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March 9, 2006
Nevada's Online State News Journal
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Nevada History:
[From Thompson & West's History of Nevada 1881, With Illustrations And Biographical Sketches Of Its Prominent Men And Pioneers, pp. 87-99]
STATE ORGANIZATION. 87
CHAPTER XIII.
STATE ORGANIZATION.
State Politics and Elections—Presidential Election of November 8, 1864-7-Contest for United States Senate in 1864—Removal of Capital Attempted—Reply of Mr. Waitz—Congressional Election of 1865—State Election, November 6. 1866—Elections in 1868-69—Presidential Election of 1868—State Election of November 8, 1870—Politics of the Legislature—Presidential Election of 1872—Contest for United States Senate--State Election of 1874—Contest for United States Senate—Presidential Election of 1876—Result of the Election--Politics of the Legislature of 1876—State Election of 1878—Choice of Senator—Republican Ticket—Democratic Ticket—Politics of Legislature of 1878—Vote for United States Senator—Presidential Election of November 2, 1880—Politics of the Legislature of 1880—Sutro's Net for Fair—Colonel James G. Fair—Salary Reduction by Hobart's Bill--Judiciary Elections, 1861 to 1878—The State Re-districted-Districts as they are.
THE Constitution having been adopted, it required but a proclamation from the President of the United States to usher Nevada into the national family as a sister State; and the necessary parchment was signed on the thirty-first of October, 1864.
The year 1864 was the season of wholesale elections in Nevada. Already there had been three, and her admission rendered it necessary to have another, as the Legislative officers and Congressional Delegates chosen under Territorial law could not serve under the new regime.
The Presidential election was to occur on the eighth of November that year, at which time members of the House of Representatives were to be chosen; and as Nevada had become a State, the recent election of Judge Cradlebaugh as a Delegate was non-operative. There was accordingly placed in the field that fall a full State and National ticket by both the Republican and Democratic parties of Nevada; including Representative, State officers, State Senators and Assemblymen, eleven District Judges, and nine District Attorneys.
The following is the ticket placed in the field by the Democrats:
Member of Congress, A. C. Bradford, of Storey.
Governor, D. E. Buel, of Lander.
Lieutenant Governor, R. E. Arick, of Storey.
Secretary of State, R. B. Ellis, of Ormsby.
Controller, J. P. Galagher, of Storey.
Treasurer, Paul Moroney, of Storey.
Superintendent of Public Instruction, J. B. Chinn, of Washoe.
Surveyor General, John Ortrom, of Storey.
Supreme Court Judges, John R. McConnell, of Storey; William C. Wallace, of Storey: E. W. McKinstry, of Esmeralda.
Attorney General, William H. Rhodes, of Storey.
Clerk of Supreme Court, Tod Robinson, of Storey.
The following returns, except for the offices of District Judge and Attorneys, exhibit the result of that election:
ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 8, 1864.
For Presidential Electors—Republican, 9,826 votes. For Presidential Electors—Democratic, 6,594 votes.
Member of Congress, H. G. Worthington, 9,776 votes; two candidates; total vote, 16,328.
Governor, H. G. Blasdel, 9,834 votes; two candidates; total vote, 16,389.
Lieutenant Governor, J. S. Crosman, 9,786 votes; two candidates; total vote, 16,348.
Secretary of State, C. N. Noteware, 9,839 votes; two candidates; total vote, 16,335.
Controller, A. W. Nightingill, 9,842 votes; two candidates; total vote, 16,309.
Treasurer, E. Rhoades, 9,824 votes; two candidates; total vote, 16,315.
Superintendent Public Instruction, A. F. White, 9,823 votes; two candidates; total vote, 16,331.
Surveyor General, S. H. Marlette, 9,828 votes; two candidates; total vote, 16,326.
Supreme Court Judges—C. M. Brosnan, 9,838 votes; H. O. Beatty,* 9,804 votes; J. F. Lewis, 9,826 votes; six candidates.
Attorney General, George A. Nourse, 9,798 votes; two candidates; total vote, 16,308.
Clerk Supreme Court, Alfred Helm, 9,846 votes; two candidates; total vote, 16,310.
By this election Hon. Henry G. Worthington, of Lander County, was chosen Representative to fill the term until the expiration of the session of Congress, on the third of March, 1865. Mr. Worthington served through one session, and returned to Nevada as an aspirant for re-election; but failing to receive the nomination, removed to the Atlantic Coast, where he took a prominent part in the reconstruction of the Southern State Governments succeeding the war of the Rebellion.
For the Legislature, Nye County elected one Democrat, Frank M. Proctor, to the Senate; and Churchill County one Democrat to the Assembly, named James A. St. Clair. The balance were all Republicans.
CONTEST FOR UNITED STATES SENATE IN 1864.
After the organization of the two branches of the Legislature, a Joint Convention was held by them on the fifteenth of December, 1864, for the purpose of electing two United States Senators; and the first vote stood as follows:
William M. Stewart, of Storey County, 33.
James W. Nye, of Ormsby county, 23.
Charles E. De Long, of Storey County, 23.
John Cradlebaugh, of Ormsby County, 12.
B. C. Whitman, of Storey County, 13.
Necessary for a choice, 27.
Mr. Stewart having been elected, there still remained the necessity of choosing another Senator; and the next seven tallies stood—with the change of but one vote
James W. Nye 23
Charles E. De Long 17
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* Resignation to take effect November 9, 1868, and Hon. B. C. Whitman was appointed the same day to fill vacancy until J. Neely Johnson, who had been elected for that purpose, could qualify.
88 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA.
John Cradlebaugh 9
B. C. W hitman 3
There seeming to be a dead-lock, the Convention adjourned until the next day, at 1 P. M. During this interim, Mr. Stewart sent a message to Judge Cradlebaugh, stating that if the latter would consent to yield to him all Government patronage, which would be due by courtesy to both of Nevada's Senators, his election would be secured. The reply of Judge Cradlebaugh was characteristic of the man. " Tell Stewart," said he, " that I bad rather be a dog, and bay the moon, than such a Senator."
When the Convention assembled the next day one vote decided the matter as follows:
James W. Nye 29
Charles E. De Long 16
John Cradlebaugh 7
Total 52
Necessary for a choice 27
REMOVAL OF CAPITAL ATTEMPTED.
A little breeze was raised in the horizon of politics in the early part of 1865, by an effort made to procure the removal of the seat of State Government to American City, south of Gold Hill, in Storey County.
It will be remembered that in 1861 the State Capital was established at Carson City, and the Legislative Assembly was obliged to meet at the place where the State Prison is now located—a suggestive coincidence. Storey and Lyon Counties, taking advantage of this circumstance, entered into competition to secure the removal of the same to within their respective boundaries, at Virginia City, if Storey County was successful, or at Dayton, if Lyon County secured the prize. The Ormsby County people became alarmed, and by petition asked the Legislature to adjourn to Carson City, where they would be furnished with assembly rooms, free of charge, which was finally done, Lyon and Storey Counties failing, either of them, to gain the location.
In January, 1864, a company organized with a large capital, laid out a town on the flat south from Gold Hill, and named the location American City. They then offered $50,000 as a donation to the Territory if it would remove the Capital from Carson City to that place; and the Storey County papers advocated the removal. One of the reasons alleged for its being desirable to make the change was, that Ormsby County had offered to furnish assembly rooms free of charge, and now was asking a rental of $4,500 per session for the use of the building. The Capital was not removed; but the discussion left the following interesting foot-prints behind it, that indicated the existence in early times of that political energy, and process of letting the rays of silver light in upon the understanding of a Legislator, that since has become suggestive of the Senatorial toga.
