenses on this occasion to leave the field. Originally a Democrat, Mr. Kehoe, like many others in his party, voted for Gen. Grant for President against Horace Greeley, in 1872, and from then on his independent feelings increased until, on account of offensive party usages, he became an out and out Republican. In the General Assembly he always acted independent of caucus rule, as shown in 1876 in the memorable struggle over the election of Judge David Davis to the United States Senate. He was Chairman of the Committee on Municipalities for four years, and secured the passage of valuable laws for Chicago and other cities. His first efforts were to compel the West Park Commissioners to expend a pro rata of the Park funds on Douglas Park, till then neglected ; he wrote and had passed the Police and Firemen's pension law, now in force in Chicago ; he was the first to agitate the abolition of convict labor, and at several sessions came within a few votes of enough to pass a bill for that purpose ; he origi- nated and put through the bills abolishing the old system of town elections that caused great confusion ; introduced and was mainly instrumental in having passed the back-tax bill, which brought nearly $2,000,000 of back taxes into the city Treasury ; and in 1877 he introduced and had passed in the Senate a bill to regulate primary elections, which contained all the salient features of the present law, but the bill failed to pass the House. In 1882 he was Chairman of John F. Finerty's Congressional committee, and of other committees. He has always labored for the public interests ; has maintained independence above party ; has opposed so-called " machine " politics, and has been the enemy of corruption in any form.

George H. Mueller

George Henry Mueller, representative of the Second ward in the City Council, was born in Schleswig, Germany, February 19, 1850, the son of William Mueller and Marie (Jurgens) Mueller. His father pursued the calling of a stone cutter. George H. Mueller came to the United States in 1866, and settled at Blue Island, near Chicago, where he worked at farming for six years. In 1872 he removed to the city, and went into the grocery and flour and feed business at 675 Milwaukee avenue. This business he subsequently sold out, and then opened a wholesale liquor store on Paulina street, in the Fourteenth ward. In 1875 he opened a billiard hall at 675 State street, in company with John Leiendecker. In June, 1876, he started in the hotel business at Nos. 488 and 490 State street, and Mueller's hotel speedily became the leading Republican political headquarters of the Second ward. Mr. Mueller was always a Republican in politics except in 1873, when he supported Harvey D. Colvin for Mayor, and was an adherent to the latter during the Colvin-Hoyne contest. He was brought prominently forward for Alderman in i88oand 1882, and in 1884 declined the nomination. The Second ward had been solidly Democratic as to Alderman for eight years, and Aid. Patrick Sanders, the incumbent, was deemed invincible. In the spring of 1886 Mr. Mueller was made the regular Republican nominee, accepted, and after an exciting campaign, defeated Aid. Sanders by a majority of 676 votes. His defeated opponent contested his election on the score of ineligibility on account of non-citizenship, and a series of legal contests ensued in the courts, resulting in the victory for Aid. Mueller in every instance, and his retention of his seat. He showed that he had been naturalized in June, 1871 ; that the official records had been destroyed in the great fire of October 8, 1871, and that his papers were destroyed in the fire of July 14, 1874. In the last fire he lost all his effects and the accumulation of several years of labor and successful business enterprises. Since being in the Council Aid. Mueller has secured many needed improvements for his ward, and has retained his popularity among his friends. He was married October 14, 1875,10 Miss Augusta Quade of Blue Island, and they have three children, all boys, aged ten, seven, and five years, respectively.

Lawrence Edward McGann, Superintendent in charge of the Department of Streets, was born in County Galway, Ireland, February 2, 1852. His father, Edward McGann, was a farmer, he died in 1854. His mother, Bridget (Ford) McGann, is residing with her son in Chicago. Lawrence McGann came to the United States in 1855, and settled in Milford, Mass. He attended the public school there for several years, and in August, 1865, he came to Chicago, and while he worked during the summer he attended school in the winter for some years, and attended besides a private school kept by Prof. Robertson, at the corner of Franklin and Michigan streets. Until June, 1879, ne was employed in a shoe manufactory, and he always took a deep interest in questions affecting labor. He was of a studious disposition and well informed on labor matters, and in sympathy with all legislation proposed to amend the condition of the industrial classes. In 1878, when the Greenback-Labor party was formed he was active in advancing its interests locally. He had read up on the currency question, and being a fluent speaker, he achieved great prominence. He was a delegate in the Greenback-Labor convention at Greenebaum's hall, in March, 1879, and favored the nomination by that convention of Carter H. Harrison for Mayor. While his sympathies have been with labor, he has always been a Democrat, voting first for Samuel J. Tilden in 1876. In June, 1879, he was appointed to a position in the city water office, and on January, 1, 1885, was appointed Superintendent of Streets to succeed William Fogarty. Prior to his appointment he had made himself conversant with street grading, paving and roadway improvements, and is considered an expert in such matters, and he is now quoted as authority in pavement problems of importance to all great cities. He is energetic, reliable and genial, and stands high in the estimation of his friends. He was married May 1, 1883, to Miss Mary White of Chicago, and they have one child, a son, aged two years.

