46 WHO'S WHO IN SOUTH DAKOTA It has been a great many years since Congressman Burke entered public life. During this long interval of time there has been a steady influx of settlers into our state. Many of them know little about him or his public work; therefore, we deem it proper to give him a little biographical introduction. BIOGRAPHICAL Burke is an Irishman. (Hardly necessary to mention his nationality, so long as he spells his name exactly like Edmund Burke, the famous Irish leader in the House of Parliament during the latter part of the eighteenth cen- tury.) He is just in the prime of life---forty-nine years of age. Born in New York state, he, too, saw the advantages to a young man in going west. and so in 1882 he settled on a homestead in Beadle county, South Dakota. In 1883 he re- moved to Hughes county, [photo - CONGRESSMAN C. H. BURKE] where he has since resided. He is married and has four children. Congressman Burke was admitted to the South Dakota bar in 1886, but he has never been active as a practitioner. Charlie is, first of all, a business man. In his own private busi- ness affairs. he has been pre-eminently successful,-just the kind of a man we need on our congressional delegation. POLITICAL Mr. Burke was elected to our State Legislature in 1894, was re-elected in 1896, and two years later, he was sent to congress; was re-elected in 1900, in 1902, in 1904, (missed in 1906), in 1908, and be will be again on November 8, 1910. When he left the national capitol, March 4, 1907, after his temporary defeat in 1906, the men in congress, with whom he had trained for so many years, gathered about him and bade him an affectionate farewell, each one saying as he shook hands with C. H. BURKE 47 him, "Charlie, I hope you'll come back at the next election." As he walked down the capitol steps. he said to a friend, "I'll never come back to this building again so long as I live, unless I can come with a commission from my state." Charlie came back, and he'll keep coming. Why not? Look at his record. Follow- ing are only a few of the splendid measures which he favored and worked hard to have enacted into law: The extension of rural free delivery of the mails; The Act prohibiting freight rebates by railroads; The Act to expedite the bearing and determination of suits in equity brought under the Sherman anti-trust act of 1890 to protect trade and commerce against unlawful restraints and monopolies; The Act to promote the safety of employees and travelers upon railroads by compelling common carriers to equip their cars with automatic couplers and continuous brakes, and their loco- motives with driving wheel brakes; The Act authorizing the Interstate Commerce Commission to employ safety - appliance inspectors; The Joint Resolution directing the Interstate Commerce Commission to investigate and report an block signal systems for the control of railroad trains; The Act requiring common carriers engaged in interstate commerce to make full reports of all accidents, both as to the nature and cause; The Joint Resolution directing the Interstate Commerce Com- mission to make investigations into the subject of railroad dis- crimination and monopolies in coal and oil; The Act to promote the security upon railroads engaged in interstate commerce and to encourage the saving of life; The Act to regulate commerce, approved June 30, 1906, commonly known as the Railway Rate Legislation of the Roos- evelt administration; The Act establishing the Department of Commerce and Labor and authorizing the Bureau of Corporations therein to exericse the same power and control in respect to corporations, joint stock companies and combinations subject to the provisions of the act, as the Interstate Commerce Commission exercises over common carriers; The Meat Inspection Act; The Pure Food Act; The Employer's Liability Act; The Denatured Alcohol Act; The Oleomargarine Act; 48 WHO'S WHO IN SOUTH DAKOTA The Reclamation Act; Postal Savings Banks. Again the skeptic nays: "I don't care what be has done in the past, what I desire to know is what he is going to do with regard to the reform measures that will come up for enactment during the next session of congress. Very well, Mr. Radical, here is what he has pledged himself to work for. and Charlie has never yet broken faith with his constituents: Support President Taft's administration; Revision by the Tariff Commission of the Payne-Aldrich tar- iff law, after it shall have been thoroughly tested and its weak points ascertained; Amendment of the Interstate Commerce law; Conservation of National Resources; Improvement of the Missouri river as a public highway so as to hold down freight rates; New laws making the American Indian self-supporting; The early opening for settlement of the remainder of the Indian reservations of the state. When Mr. Burke was returned to congress in 1909, he was offered a position on the Ways and Means Committee, one of the most influential and important committees in our national con- gress. He refused this honor, saying: "By refusing this ap- pointment I may get the chairmanship of the Committee on In- dian Affairs. I can then be of far greater service to the people of my state." Always a practical politician, he got the Indian assignment, succeeding Mr. Sherman, vice-president of the United States, who had held the position for fourteen years. It was a well-deserved promotion, and