The Ormsby County people seeing the effect that the charge for rent by their County Commissioners had caused, many of them signed the following petition, headed by E. B. Rail, Wellington Stewart, and others:
The undersigned, citizens of Ormsby County, hereby respectfully request the present Commissioners of said County to resign their office immediately. To Adolphus Waitz we especially address this request. We firmly believe he has used his office as a means of speculation. We know that he has brought the county to present bankruptcy, and that he has acted in odious bad faith to this county in tendering the free use of our public buildings to the Territory, and afterwards charging the United States for the use of each building. As to him, we wish it distinctly understood that we shall not take No for answer.
REPLY OF MR. WAITZ.
* * * A proper regard for the public good, and those who elected me, as well as a feeling of self-respect, forbids that I should hasten to gratify your malice. If it be your purpose to intimidate me, it only proves what I had supposed was the case, that you were not well acquainted with my real character. I am not apt to be scared by the threats of armed desperadoes, much less those of peevish and excited citizens. * * *
Your County Commissioner,
ADOLPHUS WAITZ.
On referring to this matter in March, 1865, the Post, published at Carson, said editorially:
* * * And to show that we are not mistaken in these matters we will add, that we individually collected the money that was paid to a member of the Legislature to vote against the removal. * * * The editor proposes to expose any one else who goes and does likewise.
CONGRESSIONAL ELECTION OF 1865.
The election of 1864 had chosen a Representative in Congress, Hon. E. G. Worthington, for the term expiring March 3, 1865, and, consequently, it would be necessary to elect another to take his seat with the convening of the new Congress, in December, 1865.
Nevada had two United States Senators, but no Member in the House of Representatives. To provide for the deficiency a Representative had to be chosen at the State Election on the seventh of November, 1865. This brought to the front three Republican aspirants, namely, Colonel Charles A. Sumner, supported by the Gold Hill News and Virginia City Union; Hon. W. H. Clagett, supported by the Territorial Enterprise; and Delos R. Ashley, of Lander County, supported by the Reese River Reveille. Clagett carried the Storey County delegation by twenty votes—as claimed by the Gold Hill News—through the agency of Democratic votes in the Republican primaries.
On the tenth of October the Republican Convention met at Carson; the candidates, as named, were placed in nomination before it, and for ten or twelve
STATE ORGANIZATION. 89
ballots the contest lay between those gentlemen. Colonel Sumner then withdrew, and John B. Winters appeared before the Convention to ask its preferment for the coveted position. It required fifty-three votes to get the nomination, and the new candidate could not obtain over forty-nine. Mr. Ashley continued to receive his regular fourteen votes until about 4 P. M., when it stood: John B. Winters, forty-nine; W. H. Clagett, forty-eight; Delos R. Ashley, eight.
The Convention then took a recess; and, after re-assembling, twenty-six of Clagett's men voted for Ashley. The friends of Winters also voted for Ashley, and thus he became the nominee of the party.
Mr. Ashley then pledged himself, in a speech before the body that had placed his name upon the ticket, to use his utmost endeavors to obtain from the Government all the aid, in land and money, to build as soon as possible every railroad contemplated and in course of construction, connecting the State with the tide-water on the Pacific.
A plank of the Republican State platform affirmed the same doctrine in regard to the railroad.*
As before stated, the election came off on the seventh of November, at which time
Delos R. Ashley received 3,691 votes.
H. K. Mitchell received 2,215 votes.
Total votes 5,906
The choice had fallen upon the Republican candidate.
In the election of 1866 there entered into the contest the National issues brought on by the President of the United States, Andrew Johnson. Mr. Ashley again became the nominee of the Republican party for Congress, and had for his opponent, on the Democratic ticket, H. K. Mitchell, the same gentleman who had contested the year before for the honor of being chosen for that position. The result was success to the entire Republican ticket, as follows:—
STATE ELECTION, NOVEMBER 6, 1866.
Member of Congress, D. R. Ashley, 5,047 votes; two candidates; total vote, 9,243.
Governor, H. G. Blasdel, 5,125 votes; two candidates; total vote, 9,230.
Lieutenant Governor, J. S. Slingerland, 5,211 votes; two candidates; total vote, 9,208.
Secretary of State, C. N. Noteware, 5,207 votes; two candidates; total vote, 9,257.
Controller, W. R. Parkinson, 5,203 votes; two candidates; total vote, 9,257.
Treasurer, E. Rhoades, 5,157 votes; two candidates; total vote, 9,239.
Superintendent Public Instruction, A. N. Fisher, 5,218 votes; two candidates; total vote, 9,250.
Surveyor General, S. H. Marlette, 5,209 votes; two candidates; total vote, 9,256.
State Printer, J. E. Eckley, 5,208 votes; two candidates; total vote, 9,273.
Supreme Judge, James F. Lewis, 5,183 votes; two candidates; total vote, 9,266.
Attorney General, Robert M. Clark, 5,193 votes; two candidates; total vote, 9,249.
Clerk Supreme Court, Alfred Helm, 5,096 votes; two candidates; total vote, 9,262.
In admitting the State into the Union the Senators were allotted terms ending in March, 1867, and March, 1869, respectively.
The election of United State Senators in 1864 was for short terms—one for two years and the other for four; arid the question of who should take the shortest one was decided by lot in open Senate. James W. Nye drew the short term, and became a candidate for re-election before the Legislature, on the sixteenth and seventeenth of January, 1867. There were five aspirants for the position; and on the fifteenth, when the candidates were put in nomination before the two separate Houses, the following was the result of the combined vote:
Charles E. De Long received 21 votes.
James W. Nye received 18 "
John B. Winters received 7 "
Thomas Fitch received 4 "
Thomas H. Williams received 7 "
Total 57
The same day H. R. Mighels published in his paper, the Daily Appeal, one of those incisive, burning editorials, for which he was noted, calling upon the Union men of both branches of the Legislature to support the " Grey Eagle" for the United States Senate. In it occurs the following:
The whole Union press, not only of Nevada; not only of California; not only of Oregon; not only of all the Pacific States and Territories, but of all the United States, east and west—with but two solitary exceptions—are in favor of, and persistently advocate, the re-election to the United States Senate of Mr. Nye.
The exceptions referred to were the San Francisco Call and Humboldt Register. During the political campaign that had recently closed, Mr. De Long had assailed Mr. Nye by correspondence through the press, in a very bitter strain, accusing the latter of frauds in his administration of the Indian affairs in Nevada; consequently, the issue between these parties was intensely personal. On the sixteenth the Convention of the two Houses took place, and the names of Mr. Williams and Winters having been withdrawn, the vote stood as follows:—
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* This was before the Central Pacific had reached the State, and when its construction was most ardently desired and hoped for as an accomplishment of the distant future. At the same time there were two roads seeking subsidies—one, the Central Pacific, then usually denominated the Dutch Flat road; and the other the Placerville road. Both roads were seeking favors which all parties were willing to grant without question or limit of powers.
90
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA.
James W. Nye received 25 votes.
Charles E. De Long received 27 "
Thomas Fitch received 4 "
Thomas H. Williams received 1 "
Necessary for a choice 29 "
An adjournment was then taken until the next day, when the vote was: James W. Nye, 32; Charles E. De Long, 25.
There were seven Democratic votes, and all were for Mr. De Long. The successful candidate was then declared elected for a term of six years, to commence March 4, 1867, and end March 3, 1873.
ELECTION IN 1868 AND 1869.
On the sixteenth of September, 1868, the Republican Convention met at Carson City, and placed a ticket in the field.
Thomas Fitch by acclamation for Congress; Chas. E. De Long being a candidate for the United States Senate against William M. Stewart, withdrew to secure harmony in the party; and the following resolutions were passed by the Convention:—
Resolved, That the action of Hon. C. E. De Long in withdrawing from the Senatorial contest in favor of Mr. Stewart, in order that there might be entire unanimity in our councils, is an act of patriotic self-denial so noble in its character, and so gratifying to the loyal people of Nevada, that it merits their warmest commendations and approval.