Theodore T. Gurney

Theodore T. Gurney.who for over seven years acted as City Comptroller during the administration of Mayor Carter H. Harrison, died of paralysis November 9, 1886, at the age of 66 years. He was an able financier and a distinguished Free Mason. He was born in Ogdensburg, N. Y., September 4, 1820 ; came West in 1838, locating at Sturgis, Mich. He became a Free Mason in 1848, joining Union Lodge, Union City, Mich. In 1850 he was a Justice of the Peace at Constantine, Mich.; in 1853 he returned to New York and was appointed by President Pierce, Deputy Collector of Customs at Sackett's Harbor. He came to Chicago in April, 1856,'and entered the employ of Munger & Armour, elevator men, as bookkeeper. In 1861 he was appointed Chief Grain Inspector, and after three years in this position engaged in the commission business on the Board of Trade. In 1876 he was elected West Town Supervisor, and in May, 1879, was appointed City Comptroller by Mayor Harrison.

After the great fire had devastated the city Mr. Gurney was one of the most active citizens in aiding the sufferers. As a member of the Masonic Relief Committee he helped in the distribution of $91,000, which was raised by that benevolent Order for the benefit of the victims of the fire. Mr. Gurney received every degree of Masonry. He received the thirty-third degree as an honorary member of the Supreme Council of the N. M. J. of the United States in November, 1871. He was Master of Siloam Lodge, Michigan, Sackett's Harbor Lodge, New York, and Cleveland Lodge, Chicago, High Priest of Sackett's Harbor Chapter; Commander of Apollo Commandery, No. 1 ; Commander in Chief of Oriental Consistory ; Grand Master of Illinois, 1879-80; and Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Illinois, 1875.

He was married in May, 1848, to Miss Eunice Smith, at Sackett's Harbor, N. Y., and has two sons - Chester S., a member of St. Bernard Commandery, K. T., and Theodore E., yet a minor.

Efforts To Release Joseph C. Mackin

About May i, 1886, efforts were begun to secure the pardon of Joseph C. Mackin from the sentence to which he was made subject in the Criminal Court of Cook county, and several persons most prominent in securing his conviction joined in the petition for his pardon, these proceedings extending through the fall. On September 29 Mr. John C. Richberg, attorney for Mackin, filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus in behalf of his client, in the Supreme Court at Ottawa. Michael C. McDonald was the petitioner. The petition recited : Mackin is illegally imprisoned on a charge of perjury committed July 7, 1885, while testifying as an involuntary witness on the subject matter on which he had been indicted in the United States District Court on January 12, 1885. The petition further sets forth that at the October term, 1884, of the United States District Court, Mackin was indicted for an offense against the laws of the United States and a true bill and indictment found against him on section 5512 of the same. His imprisonment while under bonds and his failure to respond to the indictment in the United States Court will, it is alleged, forfeit his bonds, which are given in the sum of $50,000, with M. C. McDonald, John W. Crawford, Dennis Kavanaugh, and August Mette, as bondsmen. The petitioner contends that the Criminal Court of Cook county-could not have taken, tried, and sentenced Mackin, had he been confined in any United States prison or in the direct custody of a United States officer, and hence it had no jurisdiction while he was legally in such custody, even if he was allowed his liberty upon the surety of bondsmen. Even though out on bail, he was not out of the custody of the United States Court, and could not be legally held and tried by the Criminal Court of Cook county until the other was done with him. Another argument advanced is that the Cook county Grand Jury called him to testify before it upon the very questions upon which he was being investigated before the United States Court, and he should not have been forced virtually to try his case beforehand, and in another court. The petition in full covered ten pages of brief, and the arguments and authorities cited about twenty pages more, and the points raised were considered new and important. The Court took the petition under advisement.

The decision of the Supreme Court was rendered September 30 by Justice Schofield, and it embodied a refusal to release Mackin. It was held that where a person commits an offense against two separate jurisdictions the jurisdiction first obtaining custody of him is entitled to try him as a matter of law. The opinion goes on to say that the Court could not consent to recognize it to be the law that where a person under small bonds for a slight offense against the United States could not be arrested and punished by the State for murder while he was out on bail, which would be a consequence of Mackin's position.

John C. Richberg, Joseph C. Mackin's attorney, said that he was not much surprised or disappointed at the action taken by the Supreme Court in refusing the writ of habeas corpus applied for. " Had it not been for a decision of the United States Supreme Court last March, in which it was held that the proper course, in a case of this kind, where a jurisdiction of a State Court and of the United States Courts appear to conflict, was to take the matter before a State Court, I would have taken the matter right to the United States Circuit Court," he said. "You see, we claim that Mackin was illegally taken by the State for trial on the charge of perjury while he was under bail awaiting a decision of the United States Court on a federal crime. The State Court, in its decision, admitted that this would have been grounds for a writ of habeas corpus had Mackin been taken by the State from the hands of the Marshal, but it drew a distinction between his being in the Marshal's custody, and being out on bail."