it gave to South Dakota a recog- nition never before equalled, except in the appointment of Sen- ator Kittredge to the chairmanship of the Committee on Inter- oceanic Canals. Speaking of his appointment, our newspapers, without regard to polities or to factionalism, were unstinted in their praise. Among the hundreds of beautiful comments were the following extracts: Aberdeen American: South Dakota has been given notable recognition in the appointment of Congremman Burke to be chair- man of the Committee on Indian Affairs, one of the big plums of the House register. Mr. Burke has long served upon this com- mittee, and his place of seniority recommended the post and his ability and careful participation in the duties of his past mem- bership counseled-that the honor go to him. Some idea of the importance of the position held by the head of that committee C. H. BURKE 49 may be gained when it is known that the committee has the di- rection of the expenditure of about $10,000,000 annually. Blunt Advocate: The elevation of Congressman Burke to the chairmanship of the Indian Committee is certainly a great honor, considering the importance of that committee, and it brings to South Dakota the highest recognition in a national way that has ever been given the State. Hot Springs Star: Congressman Burke has been appointed chairman of the Committee on Indian Affairs. Mr. Burke was a member of this committee during his first term in Congress, be- fore insurgency put him out for a term, and he exhibited such a thorough knowledge of Indian affairs and the government's deal- ing with them, that he was the logical man for the chairmanship. He is a keen Congressman, whose push, pull and ability are counting for the state. Northwest Blade (Leola): Congressman Charles H. Burke, of South Dakota, has been made chairman of the Committee on Indian Affairs, one of the very best and most important com- mittees in the House of Representatives. The honor is no small one to confer, but all who know Mr. Burke will agree that the appointment was the right man in the right place. Mitchell Republican: The Republican is exceedingly glad to know that Mr. Burke has been honored and that he has brought additional honor and credit to the state. As chairman of the committee, the South Dakota Congressman will be the chief fac- tor in Indian legislation and an appropriation bill which carries $10,000,000 annually. The utmost confidence is placed in his ability and business capacity to handle the chairmanship of this very important committee to the end that it will result in credit to himself, his state, and benefit to the Indian affairs of the government. Ft. Pierre Stock Growers' News: This was the most impor- tant appointment to be made at this session and it is certainly a high honor coupled with a great responsibility. Mr. Burke has shown himself to be the man best fitted for this position, and we are of the opinion that no other man so well understands the In- dian's status and needs. His ability to allow competent Indians to acquire title to their lands has done more toward placing them where they can take care of their own affairs than all other leg- islation passed during the last twenty-five years. Huronite: Whether it was an exhibition of wisdom or com- pensation for being good, Mr. Cannon has conferred service on the red people by substituting a Western Congressman for an Eastern Congressman at the head of this important committee. 50 WHO'S WHO IN SOUTH DAKOTA Cresbard Beacon: This is not Mr. Burke's first experience in the lower House; our people concluded to try another set of Congressmen, but before their first term had expired they found out their mistake and hurried to remedy it by returning Martin and Burke to their old positions. We congratulate Mr. Burke and the Indians at the same time. The above are only a few of the several hundred choice edi- tonal bouquets which were thrown at "our Charlie" by the newe- paper fraternity of the state. We wish that space would grant the publicsition of them all. BURKE'S HONESTY While addressing the citizens of Mitchell and the surround- ing country, during his presidency, Colonel Roosevelt said: "It takes three things to make a good citizen---honesty, courage and common sense." We just believe he had Congressman Burke in mind. The reason Mr. Burke has been so effectual in legislation is because of this inherent honesty; his manly courage to stand up for what he thinks is right; and his good, comiton-sense, in not antagonizing the administration with which he is compelled to work and at whose hands he must look for favors for himself and through himself for his constituents. No other congressman in all history has been so successful as he in securing "unanimous consent" for the enactment of his proposed bills. It is because his colleagues - Democrats and Re- publicans alike -- have learned to trust him. They know he is honest; they make him a law-making body unto himself; what Charlie Burke asks for he gets. HIS APPROACHABILITY Whether you meet Mr. Burke on the porch of his own mag- nificent home at Pierre, on the streets of his home town, on the train. in Chicago, or at Washington, he is always the same Charlie-always in the same pleasing mood-always a man. He is better than the good, as good as the best, and he side-steps for no man. EBEN W. MARTIN 51 AN ABLE CONGRESSMAN "I'd rather have against me on a case