Resolved, That by his conduct in this matter Mr. De Long has endeared himself to every loyal voter in the State; and the thanks of a grateful people are hereby tendered him for so promptly sacrificing his personal political prospects to the end that the victory gained over error and wrong in the late contest should not be shorn of its fruits by partisan strife among the friends of Freedom, of Humanity, and of Progress.
Mr. De Long was subsequently appointed Minister to Japan, which post he filled with great satisfaction to the American people, strongly cementing the friendly relations between the two Governments.
All of the Republican candidates upon the State ticket were elected, as follows:
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OF 1868.
For Presidential Electors—Republican, 6,476 votes.
For Presidential Electors—Democratic, 5,215 votes.
Member of Congress, Thomas Fitch, 6,230 votes; two candidates; total vote, 11,579.
Surveyor General (unexpired term), John Day, 6,391 votes; two candidates; total vote, 11,677.
State Printer, H. R. Mighels, 6,425 votes; two candidates; total vote, 11,689.
Supreme Judge (long term), B. C. Whitman, 6,476 votes; two candidates; total vote, 11,698.
Supreme Judge (unexpired term), J. Neely Johnson, 6,398 votes; two candidates; total vote, 11,632.
The Legislature of 1869 was made up of fifty Republicans and nine Democrats.
On the twelfth of January of that year William M. Stewart was elected to succeed himself as Nevada's United States Senator, being chosen by forty-nine out of the fifty Republican votes on the first ballot; A. C. Cleveland, of Washoe, giving his vote for B. C. Whitman. The Democrats cast their nine ballots for Thomas H. Williams.
Mr. Stewart was in Washington at the time attending to his Senatorial duties; his political interests in Nevada being placed under the supervision of Hon. A. P. K. Safford, who later became Governor of Arizona.
STATE ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 8, 1870.
In 1870 the Democrats made their first political success in the State, securing the Congressman, and the most important State officers, among whom were Governor L. R. Bradley, and Supreme Judge John Garber.
The Republicans, in Convention at Elko, on the twenty-first of September, that year, placed the following ticket in the field:
For Congress Thomas Fitch (no opposition).
Governor F A. Tritle.
Lieutenant Governor J S. Slingerland.
Secretary of State James D. Minor.
Controller W. W. Hobart.
Treasurer Len Wines.
Superintend't Pub. Instruction A. N. Fisher.
Surveyor General John Day.
State Printer H. R. Mighels.
State Mineralogist H. R. Whitehill.
Supreme Judge_ J S Slauson.
Attorney General Will. Campbell.
Clerk Supreme Court Alfred Helm.
The following is the result of the election:—
Member of Congress, Charles W. Kendall,* 6,821 votes; two candidates; total votes, 13,312.
Governor, L. R. Bradley,* 7,200 votes; two candidates; total vote, 13,349.
Lieutenant Governor, Frank Denver,* 6,689 votes, two candidates; total vote, 13,309.
Secretary of State, J. D. Minor, 6,786 votes; two candidates; total vote, 13,341.
Controller, W. W. Hobart, 6,770 votes; two candidates; total vote, 13,353.
Treasurer, Jerry Schooling,* 6,942 votes; two candidates; total vote, 13,333.
Superintendent Public Instruction, A. N. Fisher, 6,793 votes; two candidates; total vote, 13,366.
Surveyor General, John Day, 6,902 votes; two candidates; total vote, 13,375.
State Printer, Charles L. Perkins,* 6,751 votes; two candidates; total vote, 13,302.
Mineralogist, H. R. Whitehill, 6,711 votes; two candidates; total vote, 13,363.
Supreme Judge,+ John Garber,* 6,787 votes; two candidates; total vote 13,349
Attorney General, ++ L. A. Buckner,* 6,650 votes; two candidates; total vote, 13,277.
Clerk Supreme Court,§ Alfred Helm, 6,801 votes; two candidates; total vote, 13,365.
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* Democrats.
+ Resigned on the sixth of November, 1872, the day after election of that year.
++ Resigned January 4, 1874.
§ Resigned January 2, 1875. His successor had been elected on the previous third of November.
STATE ORGANIZATION. 91
POLITICS OF THE LEGISLATURE.
SENATE. ASSEMBLY.
COUNTIES. Dem. Rep. Dem. Rep
Churchill 1 0 1 1
Esmeralda 1 1 4 0
Elko 0 1 2 0
Humboldt 2 0 3 0
Lander. 2 0 4 0
Lincoln 1 0 1 0
Lyon 0 2 0 3
Nye 1 0 1 1
Ormsby 0 2 1 2
Storey. 1 3 3 9
Washoe 0 2 0 3
White Pine 1 1 2 3
Totals 10 12 22 22
Douglas County elected one independent Senator and two independent Assemblymen.
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OF 1872—SENATORIAL CONTEST.
The election year that gave General Grant his second Presidential term, and consigned his competitor, the unfortunate Horace Greeley, to his grave, was one of unusual political activity in Nevada. Senator Nye's term was drawing to a close, which cast upon the Legislature to be chosen that year the necessity of electing his successor, and for the first time the overshadowing influence of money was felt in political manipulations in this State. Money had been used before, but not to so great an extent as in the campaign of 1872.
The mines of Storey County had produced wealth that gradually centered under the control of a few, and had placed upon the floor of politics a new class of men, untried statesmen, developed by silver into moneyed Samsons, who felt equal to the task of carrying away the political gates of Gaza.
The real contest laid between William Sharon, who was termed the quartz-mill and railroad monopolist; and J. P. Jones, called by the press of the State, " The Commoner." James W. Nye, whose name had become a national one, and familiar in every household in the land, was also a candidate, but without hope of preferment where money, and not demonstrated fitness and ability to serve the country and state, was to be the shibboleth of success.
The Democratic aspirants prior to the election were: John Garber, Supreme Judge; T. H. Williams, of Storey County; Harry I. Thornton, of Lincoln County; A. C. Ellis, of Ormsby County; W. W. McCoy, of Lander County; John C. Fall, of Humboldt County; H. K. Mitchell, of Storey County.
J. P. Jones was a heavy mining operator in Nevada and stock-dealer in San Francisco. His policy was to maintain high prices for such stocks as he was interested in, and he carried a number of friends whose limited means would have proved their ruin but for his assistance.
It was charged by the Pacific Coast press generally that Sharon, backed by the California Bank, desired to break the Stock Market, expecting his opponent to go down with it, and ruin his main supporters, in this way thinking to place this bold, talented, and generous coin distributor where he would be forced to give up the contest. It was further charged that the Central Pacific Railroad Company had joined Sharon and the bank in this move to suppress the Nevada "Commoner," who was the champion of the people in their struggle against railroad, quartz-mill and bank monopolies.
May 7, 1872, mining stocks were at their zenith for that year, the inflation being caused by the discovery of a supposed bonanza in the Savage mine. On the next day the San Francisco Chronicle published charges by one Isaac J. Hubbell, accusing G. F. Kellogg, the foreman of the Crown Point mine, of causing the Crown Point, Yellow Jacket, and Kentuck mines to be fired in April, 1869, at which time a number of miners had lost their lives. It further stated, that the " Nevada Commoner" was privy to the act, it being done to influence mining, or stock, manipulations. This same day, after the news became current upon the street, coming in connection with the unfavorable reports of the Savage mine, stocks suddenly declined from thirty to forty per cent., and continued in their downward course for several days. The Territorial Enterprise, that supported J. P. Jones, in speaking of this matter, said:
Mr. Sharon, it is plain to every one here, has resorted to this atrocious means of alienating from his formidable competitor the support of a class of citizens whose numbers render them, when united, an almost resistless political power.