Mr. Best subsequently withdrew, from business considerations, and the name of George Kerstens was substituted. The proper political divisions were not subserved by the change, and Mr. Kerstens voluntarily withdrew, and John Mattocks was substituted as the candidate.

The convention at Greenebaum's hall, already referred to, which was controlled by the Socialists, was held September 27, and the following mixed ticket, called the "United Labor" ticket, was nominated :

1. We demand the abolition of all county toll roads. 2. The abolition of the contract system on all county work. 3. The purchase of county supplies in open market. 4 The frequent inspection of county penal and charitable institutions by a state board of inspection. 5. That women shall serve on such boards equally with men, for the reason that women are confined in these institutions as well as men. 6. And we demand of our courts as full and fair a hearing for the poorest citizen as is accorded to citizens of wealth or moneyed corporations. 7. We demand a just and effective system of state insurance. 8. That all fines against inmates of houses used for immoral purposes shall be levied upon and collected from the property, and not from the inmates. 9. That all election days shall be compulsory holidays, during which all ordinary business shall be suspended. 10. That the subdivisions known as the town of North Chicago, town of West Chicago, and town of South Chicago, shall be abolished, and that there shall hereafter be for the city of Chicago one assessor, one collector, one supervisor, and one clerk, n. That all lands held for speculative purposes shall be taxed equally with cultivated lands.

Monday evening, October 4, the Cook County Labor League held a convention at the North side Turner hall, composed of 190 delegates from various labor organizations, which repudiated the action of the Greenebaum hall convention, and placed in nomination the following ticket :

The delegates of the Cook County Labor League, in convention assembled, hereby enact the following preamble and resolutions as its platform of principles :

Whereas, We believe the time has arrived when organized labor should unhesitatingly assert its right to recognition as a factor in our political fabric, and

Whereas, We deem it advisable at this time to more clearly define our position, and give expression to our views of the needs of the wage-workers of the city of Chicago and Cook county, and

Whereas, The duly accredited delegates chosen by regularly convened caucuses of fellow-workmen of their several organized trades and assemblies of Knights of Labor were denied the right to participate in the late "so-called" labor convention; therefore,

Resolved, That it is the first duty of this convention to repudiate and denounce the action of the self-constituted committee of twenty-one, acting as a committee on credentials, in falsely assuming to represent the sentiment of organized labor in Chicago and Cook county, and ostracizing and disfranchising a large portion of the regularly chosen delegates to the convention called for September 23.

Resolved, That we are assembled to vindicate our rights as the untrammeled representatives of honest labor, to rebuke the insolence and presumption of said committee, and set the seal of popular condemnation upon their high-handed and unprecedented arrogance.

Resolved, That the congressional and legislative nominees of this convention of the Cook County Labor League be required to pledge themselves to use their honest endeavors to obtain laws for the protection of labor and the repeal of those detrimental to it; to favor the proposed amendment to the state constitution for the abolition of contract convict labor, and the discontinuing of all existing contracts upon terms just and equitable to the state and contractors ; to favor the enactment of an eight-hour law, to apply in general to all wage-workers in whatever branch of business throughout the state, with suitable penalties for violations ; to favor the enactment of a law to compel the payment of wages weekly, and in lawful money of the United States.

There have been elected in Chicago and from districts of which Cook county formed a part, twenty-two Congressmen, whose names, politics, districts, and duration of terms will be found annexed.

History Of Presidential Elections

The first Presidential election held in the United States of America was upon the first Wednesday in January, 1789, the Continental Congress having closed its own career by ordering the choice of electors, who were to appoint the first President. It was the 4th of March when inauguration occurred. The choice of George Washington for President and John Adams for Vice-President, was unanimous. There were sixty-nine electors only. The second election occurred in 1792, when the father of his country was again unanimously elected. John Adams was re-elected Vice-President. Only eleven states voted at the first election; fifteen states, however, voted at this election, North Carolina and Rhode Island having ratified the Constitution, and Vermont and Kentucky being admitted. There were 132 electors.

59, and Aaron Burr, 38. Thus Adams became President and Jefferson Vice-President. There were sixteen states voting this time, Tennessee being admitted. Mr. Adams was a Federalist, and Mr. Jefferson an anti-Federalist.

The fourth election occurred in 1800. Adams and Pinckney received 64 and 63 electoral votes, while Jefferson and Burr had each 73. They were anti-Federal or Republicans. The election not deciding, on account of a tie vote, which should be President, Jefferson or Burr, the House of Representatives gave it to Jefferson. It took seven days and 36 ballots to reach a result, party feeling was so bitter.

The fifth election occurred in 1804. The Republicans nominated Thomas Jefferson and George Clinton, and the Federalists Charles C. Pinckney and Rufus King. Jefferson and Clinton received 162 votes; Pinckney and King only 14. Ohio being admitted, seventeen states voted this trip.