any other lawyer I have ever known, than Eben W. Martin," said Judge Moore at a political convention in Sioux Falls in June, 1900; "He is the shrewdest attorney in watching the fine legal points in a trial, by whom I have ever been opposed. It is simply impossible to out- wit him." True, no doubt, and Martin is just as alert in the halls of congress. Any time that some congressman wants to get through a bill with a "nigger" in it, he wants to make dead sure that Eben W. Martin is not going to be present when it comes up for final passage. Congressman Martin is just as shrewd in politics as he is in trying a law suit, or in watching the course of national legisla- tion. In the campaign of 1908, he was identified with the "old guard" in this state, and the insurgents repeatedly declared, "We can win if we can only find some way to get Martin out of the field." He makes no attempts at impassioned oratory. He is simply a keen, smooth, fluent, logical convincing speaker. He knows the power of argument, and he marshals his thoughts so as to carry conviction to his bearers. As a political campaigner he is an old war horse, and his opponents dread him. He can com- bine fluency and logic, senson the mixture with high grade gar- casm, sugar coat it with wit, and then dish it out over his oily ngue, in a sliver stream that will invariably turn the heads of his hearers, and make his audience become a united Martin crowd. Just a few nights ago he spoke at Plankinton, and the reporter who was present sent out the following: MARTIN AT PLANKINTON "Congressman Eben W. Martin was the principal speaker at a rousing republican rally held at Plankinton Monday night. His address was the best made at Plankinton thus far during the 52 WHO'S WHO IN SOUTH DAK0TA present campaign, and he was listened to with the closest atten- tion by a mammoth crowd, which filled every inch of available space in the ball in which he spoke. Congressman Martin always has been popular among the republicans of this part of South Dakota, as well as those of other parts of the state, and he won new friends by his able address." His style of oratory is entirely different from that of many others; in fact, he has a style of his own. And he is always sur- charged. Wake him up in the night and call him to the platform, and a stream of prose will at once gush forth over his silvery tongue like a new antigerm foundation. The fellow is actually such a walking dictionary of words that he doeor't even need an index to find them; they are always at his tongue's end in super- fluous profusion, fighting among themselves to be released in rapid, orderly succession. POLITICAL NOTIONS In politics Martin is a free thinker. His recent public utter- ances classify him as a progressive stalwart or else as a conser- vative progressive; that is, he has in a measure divorced himself from the old radical element, yet he has not seen fit to identify him- self with the radical insurgents. In fact the line of demarcation in thought on public questions, between him and such men as Regent Dwight of Sioux Falls who presided so ably over the last republican state convention,-himself a prominent insurgent- has now grown so fine that you can scarcely detect it with a divisible lens, double objective microscope. The political ground on which.Mr. Martin stands is feasible. If we are able to read the signs in the political horoscope, he is standing right now on the line of entrenchments where the repub- lican party has got to make its rally against the onslaught of democracy in the future. We belive it is due to Mr. Martin to herein quote briefly from a recent interview of his on public questions, particularly with reference to South Dakota affairs: "The South Dakota Republican platform is abreast of the best progressive thought of the day. With this platform I am in entire accord. Its most prominent principles I have advocated publicly for years as my speeches at State Conventions and in the debates in Congress will disclose. I shall continue to advocate these principles and to labor for their realization in legislation while I remain in public life. * * * * * "There has been some right and some wrong in each of the EBEN W. MARTIN 53 republican factions in South Dakota. The only honorable basis for a permanent union of republican forces in the state is to rec- ognize the fact, and to treat all republicans in a spirit of justice and fairness. "Republicanism is stalwart. And when a man has con- scientiously classed himself as a stalwart republican, he has thought of the strong, fundamental stalwart principles of the party that have formed the basis of its career of fifty years of good government, sound money, protection of American indus- tries, honest and efficient public servants, and he has not been willing to see these principles abandoned or successfully assailed. "Republicanism is also progressive. New conditions develop new issues and new problems. Special interests seek to enlarge their privileges and to perpetuate them. Power is often misused and must be rebuked. Graft and corruption entrench themselves in high places, and there is need of a general house-cleaning. Good government cannot be perpetuated without insisting vig- orously upon the highest moral and political standards. The man who conscientiously classes himself as a progressive republican has his eye upon these new and serious public