At this juncture friends interfered, and the subject was loft to an investigation by the Grand Jury of Storey County, which rendered a decision in the following June exonerating all parties accused.
Two years later, in August, 1874, at a public meeting in Carson, Sharon said of J. P. Jones:—
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: I thank you on behalf of Senator Jones for the reception given him in your fair city this evening. He has proven himself the representative of the true interests of the people. He has represented our interests at Washington against all opposition. He has been true to the trust of the people reposed in him, and I am happy to add my voice in commending him for it. When we find a representative true to the interests of the commonwealth; true to the best interests of all the people; true to the principles of liberty, right and freedom, the people can welcome him back to his home with all the feelings which are highest in the hearts of freemen.
Mr. Jones was helping Mr. Sharon to become Stew-art's successor in the United States Senate at the time of the above eulogy; and it makes a world of difference whose ox is being gored.
On the sixteenth of August William Sharon withdrew as a candidate, and the issue then day between Senator Nye and the "Commoner." But the eon-
92 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA.
test had virtually ended when the bank and railroad interest ceased their onslaught upon J. P. Jones. It was claimed by the friends of Nye that there had, for cause, been a compromise between the moneyed powers, but the people did not believe it, and still trusted their "Commoner."
On the twenty-fifth of September the Republican Convention met at Reno, and placed upon its ticket C. C. Goodwin for Congress. The nomination was by acclamation, and for some time he refused to accept the place, only doing so upon the assurance from the Delegates representing the eastern counties in the State that they were unanimously for him. Thomas P. Hawley was successful in gaining a nomination for the Supreme Bench, and C. A. V. Putnam was selected for State Printer. No other State offices were to be voted for at the coming election.
The Democrats placed Charles W. Kendall in the field for Congressional preferment, and staked everything upon his success. The friends of Jones lost sight of Goodwin's interests in-their efforts to secure a Legislature favorable to their leader, and the result was success to the "Commoner" and the Democratic candidate for Congress.
RESULT OF THAT ELECTION.
Republican Presidential Electors, 8,413 votes.
Democratic Presidential Electors, 6,236 votes.
Member of Congress, Charles W. Kendall, 7,847 votes; two candidates; total vote, 14,993.
Supreme Judge, Thomas P. Hawley, 8,193 votes; two candidates; total vote, 14,021.
State Printer, C. A. V. Putnam, 8,179 votes; two candidates; total vote, 15,008.
On the twenty-first of the following January the vote for United States Senator stood, at the Convention of the joint Houses of the State Legislature:—
J. P. Jones, 53; W. W. McCoy, 17; Charles E. De Long, 1; Robert McBeth, 1; total, 72.
There was but one ballot, and J. P. Jones had fairly entered upon the career as a national Legislator, in which capacity he has since won and worn the laurel crown as a monetary statesman.
Of the man whom his success had consigned to private life, Harry Mighels, on learning of his death on Christmas, 1876, said in the Appeal:
To write a full and fitting obituary notice of James W. Nye would be to write the history of the Republican party; tell the story of the administration of Abraham Lincoln; the struggle for the Union; the scheme of reconstruction, and the life and achievements of the Republican party of the State of Nevada. For our dead friend and neighbor was as closely united to all these momentous matters and events as any man of his day. In the very midst of the most tremendous events of war and politics he was one of the grandest figures upon the stage of public affairs. His name will ever rest among the most distinguished patriots and statesmen of his age.
His portrait now hangs in the State Capitol; and the stranger who, passing, stops to look at it, will be told—by whatever Nevadan chances to be near—that it is the kindly noble face of "Grey Eagle" that beams down from the cold canvas upon him. As he tells you, if you note it, you will see a look of proud regret steal over the face of your informant, as the scene recalls from the secret chambers of the past a recollection of the one great heart, real statesman, true patriot, and generous friend of whose memory all Nevadans are proud.
STATE ELECTION OF 1874—CONTEST FOR UNITED STATES SENATE.
The political campaign of 1874 was started early in the season, the Senatorial contest being the absorbing issue of the year. William Sharon again became a candidate for that position, and Adolph Sutro was his main antagonist. General Thomas H. Williams was the Democratic choice, and each of them were for the time being the leaders of a party in the State—Sharon of the Republican, Sutro of the Independent (Dolly Varden), and Williams of the Democrats.
The owners of the Comstock Lode had come to look upon the Sutro Tunnel scheme with great disfavor, although strongly advocating it at first. They had used every means available to defeat the enterprise in and out of Congress, and Mr. Sutro was violently opposed to having the chief capitalist of the mines go to Washington as a Senator where he could use his position to cripple the tunnel enterprise; consequently, that gentleman entered the list for the position himself, determined, at all hazards, to "tunnel Sharon's prospects." Thus the moneyed Titans of Nevada were brought in collision politically. To this day, fossil remains of the political managers of that era can be warmed into life by a reference to the "Battle of the Money Bags" for Senatorial honors.
The Republicans met in Convention at Winnemucca, September 24th, of that year, and placed the following ticket in the field:
For Congress, Wm. Woodburn, of Storey County.
For Governor, J. C. Hazlett, of Lyon County.
For Lieutenant Governor, John Bowman, of Nye County.
For Secretary of State, J. D. Minor,* of Humboldt County.
For Controller, W. W. Hobart,* of White Pine County.
For Treasurer, L. J. Hogle,+ of Eureka County.
For Superintendent Public Instruction, S. P. Kelly, of Eureka County.
For Surveyor General, John Day,* of Lyon County.
For State Printer, C. C. Powning, of Washoe County.
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* These were also placed upon the ticket of the Independents, and were elected.
+ L. J. Hogle afterwards withdrew his candidacy, and the name of George Tufly, of Ormsby County, was substituted.
STATE ORGANIZATION. 93
For Mineralogist, H. R. Whitehill, of Churchill County.
For Supreme Judge, W. H. Beatty,* of White Pine County.
For Supreme Judge, Warren Earll, of Elko County.
For Attorney General, Moses Tebbs, of Douglas County.
For Clerk Supreme Court, C. F. Bicknell, of Ormsby County.
On the twenty-eighth of September the Democrats, in Convention at Carson, placed the following candidates before the people for preferment:
For Congress, A. C. Ellis,* of Ormsby County.
For Governor, L. R. Bradley,* of Elko County.
For Lieutenant Governor, Jewett W. Adams, of Storey County.
For Secretary of State, Charles D. Spires, of Lander County.
For Controller, T. R. Cranley, of White Pine County.
For Treasurer, Jerry Schooling,* of Washoe County.
For Superintendent Public Instruction, E. Spencer, of Lander County.
For Surveyor General, George Haist, of Storey County.
For State Printer, J. J. Hill,* of Humboldt County.
For Mineralogist, W . F. Stewart,* of Storey County.
For Supreme Judge, A. M. Hillhouse, of Eureka County.
For Supreme Judge, C. H. Belknap,* of Ormsby County.
For Attorney General, J. R. Kittrell, of White Pine County.
For Clerk Supreme Court, B. H. Hereford,* of Lincoln County.
The name of Spencer was withdrawn and that of Willis substituted as a candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction.
On the thirtieth of September the Independents met at Carson in State Convention, and put upon their ticket for State offices and Congress some of the nominees from both the regular parties; but failing to find upon either men that suited them for all the positions, they proceeded to name the following gentlemen as third candidates in the field: Lieutenant Governor A. J. Hatch, of Washoe County; Attorney General, A. B. Elliott, of Storey County; Superintendent Public Instruction, H. H. Howe, of Ormsby County.