The sixth election occurred in 1808. James Madison and George Clinton were put up by the Republicans, and Pinckney and King again represented the Federalists. Madison received 123 electoral votes; Clinton, 113, and Pinckney and King, 47 each. George Clinton died before the end of his term.

The seventh election was in 1812. Madison and Elbridge Gerry were elected, with 128 electoral votes. Louisiana voted this time, making eighteen states. The opposition gave DeWitt Clinton 89 votes, and Ingersoll 57.

The eighth election occurred in 18 16. The Republicans placed in the field James Monroe and Daniel D. Tompkins. Monroe was elected by 183 votes, while Rufus King received only 34. Indiana was admitted this year, and eighteen states consequently voted.

The ninth election was in 1820. Monroe and Tompkins were re-elected unanimously. Twenty-three states voted this time, Mississippi, Illinois, Alabama and Maine coming in. Thus the Republicans had ruled for twenty-four successive years, under three Presidents who were re-elected, and all citizens of Virginia.

The tenth election was in 1824. Twenty-four states voted, Missouri being admitted. The whole number of electors was 260; necessary to a choice, 131. Andrew Jackson received 99; John Quincy Adams, 84; William H. Crawford, 41, and Henry Clay, 31. The House of Representatives selected a President from the three highest candidates. John Quincy Adams received the votes of thirteen states, and was declared elected. John C. Calhoun receiving 132 electoral votes, was made Vice-

The eleventh election was held in 1828. Andrew Jackson and John C. Calhoun were elected. Jackson received 178 and Adams 171 electoral votes. The popular vote was 650,028 for Jackson, and 512,158 for Adams.

The twelfth election was in 1852. Jackson's grit on the tariff question secured his re-election, and Martin Van Buren was made Vice-President. The Whig party put up Henry Clay, and John Sargeaht for Vice-President. Jackson received 682,502 popular and 219 electoral votes; Clay, 550,189 and 49.

The thirteenth election was in 1836. Twenty-six states voted this time, Michigan and Arkansas coming in. There were 294 electors, and 148 was necessary to a choice. Van Buren received 762,149 popular votes, and 170 electoral. The united popular vote of William H. Harrison and Daniel Webster was 736,736, and 124 electoral.

The fourteenth election was in 1840. Harrison received 1,274,783 ; Van Buren, 1,128,702 popular votes, and 234 and 60 electoral. Twenty-six states voted. Harrison dying one month after inauguration, John Tyler, the Vice-President, succeeded to the office.

The fifteenth election was in 1844. Polk and Dallas received 1,335.834 popular, and 170 electoral votes; Clay and Frelinghuysen, 1,297,033 and 105. Texas was admitted this time. She had been a part of Mexico, and a war with that country followed as a result.

The sixteenth election was in 1848. Thirty states voted this time, Texas, Florida, Iowa and Wisconsin coming in. Taylor and Fillmore received 1,362,024 popular and 163 electoral votes ; Cass and Butler, 1,222,419 and 127; Van Buren and Adams, 291,678 popular, and not one electoral vote. General Taylor died July 9, 1850, and Fillmore succeeded to the office.

The seventeenth election was in 1852. Franklin Pierce and King received 1,590,490 popular votes, and 254 electoral ; General Winfield Scott and William A. Graham, 1 378,589 and 42. Thirty-one states voted this time, California coming in. The Whigs never again nominated candidates.

The eighteenth election was in 1856. James Buchanan and John C. Breckinridge received 1,803,029 popular and 174 electoral votes; Fremont and Dayton, Republicans, 1,342,164 and 114. A native American party put up Fillmore and Donnelsen. They received 874,625 and 8.

Cj94 Politics And Politicians

The nineteenth election was in i860. Abraham Lincoln and Hannibal Hamlin, Republicans, received 1,866,152 popular votes, and 180 electoral; Stephen A. Douglas and H. V. Johnson, Northern Democrats, 1,375,157 and 12; Breckinridge and Lane, Southern Democrats, 847,953 and 72 ; and John Bell and Edward Everett, the choice of men who opposed the contest on the slavery question altogether, 590,631 and 39. The Republicans had an advantage of 57 electoral votes over all the others, but the Democrats had a popular majority of 947,289. Thirtythree states voted, Minnesota and Oregon coming in. Total number of votes cast, 4,680,193 - 500,000 more than ever before. The population of the country was set down at 31,148,048. Secession followed, and the civil war began.

The twentieth election was in 1864. It occurred only in the loyal states, eleven having seceded. Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson, Republicans, received 2,216,127 popular votes, and 212 electoral; George B. McClellan and George H. Pendleton, 1,808,725 and 21. Kansas and West Virginia coming in, twenty-four states voted. Andrew Johnson succeeded Mr. Lincoln, who was assassinated April 14, 1865.