questions, and em- phasizes the necessity of improvement and progress. The repub- lican party has always been the very party of progress. It has always been blessed with progressive leaders. Only by keeping fully abreast of the advance thought and demands of the people can it hope to maintain its political leadership." Congressman Martin has always been a great admirer of Theodore Roosevelt. He knew the Colonel when he was only a western ranchman, twenty odd years ago. He believes in Roos- evelt and his policies. Mr. Martin was the first public man in the west to advocate the ascendency of Roosevelt. He came out boldly for the Colonel in a public address delivered away back in May, 1900. And Martin always supported the Colonel. During his re- cent western trip, while speaking at Sioux City, Col. Roosevelt said: "While I was president there were some men from the west wbo always stood with me. Congressman Martin of South Dakota, was one of the fellows who always stood without hitch- ing." It pleases the people of this state to know that they have in public life a man who is, and who for so long has been, in accord with the Roosevelt policies. CHARACTER IN POLITICS The telegraph diminishes the size of the continent. The cablegram brought the two continents together and diminished 54 WHO'S WHO IN SOUTH DAKOTA the size of the world. Wireless telegraphy put on speaking terms and made immediate neighbors of a billion and a half of human souls. Crippen riding along silently on the ocean's heav- ing breast was unknowingly already in the arms of the law. Wellman and his brave crew scrambled into a life boat hung be- neath his giant dirigible, cut the ropes, dropped into the sea, were picked up by the "Trent," and before they had gotten time to exchange their wet clothes for dry ones the story of their resuce had been wafted ashore on ethereal wavelets, and in less than thirty minutes load-voiced newsboys, standing on street cor- ners, were distributing to anxious throngs the daily papers which broke the printed intelligence to a nervous world. This shriveling of the earth into an articulating community has changed con- ditions wonderfully in the past ten years. Today, a man in public life betrays his con- stituents; and in a moment, as it were, after the evidence has been made public, people living in far-off island depend- encies are informed by the press, of the fellow's mis- [photo - EBEN W. MARTIN] deeds, and they are advised to turn him down at the polls. For this reason no rnan can long stay in public life now- adays whose character and whose public services are not above reproach. One careless step - suspicion is aroused- the X-ray of public opinion is turned on - an investigation held; and down goes McGinty. Herein I i e s Martin's strength. He has set up and maintained before the people of our state, and, as well, the nation at large, an unimpeachable character, an untarnished manhood and a standard of public ser- vice that have inspired unbroken confidence and commanded uni- versal respect. While a student at Cornell, be identified himself with the Christian work of the school. The moral lessons incul- cated at that impressionable period of his life, have lingered with him. Today he is, and has been for many years, a member of the EBEN W. MARTIN 55 great Methodist Episcopal church. The church folk of all denom- inations have stood by him to a certain extent. It may truth- fully be stated that today ninety per cent of the voters of the state are members of some religious denomination, either Protest- ant or Catholic; and he who in his political life ignores the church, will soon find himself counted out. He might have done so twenty years ago; he dare not do it now. One of our sages said. "Character is three-fourths of life." In politics it is just the reverse-four-thirds; that is, you have got to have character enough to go round and then have some left over (just like the biblical story of the loaves and fishes), so as to fill up the dents in your armor plate, that have been made during a political bombardment. MARTIN, THE MAN Eben Martin is an Iowa product. He was born in the old- fashioned burg of Maquoketa, in Jackson county, situated on a branch line of the N. W. R., R. running from Clinton to Ana- mosa, April 12, 1855. On one side of the parental house he came from English stock; on the other, from Scotch-Irish. This mix- ture of bloods from Johnny Bull, from the Land of Mary, and from Old Erin, is enough to produce just exactly such a specimen as the Martin whom we have beretofore pictured. Every man's success depends largely upon: (1) his prep- aration. (2) his application, and (3) his determination, to suc- ceed. Martin laid a broad foundation for his success in life. Handicapped in childhood by being passed into another home for rearing, be nevertheless worked his way through Cornell college where he graduated in 1879. at the age of only twenty-four. He took his B. A. degree and three years later he was again honored by his alma mater which granted to him his Master's degree. But this was only a part of his preparation. From Cornell he went to the University of Michigan, entered the law depart- ment, became a leader in the school, was elected president of his class, and graduated at the end of one year with signal honors. Upon the completion of his law course, young Martin was admitted to the bar, and he immediately