H. H. Howe declined the nomination, and neither of the others were elected.
The Democratic party was made up of two elements—one that sympathized with or had assisted the Southern Confederacy; the other, that had done neither; and the former element had captured their Convention, and nominated for Congress Colonel A. C. Ellis, an ex-Confederate officer, instead of C. W. Kendall, a northern man, who had twice been elected to that position by them. This was a serious mistake, as it turned out, for Mr. Kendall would neither be flattered nor whipped into pulling straight in the political harness. He was asked to "stand in," and make a ratification speech at a public meeting in Virginia City, on the eighth of October. He appeared on the platform, was introduced by the Chairman of the Democratic State Central Committee, and then proceeded with such a storm of seriously damaging accusations and denunciations against the party platform, managers, and some of the candidates as the members present of that organization never before had listened to. He was ordered off the platform, and withdrew, with the crowd following him, when he got upon a dry-goods box, and continued his "ratification speech." The box was then kicked from under him by some demonstrative members of the enraged audience, and he was forced to desist; but followed up the attack with very damaging letters that were published in the Enterprise until the close of the campaign.
The Independents and Democrats chartered the Opera House in Virginia City for the campaign, and forced the Republicans to hold their meetings out in the streets. Mr. Sutro had magic-lantern pictures painted in the East representing Sharon in various ways as a man that prospered unfeelingly upon the misfortunes of others, and free exhibitions were given with them to the crowds assembled on the streets.
Thomas Fitch, "the silver-tongued orator," was called into the struggle as a paid attorney, to wither the Sutro movement with his strange metaphors, luminous wit, and scathing satire. The people of Storey and Ormsby Counties were told that the defeat of Sharon meant success to Sutro, and ruin to property values in either of those places, as all business would be transferred, in such an event, to the mouth of that "Banshee" of a tunnel in Lyon County.
On the third of November the election came off, resulting in the choice of the following parties:—
Member Congress,* Wm. Woodburn, 9,240 votes; two candidates; total vote, 17,867.
Governor,+ L. R. Bradley, 10,310 votes; two candidates; total vote, 18,095.
Lieutenant Governor, Jewett W. Adams, 9,529 votes; three candidates; total vote, 18,060.
Secretary of State,* J. D. Minor, 10,592 votes; two candidates; total vote, 18 091.
Controller,* W. W. Hobart, 11,019 votes; two candidates; total vote, 17.937.
Treasurer,+ Jerry Schooling, 9,494 votes; three candidates; total votes, 18,079.
Superintendent Public Instruction,* S. P. Kelly, 9,070 votes; four candidates; total vote, 17,865.
Surveyor General,* John Day, 10,078 votes; two candidates; total vote, 17,983.
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* These parties were also nominated by the Independents ; yet Ellis, Stewart, Belknap, and Hereford were defeated.
94 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA.
State Printer J. J. Hill, 9,071 votes; two candidates; total vote, 18,038.
Mineralogist,* H. R. Whitehill, 9,043 votes; two candidates; total vote, 17,946.
Supreme Judge (long term),* W. H. Beatty, 9,932 votes; two candidates; total vote, 18,088.
Supreme Judge (short term),* Warren Earll, 9.322 votes; two candidates; total vote, 18,064.
Attorney General,+ J. R. Kittrell, 9,050 votes; two candidates, total vote, 18,006.
Clerk Supreme Court,* C. T. Bicknell, 9,209 votes; two candidates; total vote, 18,038.
It will be observed that Hobart's majority is 4,101, being nearly double that of any other candidate.
The Legislative Assemblymen chosen at the time, over whose election the main issue had been made, stood as between the Democratic and Republican parties, as follows:
COUNTIES. Rep. Dem.
Churchill 0 3
Douglas 3 0
Elko 0 6
Esmeralda 2 3
Eureka 1 1
Humboldt 1 3
Lander 2 1
Lincoln 0 4
Lyon 4 0
Nye 0 2
Ormsby 4 0
Storey 14 0
Washoe 0 4
White Pine 7 0
Hold-over Senators 9 1
Totals 47 28
On the twelfth of January, 1875, the vote was taken in both branches of the Legislature for a choice of United States Senator, as follows: William Sharon, 49; H. K. Mitchell, 21; Thomas P. Hawley, 4.
The Democratic caucus had rejected General Williams for Mitchell. The votes of the two houses had now elected William Sharon to the United States Senate to take the place of William M. Stewart, who had proved himself an able, earnest working member of that body; and we find with regret that the truth of history prevents us from saying the same of his successor.
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OF 1876.
The year that saw the two great national parties struggling for victory in the country—with R. B. Hayes as standard bearer for the one, and S. J. Tilden advocated for the Presidency by the other—witnessed a comparatively quiet political tournament in Nevada. The national office—that sovereign State gives to her intellectual Calhouns, Jeffersons, Douglases, Clays, or Websters—was not upon the market to call another Nevada Croesus to the front, and candidates were left for preferment to the strength
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* Republicans, + Democrats.
of their parties, and their own ability and fitness for such position as they sought.
The Republicans placed their candidate in the field at Carson City, on the twenty-fourth and twenty-fifth of August. They gave Hon. Thomas Wren the preferment over Charles E. De Long by a vote of fifty-three to forty-seven; at the same time placing Judge O. R. Leonard upon the ticket for Judge of the Supreme Court by a vote of fifty-three to forty-two, as between him and Judge D. C. McKenney, of Austin.
The Democrats, at their Convention in Virginia City, August 28th, selected as their candidate for Congress Colonel A. C. Ellis by a vote of eighty-six as against fifty-six cast for W. W. McCoy, of Eureka, for the same position. Judge M. Kirkpatrick was nominated without opposition for the position of Supreme Judge. Both political parties had placed in the field men of integrity, culture, and ability.
The question of whether there should be a new Constitution framed was submitted at this election; also the proposition to change the beginning of the fiscal year from December 31st to December 1st.
RESULT OF THE ELECTION.
For Presidential Electors (Republican) 10,369
For Presidential Electors (Democratic) 9,294
Republican majority 1,075
Against a Constitutional Convention 8,032
For a Constitutional Convention 4,091
Majority against 3,941
For Congress, Thomas Wren 10,241
For Congress, Colonel A. C. Ellis 9,330
Majority for Thomas Wren 911
Supreme Judge, O. R. Leonard 10,111
Supreme Judge, M. Kirkpatrick 9,530
Majority for O. R. Leonard 581
The election had made a change in the party strength of both branches of the Legislature that
will be best understood by a comparison of the following table with that of 1874:
POLITICS OF THE LEGISLATURE OF 1876.
SENATE. ASSEMBLY.
COUNTIES. Rep. Dem. Rep. Dem.
Churchill 0 1 0 1
Douglas 1 0 2 0
Elko 1 1 1 2
Esmeralda 0 1 2 0
Eureka 0 2 2 2
Humboldt 0 2 0 3
Lander 1 0 2 1
Lincoln 1 1 2 1
Lyon 1 1 3 0
Nye 0 1 0 2
Ormsby 2 0 3 0
Storey 2 2 12 2
Washoe 1 1* 3 0
White Pine 2 0 2 2
Totals 12 13 34 16
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* Independent and Hold-over. Of the above Senators, seven Republicans and six Democrats were hold-overs.
STATE ORGANIZATION. 95
STATE ELECTION OF 1878-CHOICE OF SENATOR.
The struggle for Gubernatorial place upon the Republican ticket in 1878 was a bitter one. R. M. Daggett, General Batterman, and A. J. Tyrrell, of Storey County, were all desirous of the position; and it resulted in the withdrawal, before the county primary took place, of the former, and the admission to the State Convention of an uninstructed Delegation from that county. As usual, the Republicans were the first to hold their State Convention, which assembled at Eureka, on the eighteenth of September; and, holding a two days' session, placed a Congressional and State ticket in the field.