The twenty-first election was in 1868. General Ulysses S. Grant and Schuyler Colfax, Republicans, received a popular majority of 309,588 over Horatio Seymour and Francis P. Blair, Democrats.

The twenty-second election was in 1872. Thirty-seven states voted, thirty giving Grant and Henry Wilson a popular majority of 730,812. Two Democratic tickets were in the field - Horace Greeley and B. Gratz Brown, and Charles O'Connor and John Quincy Adams. Grant received 286 electoral votes.

The twenty-third election occurred in 1876. In the field were Rutherford B. Hayes, Republican; Samuel J. Tilden, Democrat ; Peter Cooper, Greenbacker, and G. C. Smith, Prohibitionist. Mr. Hayes received 4,033,950 popular and 185 electoral votes. Mr. Tilden received 4,284,885 popular and 184 electoral votes. Mr. Cooper received 81,740 popular votes. Mr. Smith received 9,522 popular votes. There were scattering votes to the number of 3,636.

The twenty-fourth election occurred in 1880. There were only two candidates in the field - James A, Garfield, Republican, and Winfield S. Hancock, Democrat. The former received 4,437,345 popular, and 214 electoral votes; the latter, 4,435,015 popular and 155 electoral votes.

Vice-Presidents, Date Of Qualification

Terms marked a denote the succession of the Vice-President to the Presidency for the residue of the term. 1. Dieil in office. 2. Acting Vice-President and President pro tern, of the Senate. 3. Resigned the Vice-Presidency, December 28, 1832.

The Republicans in 1884 had 820 delegates, as they took in the eight territories and the District of Columbia, represented by two votes each. In the Democratic Convention 535 votes were necessary to nominate, the two-thirds rule being operative.

Letters Of Acceptance

Letters of acceptance of the nomination for the offices of President and Vice-President, which set forth the views and purposes of the candidates, have come to be regarded as an important part of the machinery of getting, the candidates favorably before the people. The earlier candidates either thought little of the efficacy of this system, or else did not see fit to adopt a custom that has now become general. Prior to 1832, when the first National convention was held, candidates were nominated by Congressional caucuses or a general public sentiment, born of the action of State Legislatures. In 1828 General Jackson was first put up by the Legislature of Tennessee, and that action was supplemented by a State convention of Pennsylvania, held at Harrisburg. There was no central authority. The candidate was made so by general acclaim, and the only formal ceremony was usually a ratification meeting, held at some populous point, at which the candidate appeared and made a speech. This was the case in 1832, when the first National convention was held at Baltimore in May. This was proclaimed at the time as the downfall of " King Caucus,'' and from that time Presidential candidates have been the product of national conventions. The only controversy at that time was over the Vice- President, there being great opposition to Mr. Calhoun, who seemed to be entitled to the office by right of succession. That resulted in the nomination of Martin Van Buren. Mr. Van Buren received the news at a hotel, and acknowledged the honor from the balcony. Jackson, being then President, was not even formally notified. He was supposed to read the news in the newspapers, and as he did not decline the candidacy, the latter went "without saying." Formal letters of acceptance were rather the outcome of political platforms, and these did not come into existence as such until 1840. Then the convention which nominated Van Buren had a series of "resolves'' as long as the moral law. Prior to that party principles were set forth in what was known as an "Address to the People." This was the work of a committee as now, but was put forth in much more diffuse shape than mere resolutions, and was signed by the chairman of the convention. Mr. Van Buren signified his acceptance in a public speech. There was no written acceptance of a nomina- tion for President until 1848, and that was decidedly informal Somebody got up in the Whig convention, and asked how they knew that General Taylor would accept the nomination if tendered him. Lewis D. Campbell of Ohio, produced a letter from the General addressed to Captain Allison, expressing a willingness to make the run. That settled it, but even then there was a hitch, for nobody knew how General Taylor stood on the question of slavery extension, which had just come into prominence and was made a great Whig issue. Nobody could explain how the General stood, so to make matters easy all around the convention adjourned without making any platform at all. They took old Zachary entirely on trust. At a ratification meeting two weeks later, in Philadelphia, however, a series of resolves was passed, and stood for the Whig platform of that campaign. As the General was not heard from as repudiating those resolves, his candidacy existed without question.