struck west to "grow up with the country." He did not stop in the settled eastern portion of Dakota, as most professionally inclined men would have done, but he made his way overland to a little lonely village neatly tucked away along the sun-kissed hillsides of a deep Black Hills canon, stuck out his newly-stenciled law sign, went to work; and for thirty years Deadwood has echoed with his name and responded to his call. 56 WHO'S WHO IN SOUTH DAKOTA HOME STRENGTH Martin's triumphant success in polities has been due largely to his strength in his home town and county. He has repeatedly come up to state conventions with a MAJORITY of over 2.000, from his own county. The entire Black Hills region has always stood loyally by him. This year, be did not even return from Washington to look after his own political interests, but remained at his post of duty; yet he carried not only Lawrence county, but his opponent's county as well. When a man continuously on the ground during a campaign, cannot overcome the influence of a man who is continuously absent, then the absentee must have a hold on the affections of his opponents's home folk which is pretty hard to break. MARRIAGE AND PROSPERITY Mr. Martin was married in 1883 to Miss Jessie A. Miner, of Cedar Falls, Iowa. They are the proud parents of five children, three boys and two girls-all living. He has prospered greatly in a business way in the Hills. Investing the small savings of his early law practice, he has seen these investments double, triple, quadruple, quintuple and even sextuple in value so many times over that today he is one of the richest men in the Black Hills He has a large ranch just north of Buffalo Gap that is rapidly developing in earning power. In addition to this he has heavy interests in Hot Springs and at Deadwood. MARTIN THE STATESMAN Congreasman Martin has never "tooted his own horn." He has kept on plugging, and evidently intended to let the next gen- eration tell of his work. Here is where we shall, in this respect. thwart his inclinations. His speech on the trusts and how to curb them, delivered before the students of the State University at Vermillion, some four or five years ago, is now regarded by able critics as the most powerful public utterance on this all impor- tant theme that has ever been delivered. President Roosevelt in one of his latter messgaes to congress urged that all interstate corporations be compelled to take out federal licenses. Where did he get the idea? From Eben W. Martin. Bless you! we bave it on good authority, not gained from either of the inter- ested parties, that Congressman, Martin wrote that portion of Roosevelt's message for him, and the latter only recast the phrase- ology here and there so as to put it more nearly into his own lan- guage. Not one single man dare deny that Martin was the pio- EBEN W MARTIN 57 neer advocate of this reform. He introduced a bill in congress to this effect, and came very near getting it through. Powerful corporations all over the country sent delegations to Washington to defeat it. They wrote certain people in South Dakota and even sent secret agents to see them, in an effort to get Mr. Mar- tin's constituents to hold him in check. But, let us tell you that Congressman Martin was right, and that the Martin idea of regulating the trusts is the one that is yet going to find its way into the federal statutes of the country, -and in the not far-distant future either. In his next message to congress President Taft is going to recommend the Martin scheme. It was our original intention to incorporate herein a long list of the meritorious measures that Mr. Martin introduced into congress, which have now become laws, but space forbids. How- eyer, this part of his worthy public life is already largely famil- iar to our people. MARTIN'S RISE Martin got into the political game early in life. At twenty- nine he was a member of our territorial legislature. Then he was elected to the fifty-seventh, fifty-eighth and fifty-ninth con- gresses, in succession. At the eventful Sioux Falls convention of 1906, he went down to defeat with the "old guard" before the tide of insurgency. Called to the platform by his friends for a speech, he laughingly remarked, "Vox populi, vox dei," added a few pleasing words and sat down. But Fate said, "This worthy son shall not remain in private life." Congressman Parker of Martin's own town, who was nominated in his stead, died during his congressional career. A clamor went up from the whole state for Martin's immediate re- turn to congress. A campaign was already in progress. Martin had been nominated. He confidently expected to be elected, but in this event he could not take his seat until March 4, following. The governor called a special election, in conjunction with the regular election, to elect a congressman for the four months of Mr. Parker's unexpired term. Martin's name was placed on the special ballot. He was, therefore, elected twice the same day; and as a result he took his seat in December following. Under these peculiar circumstances, Mr. Martin was out of congress only a portion of one term. He was renominated at the primaries in June of this year, and he will be overwhelmingly re-elected on November 8, 1910. WHO'S WHO IN SOUTH DAKOTA 58 ft will thus be seen that he has been a member of five con- gresses in succession, and he will be a member of the sixth. What the future will bring forth in the career of this ambitious, ably-qualified and far-seeing westerner, none can definitely say. He is yet a comparatively young man filled with vigor. The west is gaining more and more recognition in the larger field of na- tional polities. In the last national campaign, the lamented Dolliver, of Iowa, was favorably talked of for vice-president, but he declined the honor. Nebraska, on our south, has been honored with a presidential candidate for three campaigns. "Westward, the march of empire takes its way." The whole migratory movement of the United States is westward. 