R. M. Daggett was nominated for Congress without opposition; after which an unsuccessful attempt was made to adjourn, the move being defeated by Hon. Thomas Wren, who said adjournment meant trade; and he was opposed to having a ticket placed in the field that was made up of traffic material. The choice of a candidate for Governor was next in order, General P. E. Connor securing sixty-three votes, and J. H. Kinkead sixty-six, the latter being declared the nominee. Then followed the vote by acclamation for Lieutenant Governor, H. R. Mighels being chosen without opposition; in fact, most of the ticket was made up of men who gained a place there by a vote that indicated a unanimous choice.
REPUBLICAN TICKET.
Congress, Rollin M. Daggett, of Storey County.
Governor, John H. Kinkead, of Humboldt County.
Lieutenant Governor, Henry R. Mighels, of Ormsby County.
Secretary of State, Jasper Babcock, of Storey County.
Controller, J. F. Hallock, of Lincoln County.
Treasurer, L. L. Crockett, of Washoe County.
Superintendent Public Instruction, J. D. Hammond, of Ormsby County.
Surveyor General, A. J. Hatch, of Washoe County.
Supreme Judge, Thomas P. Hawley, of White Pine County.
Attorney General, M. A. Murphy, of Esmeralda County.
Clerk Supreme Court, C. F. Bicknell, of Ormsby County.
All of these gentlemen were elected except H. R. Mighels and J. D. Hammond.
On the twenty-third of September the Democrats, in Convention at Carson City, placed the following ticket before the people:
DEMOCRATIC TICKET.
Congress, W. E. F. Deal, of Storey County.
Governor, L. R. Bradley, of Elko County.
Lieutenant Governor, Jewett W. Adams, of Storey County.
Secretary of State, George W. Baker, of Eureka County.95
Controller, M. R. Elstner, of Ormsby County.
Treasurer, J. E. Jones, of Washoe County.
Superintendent Public Instruction, D. R. Sessions, of Elko County.
Surveyor General, S. H. Day, of Ormsby County.
Supreme Judge, F. W. Cole, of Eureka County.
Attorney General, J. R. Kittrell, of White Pine County.
Clerk Supreme Court, Richard Rule, of Storey County.
The only two successful candidates upon this ticket were Jewett W. Adams and D. R. Sessions. There were several occurrences of this campaign worthy of remembrance, among the first of which was the dropping of the following resolutions from t he Republican platform:
Resolved, That the Republican party of the State of Nevada is opposed to, and protests against, any repeal, modification, or change of the law taxing the net proceeds of mines, commonly known as the Bullion Tax Law.
This plank was introduced by Hon. Thomas Wren, of Eureka, and was added to the platform of the party, but when that document was placed before the people it contained no such provision. Mr. Wren at once demanded, through the public press to know what had become of the lost plank. he advertised for it, and the State Central Committee dug it up, and put it where the Convention had placed it, among the articles of party faith, claiming that the important resolution had been inadvertently omitted. The historian of the "Sazerac Lying Club," being the Secretary who copied the resolution, was said to be responsible for this notable absence of mind. The Democratic platform contained a similar clause, and both parties tacked upon their campaign declaration of rights a dissolving view, to the effect that they were for bringing railroad corporations "to time" upon the question of fares and freights.
Another incident of importance, and significant in many ways, is related by Mr. Hobart, who, by the way, as State Controller, proved himself to be one of the ablest financiers ever elected to a State office in Nevada. He said that at first there were serious doubts in regard to the success of the Republican ticket, especially the Gubernatorial part of it, because of lack of funds, and the great popularity of Governor Bradley; because of his tried honesty and incorruptible singleness of purpose that could not be reached by either wealth or intimidation. Besides, the people, many of them, wished to reward him by re-election for vetoing the "Bullion Tax Compromise Bill."
General Kittrell, the Democratic candidate for Attorney General, made a speech in Virginia City, in which he handled without gloves the "Bonanza" firm, and made many unnecessary personal remarks that so angered Mackey and Fair, the principal owners of the " Bonanza Mines," that they, that
96 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA.
night, determined to throw their entire influence and strength in the direction that would consign General Kittrell and Governor Bradley to their political graves. " I went to Carson," said Mr. Hobart, "and the next day told my friends that the danger had passed, and the Republican ticket would be elected. From that time forward there was no lack of funds on the Republican side of the house;" and, as before stated, with two exceptions, their ticket was successful.
The following are the names of and the votes that were received by the successful ones at that election:—
Congress, Rollin M. Daggett, 9,811 votes; two candidates; total vote, 18,959.
Governor, John H. Kinkead, 9,747 votes; two candidates; total vote, 18,999.
Lieutenant Governor, J. W. Adams, 9,877 votes; two candidates; total vote, 18,898.
Secretary of State, Jasper Babcock, 10,139 votes, two candidates; total vote, 18,961.
Controller, J. F. Hallock, 10,193 votes; two candidates; total vote, 19,022.
Treasurer, L. L. Crockett, 9,813 votes; two candidates; total vote, 18,981.
Superintendent Public Instruction, D. R. Sessions, 9,742 votes; two candidates; total vote, 18,935.
Surveyor General, Andrew J. Hatch, 9,799 votes; two candidates; total vote, 19,008.
Supreme Judge, Thomas P. Hawley, 10,447 votes; two candidates; total vote, 18,996.
Attorney General, M. A. Murphy, 9,995 votes; two candidates; total vote, 18,952.
Clerk Supreme Court, Charles F. Bicknell, 9,825 votes; two candidates; total vote, 18,988.
Constitutional Amendment, Article 18: Yes, 5,073 votes; No, 337 votes.
Constitutional Amendment, Article 11, Section 10: Yes, 3,357 votes; No, 91 votes.
Constitutional Amendment, Article 9: Yes, 2,429 votes; No, 22 votes.
The singling out of Mr. Mighels for defeat was an unexpected misfortune to the party. There was no name on the ticket more entitled to receive the full party vote than his whose pen for years had been a wand of fire in the State, wielded in the interests of Republicanism. He was defeated by the Virginia and Truckee Railroad Company influence, that desired to place S. H. Wright on the Bench in the Second District. Mr. Mighels refused to support them in the move, and the candidacy of Mr. Wright was withdrawn. This independent journalist was then notified that he, for his temerity in standing between them and their interests, would be defeated in his political aspirations. The fiat had gone forth, and the Juggernautal car rolled over him.
Two years before the vote for the Legislature had stood in Ormsby County: H. R. Mighels, 840; M. R. Elstner, 596; Mighels' majority, 244.
At this election he had led his ticket by 66 votes. At the election of 1878, when defeated by the railroad influence, the vote stood as between him and Mr. Adams in Ormsby County: Jewett W. Adams, Democrat, 532; H. R. Mighels, Republican, 499; majority for Adams, 33.
Governor Kinkead had received 140 ballots more than Mighels in the latter's home county of Ormsby, where two years before he was the most popular candidate in the field.
In Storey County the vote for him was 334 less than for Kinkead, which, added to the falling off in Ormsby County—where the railroad machine shops are—gives 474 votes, which is 47 more than was required to have elected him; and still the railroad car of Juggernaut rolls on.
The unkindest cut of all came from the fact, that editorials in the Appeal, favoring the railroad company in their issue with the Cornishmen when attempting to work Chinamen in 1876, were used against Mr. Mighels, thus rendering it possible for that company to defeat him; and the coincidence makes us admire that sweet singer in Israel who remarked: "Put not your trust in princes."
POLITICS OF THE LEGISLATURE OF 1878.
SENATE. ASSEMBLY.
COUNTIES. Rep. Dem. Rep. Dem.
