the debts already contracted by cities and counties. But the convention, almost wild in its enthusiasm to secure railroads at any cost, paid little heed to the advice of one who had seen the after effects of just such a public improvement fever in Ohio.164

At the same time Kirkwood was fully aware of the great development of the State which would follow the extension of railroads over the prairies. In June, 1859, he journeyed to Cedar Rapids to attend the celebration of the completion of the "Chicago, Iowa and Nebraska Railroad" to that point- - a celebration which was participated in not only by the people of Cedar Rapids and vicinity but by delegations from Chicago and the towns along the Mississippi.1

165

Amid all these business activities Kirkwood still found some time for the social amenities and for participation in the organized life of the community. He was a member of the Iowa City Lecture Association formed during the winter of 1858-1859; and in March, 1859, he was elected as a rural school director for Iowa City Township.106 Most of all he enjoyed the quiet, informal visits with neighbors and friends and the pleasures of his own home; for throughout his life he was a great home-lover. He was always glad of the rare opportunities for reading, and although the political news of the day

was the all-absorbing topic, his tastes ranged far and wide in the field of literature.167

It was well that Samuel J. Kirkwood thus found a year of comparative peace; for he was soon to pass through the fire of one of the bitterest political campaigns in the history of Iowa, after which his common sense and good judgment were to be subjected to the severest tests ever required of a Governor of the Commonwealth.

XII

KIRKWOOD AGAINST DODGE

THE time for another State election was now approaching; and the two leading political parties were so evenly matched in Iowa and the feeling of partisanship so strong that the contest was bound to be sharp and exciting. When or by whom Samuel J. Kirkwood was persuaded to enter the race for the governorship are matters upon which there is no record. It may safely be assumed that James W. Grimes used his influence to that end, though not for the selfish reason later attributed to him.168

At any rate it is evident that the nomination of Kirkwood by the Republican party in June, 1859, was not unsought, in spite of his reluctance at first to become a candidate. Early in the year he began to receive letters which indicate that he had made the decision and had embarked on the campaign in no half-hearted manner. On March 10th W. W. Hamilton wrote saying that as far as he could learn the choice of the Republicans of northern Iowa was first for Kirkwood, second for George G. Wright, and third for Ralph P. Lowe.169 "The

idea of your nomination for Governor takes well with every Republican to whom I have mentioned it, and I have talked with a good many from different parts of the State", wrote James F. Wilson from Fairfield a few weeks later, 170

Nicholas J. Rusch of Davenport, who was to be Kirkwood's running-mate, wrote on April 20th expressing his gratification because Kirkwood was willing to be a candidate. He urged the choice of W. W. Hamilton for Lieutenant Governor, since he was an "adopted citizen" and would satisfy the Germans. As for himself, he felt that his "broken English and little experience are not proper qualifications for an office of that nature."'171 "By the mail that takes you this," wrote Thomas Drummond, editor of the Vinton Eagle, "I send a copy of my paper in which I have hoisted your name as a Candidate for Governor. I have as

yet no knowledge whether you will be a candidate of your own motion, but trust that you will". The following day the same writer urged Kirkwood to make the acquaintance of "Charley Aldrich" of Webster City, editor of the Hamilton Freeman, who wielded great influence in his portion of the State. 172 By May 25th a number of Iowa newspapers had come out in favor of Kirkwood as the Republican candidate for Governor.173

Thus when the Republican State Convention met at Des Moines on June 22, 1859, the only restraint upon the enthusiastic sentiment in favor of Samuel J. Kirkwood was the knowledge that Ralph P. Lowe was still desirous of a renomination. Governor Lowe had given satisfaction to the members of the party during his administration, and he was a man held in high esteem throughout the State. But he lacked the qualities required of a great leader of the people. The lowering clouds in the political sky made the Republicans feel that they must have at the helm a man who would represent their principles on the slavery question more vigorously — a man more capable of inspiring the loyalty and devotion of all classes of citizens.

At the same time the managers hesitated to offer a direct rebuff to a faithful leader of the party, whose wish to be retained in the Governor's chair for another term was not only natural but fully justified by his record. In the effort to relieve the embarrassing situation Lowe was urged to accept a nomination as Justice of the Supreme Court.174 But no

decision had been reached when the convention met.

A permanent organization was effected after the usual preliminaries and Timothy Davis of Dubuque County was chosen president. Finally