The first formal letter of acceptance of which there is any record now obtainable was that of General Scott in 1852. Its singularity, perhaps, led to its preservation. The Whigs of that year had adopted a kind of catch-all platform. It promised everything to everybody, and seemed to foreshadow the approach of the millennium. General Scott addressed his letter to the President of the convention, J. G. Chapman, and in it he took up each resolve and promised like a schoolboy who might hope to win merit marks for good behavior, faithfully to carry it out. The subserviency of the thing, coupled with the famous-speeches of Scott, which bid in the most abject way for class and sectarian and race votes, effectually squelched the General, and he was beaten ingloriously. There is no record of Pierce1s letter of acceptance, but in 1856 we find Buchanan's. It was a mere formal acknowledgment of the honor, and a promise to stand by the platform of the Democratic party, which was the longest political platform ever adopted. It contained six " whereases," fourteen " resolves,'1 and twenty-two subdivisions of resolves. Fremont's letter was also short. The personal pronoun " I " occurs in it sixteen times, and two distinct references to the services of the " Pathfinder," etc. Letters of acceptance became general in i860. Then all candidates wrote them, and in that year, too, appears the first record of a formal committee to wait upon the candidates. Abraham Lincoln's was very brief. He simply said : timents which accompanies your letter meets my approval, and it shall be my care not to violate or disregard it in any part ; imploring the assistance of Divine Providence, and with due regard to the views and feelings of all who were represented in the convention ; to the rights of all the states and territories and people of the nation ; to the inviolability of the Constitution and the perpetual union, harmony and prosperity of all, I am most happy to co-operate for the practical success of the principles declared by the convention.

That was all. It was simple, straightforward, and evidently written with a keen sense of the responsibility he was about to assume. His humble trust in Providence is but another evidence of the deep religious feeling that always actuated Mr. Lincoln's great and lofty impulses. Mr. Hamlin had less humility. He had a lot to say, and said it at considerable and unnecessary length. There was a redundancy about his composition that conveys the idea that he meant the paper to be the greatest production of his life, one that would live in history. Mr. Breckinridge's letter was also quite long, and it expressed sentiments which, in the light of subsequent events, seemed to have placed the writer in a ridiculous position. "Above all," h« said at the close, " I venture humbly to hope that Divine Providence, to whom we owe our origin, our growth, and all our prosperity, will continue to protect our beloved country against all danger, foreign and domestic." When the loyal shot from a United States gunboat at Port Hudson took off his arm, perhaps Mr. Breckinridge again invoked Divine help, and probably then with more sincerity.

Douglas' letter was just what might have been expected of him. It was a clean-cut reannunciation of the views which everybody knew he held. He ignored the platform of his party, and struck out for himself. He stated his own views. He did not repeat or synopsize the resolutions. He came out as Douglas, and wrote an original letter. Space forbids copying it in full, but it was a masterly enunciation of his own principles. It was a letter of Douglas, contained Douglas' own views, and was addressed to a committee of Douglas' friends.

All the candidates then wrote letters. Bell's was short and purposeless. Jo Lane, of Oregon, on the ticket with Breckinridge, wrote in the somewhat grandiloquent strain of the times. Indeed, it was noticeable at that period that all the candidates for the unimportant office of Vice-President wrote longer, more imposing and high-sounding letters than did the principal candidates. Lane's was very long. So was Hershel Johnson's, though he was a make-shift candidate with Douglas, in place of Fitzpatrick, who, in a bitter letter, had declined. But the longest, most imposing and oratorical effusion was that of Edward Everett, on the ticket with Bell. Mr. Everett felt called upon to narrate the history of the times, and expound his own views as he had held them for a third of a century. He embraced in his letter a great speech, an epic, a wonderful dissertation. His rhetoric was turgid and ponderous; his sentences labored, diffuse. Its author got less votes than any of the candidates. We are not able to find any record of General McClellan's letter of 1864, nor of Seymour's in 1868, though the latter, it is remembered, was lengthy, and reviewed the platform comprehensively. But in its references to the war and the reconstruction measures then pending, it took such ground as to antagonize the war spirit of his own party, and defeat was understood as inevitable from the start. General Grant's letter in 1868 was a mere note of acknowledgment, couched in the language of the camp. It read like: "General Order No. - , in the Field." In 1872, as in 1808, Grant's letter was a mere formal acknowledgment. Senator Wilson, however, spread himself to the extent of about 4,000 words, one feature of his letter being a cordial sentiment in favor of woman suffrage. Greeley's letter was a masterpiece, written with all the power that the great editor could command. All that wonderful force that had become so familiar in the Tribune was brought into play, and in language, arrangement of themes, directness of diction and power of logic, the " old man '' gave the fullest evidence of his greatness as a master of English, and his capacity to concentrate thought. Perhaps Greeley's letter will rank in future years as the most cogent state paper of the days in which he lived. Gratz Brown's was long but weak. It contained no new thoughts, nor was it much else than a paraphrase of the platform. Four years later Mr. Hayes' letter appeared. It was considered weak in expression, but abounding in promise, especially toward the South. It contained much of promise in this direction, which was afterward fulfilled in the driving out of the carpet-bag Governors of South Carolina and Louisiana. Mr. Wheeler's letter was but little more than the perfunctory utterances of a candidate who had expected nothing, and was not surprised at what he got.

