important questions there on many occasions testified as to his
patriotism and as to his ability as a statesman. I take great
pleasure on this occasion to place in nomination for that high
office the same Shelby M. Cullom who has served the people of this
State so long and so creditably. In doing so I believe I state
but the truth when I say he has the longest and most distinguished
record in public life of any man who ever lived in the State of
Illinois."

Speeches were made in the Senate by Senators Coon, Aspinwall, and
Mussett; and in the House of Representatives William J. Butler, of
Springfield, E. Callahan, George W. Miller, D. S. Berry, A. J.
Dougherty, J. E. Sharrock, and Charles E. Selby.

I was present in Springfield, and was invited before the joint
session of the General Assembly, after they had elected me, to
deliver an address. I appeared before the joint session and
expressed my obligations to the members of the Thirty-sixth General
Assembly for the high honor conferred upon me. I made a short
address, reviewing conditions in the State and the country generally,
and concluded by saying:

"The prosperity and happiness of the people depend upon wise and
just laws to be enacted both by the State and by the Nation. In
the discharge of the high duty which you have just imposed upon
me, it shall be my single aim to dy my part in so shaping the policy
of the country, that we shall soon stand upon the high ground of
permanent prosperity.

"Gentlemen, it should be our ambition so to legislate that the
freedom and rights of every citizen shall be secured and respected;
that all interests shall be protected; that one portion of our
people shall not oppress another, and so that ample remedies shall
be found and applied for every existing wrong. To this end an
enlarged humanity bids us look forward with renewed hope and trust."

My reference to the Hon. Joseph E. Medill in connection with this
contest reminds me that I should say something of Mr. Medill. I
regarded him as one of the three really great editors of his day--
Horace Greeley, Henry Watterson, and Joe Medill.

He made _The Chicago Tribune_ one of the most influential newspapers
of the United States. At time Medill and I were very friendly,
and he gave me his hearty support. At other times he was against
me, but we always remained on speaking terms at least, and I admired
and respected him very much.

He was one of the most indefatigable