'Western states are rapidly settling up. Railroad developments have opened to set- tlement vast empires that heretofore were occupied by only an occasional ranger. Westward! Westward! Ohio can no longer claim the balance of power between the east and the west and set herself up as the mother of presidents. Iowa will be the divid- ing line in the future, and the west is going to demand recog- nition. A competent, progressive, congressman's services be- come valuable to his state in direct proportion to the number of years he is kept in public life. Let Soutb Dakota keep at Wash- ington our legislative twins, Martin and Burke. (Later.-Martin was-again elected to Congress this year- 1912). GEORGE H. GRACE 59 A "GRACE"-FUL MAN The apostles repeatedly referred to the "grace of God." Throughout the union, except where there is a special statute or agreement providing otherwise, three days of "grace" are given on promissory notes. However, it is not either of these kinds of "grace" that we are going to write about; but just simply Professor Grace, Editor Grace, Postmaster Grace-plain George Grace, if you please. In years gone by we have worked with Grace and worked for him. stood with him and stood for him, taught with him and taught for him; therefore, if perchance this article should at cer- tain angles take on a little unintentional personal coloring, we ask for liberty of judgment, and invite our possible critics' at- tention to the fact that the associations of school days and during the years of young manhood or womanhood, are the most lasting in life, and that from them spring friendships that are as endur- ing as the hills. Few men, in their quiet, unpretentious, hum- ble way, have done more for South Dakota and for building up strong, rugged, genuine character and manhood throughout the state, than George Grace. We knew him as a boy on the farm; we were one of his institute instructors when he was superin. tendent of Buffalo county; we were intimately associated with bim while he was principal of the Mitchell high school; we were in close touch with him while he had charge of the Miller schools; we articulated with him while he was superintendent of Hand county; we have played ball with him, fished with him, swam with him; heard him teach, preach, lecture and joke; and yet, in all these intimate and cherished associations, we never knew him to do an unmanly thing. Hence, it will be readily seen, that to us he becomes a congenial theme. NATIVITY In preparing our articles on "Who's Who in South Dakota," we have been agreeably surprised to find that so many men who 60 WHO'S WHO IN SOUTH DAKOTA have exerted an influence in this state, came from Wisconsin. Just so with Grace, he was born and raised, until he was twelve years of age, at Monroe, Wisconsin. PARENTAGE George Grace came from good, patriotic stock,-a mixture of "Yank" and "Brit". His father, John Grace, served with distinction in the Union army. He was a member of the 3rd Wisconsin Infantry, and as such he was in the hardest fighting of the war, including the Battle of Gettysburg. He was wounded in the stubborn fight at Chancellorsville Court House. George's mother is an English lady-she having come to America but a short time before her marriage to John Grace. Her maiden name was Harriet Thorpe. She is a dear old lady, with one of the most fascinating English brogues to which we have ever listened. Personally, we should like very much to yield to temptation and stop right here and pay her a just tribute for the many kind- nesses we have received at her hands, but she is not our theme and we dare not digress too far. The old couple still reside at Mitchell, South Dakota, where they are universally loved and revered, and where they are esteemed as types of that town's best citizenship. MIGRATION When George was twelve years of age, in 1883, his parents brought their family westward and settled on a farm in Lincoln county, this state, near the present town of Hudson. In 1885 they again pushed westward and settled in Buffalo county. Here is where Grace spent his teens and grew to manhood. A SELF-MADE MAN Young Grace was a studious chap, by nature. He Ionged for an education. Finally, in the fall of 1889, an opportunity came. He got a chance at Wessington Springs to pay for his board by doing chores, and he was enabled thereby to attend the Free Methodist Seminary, located at that place. By I-eavinR sebool occasionally to teach and earn a little money, he finally succeeded, as a result of this alternating ar- rangement in graduating with honor in the summer of 1894. Later be did post graduate work at some school in Iowa. HIS RISE Watch his rise and progress! The same year that he grad- uated at Wessington Springs he was elected clerk of courts in GEORGE H. GRAGE 61 