Churchill 1 0 1 0
Douglas 1 0 1 1
Elko 1 1 3 0
Esmeralda 1 0 1 1
Eureka 1 1 4 0
Humboldt 1 1 3 0
Lander 1 0 0 3
Lincoln 2 0 2 1
Lyon *2 0 3 0
Nye 0 1 1 1
Ormsby *2 0 *2 1
Storey 2 2 14 0
Washoe 2 0 3 0
White Pine 2 0 3 1
Totals 19 6 41 9
Of the eleven hold-over Senators, five were Republican, one Independent, and five were Democratic.
VOTE FOR UNITED STATES SENATOR.
There was virtually no contest for United States Senator, J. P. Jones having no opponent in the Republican party, which had been successful in electing a majority of both branches of the Legislature. He had achieved, during the six years that he had represented Nevada in the Senate a national reputation as a monetary statesman, excelled by none of his compeers in that body, and his re-election was a foregone conclusion. The candidate for the empty honor of the Democratic vote was Hon. A. N. Hillhouse, of Eureka, a distinguished and able lawyer.
On the fourteenth of January, 1879, the Senate
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* One of each of these was Independent, and voted for J. P. Jones.
STATE ORGANIZATION. 97
and Assembly went through the formality of a vote that resulted as follows: J. P. Jones, 60; A. M. Hillhouse, 14.
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OF 1880.
The nominations were, on the Republican side, James A. Garfield, of Ohio, for President; and Chester C. Arthur, of New York, for Vice-President; and on the Democratic side, General W. S. Hancock, of Pennsylvania, for President; and William G. English, of Indiana, for Vice-President.
The election campaign of 1880 was contested in Nevada without funds upon the part of the Republicans. Mr. Sharon came out as a candidate for reelection to the United States Senate, and Mr. James G. Fair entered the list for that position as his Democratic opponent. Mr. Sharon would not furnish money to defray the legitimate expenses of the campaign, and many of the leading Republicans felt as though a party defeat was preferable to a continuance of his Senatorial career, his personal affairs having demanded his attention, and preventing his attendance to his duties at Washington. His speeches during the canvass demonstrated the necessity of making a change, and money from the Democratic side of the house served the purpose of intensifying the growing sentiment.
The people felt that a change could be only for the better, and election day saw the Republican ship scuttled and sunk beneath the political waves.
ELECTION RETURNS.
For Democratic Electors 9,611
For Republican Electors 8,732
Democratic majority 879
For Congress, George W. Cassidy 9,815
For Congress, Rollin M. Daggett 8,578
Democratic candidate's majority 1,237
Judge Supreme Court, Charles H. Belknap 10,116
Judge Supreme Court, W. H. Beatty 8,251
Democratic candidate's majority 1,865
AMENDMENTS TO CONSTITUTION.
Elimination of the word "white" from Section 1 of Article 2: Yes, 14,215; No, 353.
Add Article 18, granting rights of suffrage and office-holding, notwithstanding color or previous condition of servitude: Yes, 14,215; No, 672.
To add Section 10 to Article 11, forbidding the use of public funds for sectarian purposes: Yes, 14,848; No, 560.
CHINESE IMMIGRATION.
Against immigration, 17,259; favor of immigration, 183.
It will be observed that Mr. Daggett—who had accomplished more for his constituents than all his predecessors—received less votes than was cast for the Republican President. He had offended the railroad powers in the State. It will also be noted that Hon. W. H. Beatty, one of the ablest jurists and purest men that ever filled the position of Supreme Judge in Nevada was the worst defeated of all. He had failed in his ruling to please either the railroad or "Bonanza" interests, and was sacrificed.
In the State Legislature, of the sixty-one members elected to the two branches, but nine were Republicans, of whom two were Senators, viz.: W. W. Hobart, of Eureka, and J. D. Hammond, of Ormsby.
POLITICS OF THE LEGISLATURE OF 1880.
SENATE. ASSEMBLY.
COUNTIES. Rep. Dem. Rep. Dem.
Churchill. 1 0 0 1
Douglas 1 0 0 2
Elko 0 2 0 3
Esmeralda 1 0 0 2
Eureka 2 0 3 1
Humboldt 1 1 0 3
Lander 1 0 1 2
Lincoln 1 1 0 3
Lyon 1 1 0 3
Nye. 0 1 0 2
Ormsby *2 0 3 0
Storey 2 2 0 14
Washoe 1 1 0 3
White Pine 1 1 0 4
Totals 15 10 7 43
After the Legislature assembled a new disturbing element unexpectedly appeared upon the scene, knocking at the door for Senatorial preferment. The new aspirant was the world-renowned Adolph Sutro, to whom was given the sobriquet of "Assyrian bore"-er, who perforated the bowels of Mount Davidson with a tunnel that bears his name. It had come to be understood, at large in the country, that the coveted position was to go to the highest bidder for cash; and the Assyrian came with the silver notes of discord, to wither, like Dead Sea fruit, the apple of ambition that James G. Fair was in the act of pressing to his lips. The attempt was a failure, as the following vote will show.
The dissatisfaction respecting Mr. Sharon, and his conduct of the campaign, resulted in dropping him from the list of available candidates and substituting that of Hon. Thomas Wren.
James G. Fair—Senate, 10; Assembly, 42; total, 52.
Thomas Wren—Senate, 13; Assembly, 7; total, 20.
Rollin M. Daggett—Senate, 1.
Of James G. Fair, who succeeded William Sharon as United States Senator, much has been published for and against, in the volume of which lurks but little truth. The following from the Gold Hill News, a Republican paper, edited by Alf Doten, may be regarded as an impartial and truthful statement in regard to him:
COLONEL JAMES G. FAIR.
Quite a popular error regarding Colonel J. G. Fair, which outsiders and those not personally acquainted with him naturally fall into, is that he is second to
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* One of these was an Independent. Of the fourteen Senators who held over twelve were Republicans, one an Independent, and one a Democrat.
98 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA.
none as miner, mine manager, and mining engineer, but that beyond that he knows comparatively little. Never was a greater mistake. Colonel Fair never graduated from any university of learning, and his education has been obtained principally in the great school of the world; but he is not by any means deficient in many of the higher branches of learning. He is an extensive reader, and pretty well versed in historical, political, and other practical acquirements and requirements; he has a well-stored, evenly-balanced mind; is possessed of sound judgment, an eminent degree of discretion; and although he may not make a brilliant mark as an eloquent member of the United States Senate, yet he will attend to his duty, and vote intelligently on all questions. As member of any Congressional committee, be he on mines and mining, or anything else, he will be among the best and most studiously intelligent, for whatever he does not know he always studies into until he does.
As a smooth diplomatist he has no superior. * * * He can write a pretty good newspaper article when he cares to, but seldom tries to distinguish himself in that line. He takes great interest in the arts and sciences, and has spared no expense to give his children the best education obtainable. Always having a strong desire to see the strange countries he has read so much about, he took a trip around the world, returning only recently-just in time to be nominated for United States Senator. For practical ability, intelligence, general information, good judgment, and sound common sense, Col. James G. Fair will average well with his fellow-Senators and Congressmen at Washington.
The Legislature of 1881 re-apportioned the State, reducing the number of Legislators from seventy-five to sixty. This reduces the expense of that body about $10,000 per term. The following is the new apportionment:-
COUNTIES. Senators. Assemblymen.
Churchill 1 1
Douglas 1 2
Elko 2 3
Esmeralda . 1 2
Eureka 2 3
Humboldt. 1 2
Lander 1 3
Lincoln 1 2
Lyon 1 2
Nye 1 2
Ormsby 2 3
Storey 3 10
Washoe 2 3
White Pine 1 2
Total 20 40
Senator W. W. Hobart, of Eureka, introduced a bill that, becoming a law, to take effect in 1883, will make a further reduction of the expense of a State Government-in mileage about $3,000, and-in salaries, $23,400; making a total reduction of $26,400 per year.