It did more than any platform of his party or vote of the convention which nominated him to bring him close to the patriotic sentiment of the people. It won him votes everywhere. It stamped him as the purest and greatest man in his party. It revived patriotic memories, and reminded people of the days when statesmen were such by their own abilities and characters, and the purity and unselfishness of their lives. That letter elected Mr. Tilden, or rather secured him the votes to do it, had they been counted and returned. The Garfield letter of 1880 also ranks as a great paper, and it undoubtedly was. Had Mr. Garfield lived to put in force the principles he there so ably gave voice to, his administration might have been regarded as one of the most perfect in American history. Grover Cleveland's letter was considered to be a model of brevity and of considerable directness, considering the current circumlocution regarding the tariff, and in the main it was satisfactory to his party. Thomas A. Hendricks' letter was also brief and to the point. The letters of James G. Blaine have always been considered able and statesmanlike documents, in which the craft, born of long experience in public life, is brought to play in the interest of his party. John A. Logan^ letter was a sturdy and independent production full of ideas, and calculated to add strength to the general canvass.

Vote of November, 1880, on the amendment to the Illinois Constitution, submitted by the Legislature, extending the terms of County Treasurers and Sheriffs to four years, and rendering them ineligible to re-election - Vote in Cook county for, 24,055 ; against, 9,678. Total in state for, 320,439 ; against, 103,953.

Article

Section io. Cities organized under this act shall be bodies politic and corporate, under the name and style of " city of (name)," and under such name may sue and be sued, contract and be contracted with, acquire and hold real and personal property for corporate purposes, have a common seal, and change the same at pleasure, and exercise all the powers hereinafter conferred.

Article Ii

Section i. The chief executive officer of a city shall be a Mayor, who shall be a citizen of the United States, a qualified elector, reside within the city limits, and hold his office for two years, and until his successor is elected and qualified.

Sec. 2. Whenever a vacancy shall happen in the office of the Mayor, when the unexpired term shall be one year or over from the date when the vacancy occurs, it shall be filled by an election.

Mayor, the City Council shall elect one of its number to act as Mayor pro tern., who, during such absence or disability, shall possess the powers of mayor.

Sec 5. If the Mayor, at any time during the term of his office, shall remove from the limits of the city, his office shall thereby become vacant.

Sec 6. The Mayor shall preside at all meetings of the City Council, but shall not vote except in case of a tie, when he shall give the casting vote.

Sec 12. The Mayor shall, annually, and from time to time, give the Council information relative to the affairs of the city, and shall recommend for their consideration such measures as he may deem expedient.

Article Iii

Sec 2. The number of Aldermen, when not elected by the minority representation plan, shall be elected as follows: In cities not exceeding three thousand inhabitants, six Aldermen ; exceeding three thousand but not exceeding five thousand, eight Aldermen ; exceeding five thousand and not exceeding ten thousand, ten Aldermen ; exceeding ten thousand and not exceeding thirty thousand, fourteen Aldermen ; and two additional Aldermen for every twenty thousand inhabitants over thirty thousand ; provided, however, that in cities of over one hundred thousand inhabitants, there shall be elected thirty-six Aldermen, and no more.

Sec 4. If any vacancy shall occur in the office of Alderman by death, resignation, removal or otherwise, such vacancy shall be filled by election.

Sec 8. A majority of the Aldermen elect shall constitute a quorum to do business, but a smaller number may adjourn from time to time, and may compel the attendance of absentees, under such penalties as may be prescribed by ordinance.

Article Iv

Section i. A general election for city officials shall beheld on the third Tuesday of April, of each year: Provided, that in cities which include wholly within their corporate limits a town, or towns, such elections shall be held on the first Tuesday of April.

Sec. 2. At the general election held in 1877, an^ biennially thereafter, a Mayor, a City Clerk, a City Attorney, and a City Treasurer shall be elected in each city : Provided, that no person shall be elected to the office of City Treasurer for two terms in succession.

Sec. 3. All persons entitled to vote at any general election for State officers within any city or village, having resided therein thirty days next preceding thereto, may vote at any election for city or village officers.

Sec. 4. The City Council may, from time to time, divide the city into one-half as many wards as the total number of Aldermen to which the city is entitled, and one Alderman shall, annually, be elected in and for each ward, to hold his office for two years, and until his successor is elected and qualified. In the formation of wards, the population of each shall be as nearly equal, and the ward shall be of as compact and contiguous territory as practicable.

Qualifications For Officials

Section 4. No person who has been or hereafter shall be convicted of bribery, perjury, or other infamous crime, nor any person who has been or may be collector or holder of public moneys, who shall not have accounted for, and paid over, according to law, all such moneys due from him, shall be eligible to the General Assembly, or to any office of profit or trust in this state. Sec. 22. The General Assembly shall not pass local or special laws in any of the following enumerated cases, that is to say for : * * * * * incorporating cities, towns or villages, or changing or amending the charter of any town, city or village * * * * * * * -X- creating, increasing or decreasing fees, percentage or allowances of public officers, during the term for which said officers are elected or appointed.

Section 25. All civil officers, except members of the General Assembly, and such inferior officers as may be by law exempted, shall, before they enter on the duties of their respective offices, take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation :

I do solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be) that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the State of Illinois, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of according to the best of my ability.