Buffalo county. The next year he was appointed county super- intendent of schools in that county, and he did the work of both offices. The next year he was elected county superintendent without any opposition, and the very next year he resigned and accepted the principalship of the Mitchell high school, which position he held for three years. Then he jumped over to Miller to become city superintendent of their schools. He served them for three years, and then quit to become a candidate for super- intendent of the Hand county schools. He was elected; served one term; declined to accept a second term, owing to ill health; removed to Lead, at the doctor's instigation, so as to be in a higher altitude; bought a half interest in the "Lead Daily Tribune," in 1905; later bought the "Lead Daily Call" and con- solidated it with the Tribune; got into the political game again, played it successfully, and was nominated for postmaster at Lead on January 20, 1910; was confirmed in April and took charge of the office on May 1. Such is the record of the man who bas enjoyed public con- fidence in this state to an ex- tent seldom, if ever, surpassed. "America is only another [photo - GEORGE H. GRACE] name for opportunity," said a wise, old sage long ago. Yes! and South Dakota is the choicest spot in America for the development of that opportunity. Here every young man is part of the great common herd of humanity. If he fails, he has himself to blame; if he wins, it is merely because he embraced his op- portunities. Grace took ad- vantage of his, and he won. HANDICAPPED BLit Grace has always been handicapped. He contracted asthma in a verv malignant form while yet a led eight years of age at Monroe, Wisconsin. It has always stuck to him. As a result of the exposure during his long drives while superintend- ent of Hand county, his asthma got so bad that he had to give up 62 WHO'S WHO IN SOUTH DAKOTA his work and seek an elevation where the air is lighter. Lead is 6,000 feet above sea level. The change to this place has benefitted him wonderfully. It was this malady that prevented him from completing his college education. Yet he won in spite of it. MARRIAGES The greatest loss and the most severe setback that any man can recieve between the cradle and the grave is the loss, during middle life, of his chosen companion. Grace's first wife was Miss Minnie Waterbury, of Jerauld county. She graduated from the normal department of Dakota Wesleyan University at Mitchell with the class of '93, and shortly thereafter was united in mar- riage to George Grace. Universally beloved by all who knew her, Grace was not alone in his grief. She was the pier of any student in school at the university at that time; yet in her quiet, un- assuming, lovable way, she could excell all others without excit- ing envy or ill-will. On the arch over the gateway at the eastern entrance to the old site of Andersonville prison, in Georgia, are these words, "The noblest place for man to die Is where he dies for man." This glorifies the noble sacrifice made by the Union soldier to free his colored brother. It deifies the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. Yes, it does more; it includes those members of the female sex who go down into the valley of the shadow of death: and there, in that awful agony known only to a mother, offer themselves up a living sacrifice upon the altar of motherhood to bring another life into being Such was the fate of Mrs. Grace; and then a few days later, that unforseen Force that shapes the destiny of man, snatched from the grief-stricken father the girl babe for whom the sacrifice had been made, and left him alone in an apparently cruel world, wrapped in solitude. On June 26, 1900, Mr. Grace was married to Miss Belle Leffingwell, of Extra, Iowa. Here again be showed his apprec- iation of educational training, for the present Mrs. Grace is a graduate of Drake University. Keen, logical, brilliant-her work on the editorial page of the "Lead Daily Call" is exciting interest and commanding admiration. Standing shoulder to shoulder with her distinguished husband in his strenuous double duties, she has proven herself an indispensable helpmeet; and she is gradually weaving herself into the home life of Lead and into the commercial life of the Black Hills, where the future alone will be able to give her just reward. GEORGE H. GRACE 63 CONCLUSION Such has been the self-development of George Grace for twenty-nine years in South Dakota. Always possessed of con- fidence in his own ability, he has never been afraid to plunge in debt, but has always felt himself able to overcome any obligation. During the past year he has added over $6,000 worth of new machinery to his already well-equipped newspaper plant, so that today he has one of the very best printing establishments in the west. Grace is yet a comparatively young man. The western part of the state is already throbbing in response to his ideas and leadership. No doubt the future holds still greater reward for him than the past; therefore, may we conclude by saying, there's nothing too good for Grace. 