William Wisdom

Wllliam Wíndom, late Secretary of the Treasury, was liorn in Belmont County, Ohio, on May lOth, 1827, of Quaker párente. When he had completed his education he stuilied law and was admitted to the bar at Mount Vernon in 185.'!. Two yeara later he oniigrated to Winona, Minnesota, where he practiced law until. 1859, when he was elected to Congress, being re-eleoted for four sueceediug ternis. In 1871 he was elected to the United States Senate and re-elected in 1877. Heleft this body to enter President Garfleld'e administration as Secretary of tlie Treasury, but resigned after General Arthur's accession. He made an excellent aecretary, showing both wisdom and courage in his successful efforts to refund the high interest hearing bonds at a niuch lower rate. He was conspicuous by the reliable eonservatism, which is the soundest capacity in the world for a financial head of any govermnent. In the memorable year 1883 Mr. Windom was again a candidate for the Senate, and was apparantly the choice of the republicans of the state, but he was bitterly and energetically opposed by M. H. Dunnel, member of Congress froni the first Minnesota district. In caucus Mr. Windom received eightythree votes out of eighty-four neccessary to a choice. Dunnel fought him openly and secretly and the deadlock continued for some time, finally a break was made and Dwight M. Sabin was elected. After his defeat for the senate Mr. Windom spent most of his time in Xew York with his family, but always put in an appearance in Minnesota before each general election. Mr. Windom has been interested in some railway sehemes and is believed to be a wealthy man. His administration of the Treasury was infinitely creditable and most useful to the country, and our finances were safe in his hands.