SALARY REDUCTIONS BY HOBART'S BILL.
Present New
Salary. Salary.
Supreme Court Justices (three) $7,000 $5,000
Governor 6,000 5,000
Secretary of State 3,600 3,000
Controller 3,600 3,000
Treasurer 3,600 3,000
Surveyor General 1,000 1,000
Superintendent Public Instruction 2,000 2,000
Lieutenant Governor 3,600 _
Ex officio Register 2,400 2,000
Clerk Supreme Court 3,600 2,400
Ex officio Curator and Secretary
Orphan's Home 800 400
Governor's Private Secretary 3,300 2,000
Deputy Secretary of State 3,300 2,000
Deputy Controller 3,300 2,000
Deputy in Surveyor General's office 3,000 2,000
Deputy Treasurer 3,300 2,000
Clerk State Library 1,800 1,000
Warden Prison 3,000 2,000
Mileage, Members Legislature 40c. 25c.
Superintendent and Matron Orphan's
Home 3,000 2,000
Superintendent Printing 2,400 2,000
Totals $77,600 $53,800
JUDICIAL ELECTIONS-1861 TO 1878.
The office of Probate Judge was created in 1861, the jurisdiction of that official being about the same as now belongs to a District Judge. Each county had a Probate Judge-appointed by the Governor, with the approval of the Legislature-whose term of office was for two years; but there was no Attorney either elected or appointed.
In 1862 this law was changed, making the office elective; at the same time the office of Prosecuting Attorney was created for each county, except in Churchill and Lyon, where one was to serve for both.
In 1864 there occurred another change that was engrafted upon the Constitution, in which the State was apportioned into districts, over which District Judges were to preside, who were to be chosen at the ensuing general election.
In 1865 the office of District Attorney was added to the county offices, to supersede that of Prosecuting Attorney, the first of those officers being chosen at the election of November 6, 1866.
Each of these judicial officers, except the District Judges, were, strictly speaking, county officials; and election returns regarding them will be found with the county election histories; but as there were often two, and even more than two, counties embraced in a judicial district, we have thought it best to place the returns, for the Judges elected in them, in separate tables.
ELECTION OF DISTRICT JUDGES, 1864.
First District, Storey County, C. B. Burbank, 3,416 votes; R. S. Messick, 3,443 votes; R. Rising, 3,418 votes; six candidates.
Second District, Ormsby County, S. H. Wright, 687 votes; two candidates; total vote, 1,276.
Third District, Lyon County, William Haydon, 964 votes; two candidates; total vote, 1,262.
Fourth District, Washoe and Roop Counties, C. C. Goodwin, 1,063 votes; two candidates; total vote, 1,852.
STATE ORGANIZATION. 99
Fifth District, Nye and Churchill Counties, S. L. Baker, 247 votes; two candidates; total vote, 442.
Sixth District, Humboldt County, E. F. Dunne, 445 votes; two candidates; total vote, 816.
Seventh District, Lander County, W. H. Beatty, 1,278 votes; two candidates; total vote, 2,512.
Eighth District, Douglas County, D. W. Virgin, 462 votes; two candidates; total vote, 637.
Ninth District, Esmeralda County, S. H. Chase, 590 votes; two candidates; total vote, 1,030.
The State having been redistricted, the
ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 6, 1866
was as follows:—
First District, Storey County, Richard Rising, 1,811 votes; two candidates; total vote, 3,280.
Second District, Ormsby and Douglas Counties, S. H. Wright, 683 votes; two candidates; total vote, 1,058.
Third District, Washoe County, C. N. Harris, 603 votes; two candidates; total vote, 1,169.
Fourth District, Lyon County, William Haydon, 465 votes; two candidates; total vote, 762.
Fifth District, Humboldt County, G. G. Berry, 153 votes; two candidates; total vote, 305.
Sixth District,* Lander County, W. H. Beatty, 795 votes; one candidate; total vote, 797.
Seventh District, Nye and Churchill Counties, Benjamin Curler, 369 votes; two candidates; total vote, 671.
Eighth District,+ Esmeralda County, S. H. Chase, 324 votes; one candidate; total vote, 324.
ELECTION OF 1868.
Ninth District,++ Lincoln County, Charles A. Leake, 58 votes; three candidates; total vote, 105.
The State having been redistricted again the
ELECTION OF 1870
was as follows:
First District, Storey County, Richard Rising, 1,698 votes; two candidates; total vote, 3,300.
Second District, Douglas, Ormsby and Washoe Counties, C. N. Harris, 1,169 votes; two candidates; total vote, 2,266.
Third District, Esmeralda and Lyon Counties, William M. Seawell, 620 votes; two candidates; total vote, 1,067.
Fourth District,§ Humboldt County, George G. Berry, 378 votes; two candidates; total vote, 731.
Fifth District, Churchill and Nye Counties, Benjamin Curler, 399 votes; two candidates; total vote, 753.
Sixth District, Lander County, D. C. Kenney, 781 votes; two candidates; total vote, 1,445.
W. H. Beatty resigned May 17, 1869, to be installed Judge of District No. Eight, the number of the newly-created one. consisting of White Pine County.
Seventh District, Lincoln County, M. Fuller, 465 votes; two candidates; total vote, 800.
Eighth District, White Pine County, W. H. Beatty, 914 votes; two candidates; total vote, 1,719.
Ninth District, Elko County, J. H. Flack, 642 votes; two candidates; total vote, 1,211.
Still further changes having been made in the various districts, the
ELECTION OF 1874
was as follows:
First District, Storey County, Richard Rising, 3,758 votes; two candidates; total vote, 5,962.
Second District, Douglas, Ormsby and Washoe Counties, S. H. Wright, 1,584 votes; two candidates; total vote, 2,751.
Third District, Lyon County, William M. Seawell, 766 votes; one candidate; total vote, 766.
Fourth District, Humboldt County, W. S. Bonnifield, 503 votes; two candidates; total vote, 879.
Fifth District, Churchill, Lander and Nye Counties, D. C. McKenney, 1,065 votes; two candidates; total vote, 1,831.
Sixth District, Eureka and White Pine Counties, F. W. Cole, 1,290 votes; two candidates; total vote, 2,555.
Seventh District, Lincoln County, Henry Rives, 655 votes; three candidates; total vote, 1,354.
Eighth District, Esmeralda County, James S. Jamison, 248 votes; three candidates; total vote, 555.
Ninth District, Elko County, J.-H. Flack, 772 votes; one candidate; total vote, 772.
As the result of changes made by the Legislature the districts now stand as follows:
ELECTION OF 1878.
First District, Storey County, Richard Rising, 3,510 votes; two candidates; total vote, 5,708.
Second District, Douglas, Ormsby and Washoe Counties, S. D. King, 1,663 votes; two candidates; total vote, 2,922.
Third District, Esmeralda and Lyon Counties, William M. Seawall, 967 votes; two candidates; total vote, 1,589.
Fourth District, Humboldt County, W. S. Bonnifield, 533 votes; two candidates; total vote, 914.
Fifth District, Churchill, Lander and Nye Counties, D. C. McKenney, 1,039 votes; two candidates; total vote, 2,051.
Sixth District, Eureka, Lincoln and White Pine Counties; Henry Rives, 2,104 votes; two candidates; total vote, 3,862.
Seventh District, Elko County, J. H. Flack, 1,011 votes; two candidates; total vote, 1,852.
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* S. H. Chase died October 2S, 1869.
++ Charles A. Leake died in August, 1870.
§ At the election of November 5, 1872, O. R. Leonard was elected to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Judge Berry, March 3, 1871.