time, when, freed from the curse of slavery, and yielding obedience to the laws, they should share the duties and partake the blessings of a regenerated republic. These sentiments are admirably expressed by Gen. Grant in the closing words of his report, in July, 1865. Speaking of the armies of the East and West, he says, "The splendid achievements of each have nationalized our victories, removed all sectional jealousies (of which we have unfortunately experienced too much), and the cause of crimination and recrimination that might have followed had either section failed in its duty. All have a proud record; and all sections can well congratulate themselves and each other for having done their full share in restoring the supremacy of law over every foot of territory belonging to the United States. Let them hope for perpetual peace and harmony with that enemy whose manhood, however mistaken the cause, drew forth such herculean deeds of valor." This is the utterance of a patriotism broad and wide as the nation itself. It will be fortunate for our country if it shall be guided by its wisdom and animated spirit.

21

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

OF

SCHUYLER COLFAX.

CHAPTER I.

CHUYLER COLFAX was born in New-York City, March 23, 1823. His grandfather, Gen. William Colfax, married Hester Schuyler, a cousin of Gen. Philip Schuyler, and was commander of Gen. Washington's Life-Guard during the Revolution. Schuyler Colfax, the father of the candidate for VicePresident, was an officer of one of the New-York banks, and died before the birth of his son; leaving his family with limited means. At ten years of age, he was placed in a store in New York, that he might contribute to the support of the family. In 1836, his mother moved to Indiana, and settled in New Carlisle, St. Joseph County. He again entered mercantile life, as a clerk, until 1840; when, at the age of seventeen, he was appointed deputy county auditor. He soon after removed to South Bend, the county town, where he has continued to reside. He employed his leisure

in studying the State laws very carefully; and, in 1845, he became editor and proprietor of a weekly paper, "The St. Joseph-valley Register." He has continued his connection with this paper until quite recently, writing from Washington a letter every week for publication in its columns.

A debating club was formed in the town, at which all the prominent questions of the day in morals and politics were discussed; and this became a college to young Colfax. He prepared himself for debate by reading and study; and the debate gave him ease and readiness in extemporaneous speaking. Henry Clay, when at the height of his fame, attributed his success in public life to the training he had received in a similar society; although in his first efforts he excited the laughter of his companions by saying, "Gentlemen of the jury," instead of addressing the presiding officer as "Mr. President."

Mr. Colfax conducted his paper with great fairness and courtesy toward his opponents. He espoused the side of temperance, morals, decency, and good order, in controverted questions. The tone of his paper was such, that it was a welcome visitor in all families. At this time he made the acquaintance of Hon. John D. Defrees, now superintendent of government printing, then editor of "The Indianapolis Journal." Mr. Colfax was Senate reporter for "The Journal" for a few years; and the friendship then formed has continued to the present time.

Like almost all young men of active minds at the West, Mr. Colfax took a deep interest in the political questions of the day; and in 1848 was a delegate to

and secretary of the Whig National Convention which nominated Gen. Taylor for the Presidency. In 1850, he was a member of the Constitutional Convention of Indiana. He opposed with great earnestness the proposition to exclude free colored men from settling in that State. He opposed it on the broad principles of humanity and justice, and as inimical to the true interests of the State. His speeches on this question caused his defeat the following year in a closely-contested canvass for Congress; his opponent, a shrewd political manager, leading him, however, by only two hundred out of nearly nineteen thousand votes in the district, which was strongly Democratic.

In 1852, Mr. Colfax was a member of the Whig National Convention which nominated Gen. Scott for President, and subsequently took an active part in the campaign which resulted in the election of Franklin Pierce as President. President Pierce in his Inaugural Address congratulated the country on the entire settlement of the questions relating to slavery by the passage of the so-called Compromise Measures of 1850. He said, "I fervently hope that the question is at rest, and that no sectional or ambitious or fanatical excitement may again threaten the durability of our institutions, or obscure the light of our prosperity." In his first message to Congress, Dec. 5, 1853, after dwelling upon the importance and certainty of the same "settlement," he said, "That this repose is to suffer no shock during my official term, if I have power to avert it, those who placed me here may be assured." Five months after, he signed the bill to repeal the Missouri Compromise, which had existed for nearly a quarter of a century,

This

prohibiting slavery north of latitude 36° 30'. convulsed the country with an agitation never before seen, and finally led to the disruption of both the great Whig and Democratic parties.

Dr. Fitch, the representative in Congress from the district in which Mr. Colfax resided, followed the lead of his party, and voted for the repeal. Mr. Colfax was nominated for Congress in opposition to him; and, during the summer and autumn of 1854, the two candidates addressed the people together on the great question of slavery extension.

Kossuth, when in this country, declared that the American mass-meeting was the greatest field for eloquence the world had ever seen, and its requirements among the highest. The remark is doubtless true. A question of vast public importance to be discussed, in which all are interested; large and intelligent audiences, more or less informed upon the subject, each man wielding a vote bearing directly upon the result; the enthusiasm of all thoroughly aroused, — neither the forum at Rome, nor the bema at Athens, could give higher inspiration to the orator. At the West, both speakers generally address the same hearers, and a subject is presented in all its aspects. No tribunal is more exacting in its requirements than a Western massmeeting, none more fearless in enforcing its demands. Every variety of taste is to be suited. The whole nature of men is to be addressed. The legal disquisition, the polished essay, will not answer. Neither facts, nor figures, nor rhetoric, nor pathos, nor humor, nor satire, nor argument, will avail; but all must be combined, and urged with the glowing fervor of