Article Vi

Section 6. No person shall be eligible to any office who is not a qualified elector of the city or village, and who shall not have resided therein at least one year next preceding his election or appointment, nor shall any person be eligible to any office who is a defaulter to the corporation.

No person shall be a State Senator who shall not have been for five years a resident of the state, and for two years next preceding election a resident of the elective district. The same provision applies to State Representatives.

Article Ix

Section 9. The General Assembly may vest the corporate authorities of cities, towns and villages with power to make local improvements by special assessments, or by special taxation of contiguous property, or otherwise. For all other corporate purposes, all municipal corporations may be vested with authority to assess and collect taxes, but such taxes shall be uniform in respect to persons and property, within the jurisdiction of the body imposing the same.

Sec. 12. No county, city, township, school district, or other municipal corporation shall be allowed to become indebted in any manner, or for any purpose, to an amount, including existing indebtedness, in the aggregate exceeding five per centum on the value of the taxable property therein, to be ascertained by the last assessment for state and county taxes, previous to the incurring of such indebtedness. Any county, city, school district, or other municipal corporation incurring any indebtedness as aforesaid, shall before, or at the time of doing so, provide for the collection of a direct annual tax sufficient to pay the interest on such debt as it falls due, and also to pay and discharge the principal sum thereof within twenty years from the time of contracting the same.

1867. Senate, Francis A. Eastman, Jasper D. Ward; House of Representatives, Lester L. Bond, Joseph S. Reynolds, H. M. Singer, M. W. Leavitt, H. M. Shepherd, A. F. Stevenson.

1885-6. - Senate, Bernard A. Eckhart, Charles H. Crawford, George A. Gibbs, James Monahan, Henry W. Leman,* John Humphrey (Orland), Philip Knopf, Michael F. Garrity, Republicans; Thomas A. Cantwell,*" Democrat; R. M. Burke, United Labor.

Republican majority over all, 14. The official count of votes cast for presidential electors in Chicago and Cook county in 1884, was as follows :

Fall Elections, 1886

The State and Congressional elections of November, 1886, produced many surprises. In Cook county, the United Labor ticket, which was conceded from 12,000 to 15,000 votes, polled 25,000 and was the means of defeating many Democrats. Had the ticket not been tainted with Socialism and the laboring men had realized their strength, it is now believed they would have polled 35,000 votes in Cook county. Mayor Carter H. Harrison was tendered the unanimous nomination for Congress by the Third district Democratic convention, but declined on the score that his candidacy would not be of any benefit to the general county ticket. In this district the Republican candidate, William E. Mason, polled 13,721 votes, and Goodhue, United Labor, 6,352. In the Second district, where Congressman Frank Lawler's re-election was deemed certain, the Socialists voted the United Labor ticket solidly, and Daniel Gleason, their candidate, nearly tied Lawler. The first returns gave Lawler sixty plurality, and subsequently, by the official count, this was reduced to sixteen. The vote in the state at large was 570,500, a falling-off of seventeen per cent, from the presidential vote of 1884. The Labor candidates polled 34,600 votes in the state, and the Prohibitionists 19,500, while the Republican plurality was 35.000. Throughout the country the Republicans gained many Congressmen, and it is a notable fact that the foremost Democratic champions of Free Trade were defeated, or elected only by greatly reduced majorities. John G. Carlisle, Speaker of the preceding House, was elected by but 500 majority instead of the usual 5,000 majority in the Louisville district. In Ohio Frank Hurd, one of the leading Free Trade advocates in Congress was defeated for re-election. William R. Morrison was beaten in Illinois by Jehu Baker, and attributed his defeat to the efforts -of the Protectionists, who sent John Jarrett into his district to solidify the Knights of Labor against him. Congressman Worthington was beaten in the Peoria, Knox, and Fulton county district by Gen. Post by a plurality of twenty-nine votes, and a contest seemed probable, it being charged that the votes of students at Galesburg were illegal. Congressman Springer's usual majority in the Springfield district was greatly reduced by James A. Connolly. Unofficial returns show that Congress will stand 168 Democrats, 164 Republicans, and 2 Labor; barring contests.

In New York City, the Labor men nominated for Mayor Henry George, well known for his land reform and Free Trade views; the Democrats nominated Abram S. Hewitt, and the Republicans Theodore Roosevelt. The vote was Hewitt, 90,396; George, 67,799; Roosevelt, 60,492. Total, 219,261.

The official returns for State Officers as canvassed by the State Board and the Cook County Board of Election Commissioners, respectively, vary somewhat for Cook county. The result that follows is the Election Commissioners' returns - they having been made last:

Chicago, Cook County, And Illinois. 6 I I.

Those elected were on all tickets. Judge J. C. Knickerbocker was re-elected Judge of the Probate Court without opposition, receiving 70,578 votes in the city, and 25,607 in the county, total, 96,185.

The constitutional amendment in favor of the abolition of prison contract labor received in the city 67,764 votes, in the county 21,740, total 89,504, out of a total vote of 96,185.