64 WHO'S WHO IN SOUTH DAKOTA OUR SENIOR SENATOR Obedient to divine command, nature gave to Robert J. Gam- ble, a commanding physique. Tall, wedge - shaped, erect, he typifies that perfect form so greatly admired by the British, and used by them as a model in the selection of their armies. With a rather large, but well - shaped head, symmetrically poised on a short neck which holds it majestically above a pair of broad, massive shoulders - it gives to him a striking appearance that commands respect and invites both admiration and envy. Again, his silver hair, his high, wide forehead, his pleasing cast of fea- tures and his neatly trimmed gray moustache - all combine to give him a personal charm that is peculiarly magnetic. Senator Gamble has often been reputed to be "the best dressed man in Washington." This does not signify that he is the most expensively dressed man in our national capital but rather that he is the most tastily dressed. And this is no fault! Clothes and manners largeIy make up the gentleman. A term in the United States senate is six years. It now pays $45,000. plus clerk hire, car fare and minor incidentals. On this basis a sen- ator can afford to wear decent clothes and give due consideration to his person. South Dakota is proud that she has at Washing- ton a man who is a leader instead of a trailer in this important matter. Just now we recall having seen him at a public banquet a few years since, at which all who were present commented among themselves relative to the exquisite good taste in which the senator was clad. On this occasion be wore a splendid, full- dress, evening suit, with a low-cut white vest; a white, bow necktie; gold nose-glasses, white kid gloves, and high-heeled shoes. Recently when he arrived in Chicago to sit as a member of the Lorimer investigating committee, an observing reporter of the "Chicago Daily News" detected at first glance the dainty har- mony of the senator's clothes, and he became so infatiated with his perfection of attire that he gave considerable space in his ROBERT J. GAMBLE 65 article to a comment on the blending of the senator's gray suit with his silvery-gray hair, and other points of interest. Senator Gamble is a New Yorker by birth, - he having come into being near the little town of Akron in Genosee county, that state, February 7, 1851. His father, Robert Gamble, Sr , was Scotch-Irish; correlatively, his mother, Jennie Abernanthy - Gamble, came from the north of Ireland. The elder Gamble was a descendant of Major Root Gamble, who, as a sol- dier from Virginia, distin- gushed himself during our Revolutionary war. The sen- ator's mother was a second cousin of President Andrew Jackson. During the second year of the Civil war - at a time when Robert Gamble, Jr., was but eleven years of age - his par- ents removed to Dodge county, Wisconsin, and settled on a farm near Fox Lake. Here young Gamble grew up as a farm lad; attended rural [photo - ROBERT J. GAMBLE] school in the winter, and fin- ally taught school and earned sufficient money therefrom to put himself through college. In 1874 he graduated with honor from Lawrence Univer- sity, Appleton, Wisconsin, and in 1909, the same institution honored him with his LL. D. Senator Gamble was united in marriage in 1884 to Miss Carrie S. Osborne, of Portage, Wisconsin. Her people go back to the early colonists of Massachusetts. To their union have been born two sons - Ralph and George. The former graduated from Princeton with the class of 1909, and the latter is now a student of the same institution. LAW AND POLITICS In 1875, the year following his graduation from Lawrence 66 WHO'S WHO IN SOUTH DAKOTA University, Mr. Gamble was admitted to the Wisconsin bar. Like Governor Herreid, Frank Crane, Doane Robinson, Governor Vessey and others vcho have become prominent in the public life of our state, he at once struck out for Dakota and settled at Yankton. It might well be recalled that at that time the only railroad in the state was a stub-line running in for a few miles near the southeast corner; that Yankton was little more than an Indian village under the white man's regulation; that it had to be reached either by boat, or else by stage which forded streams and made its way between Indian settlements. Such were the conditions of western life when young Gamble settled in Dakota Territory to work out his own destiny. At Yankton he became associated in law practice with his brother, John R. Gamble. The latter was a very brilliant, cap- able man. John was elected to congress in 1890, but died the next spring before he could, take his seat. He was succeeded by Colonel John L. Jolley. Two years later, in 1894, Jolley was succeeded by Robert J. Gamble. In 1896, Gamble was again a candidate for congress, but he was defeated by the populist wave which swept the state, losing however by only 182 votes out of 83,000. Encouraged by his showing he "came back" in 1898, ran way ahead of his ticket and was again sent to congress. Two years later he grew more ambitious and measured strength with Richard P. Pettigrew for the United States senatorship, - win- ning by the peculiar and triumphant majority of 112 to 13. In 1907 he was re-ele6ied to the senate by the state legislature. In the natural course of events, he was a candidate for renomination at the primaries in June, 1912. Senator Gamble has never been rated as a public speaker, yet in this respect he deserves far more credit than he has ever received. We heard him deliver the address at the laying of the corner stone of the new government building in Pierre, a few years since, and if we are competent, even in a small measure, to judge of the merits of the address, it was certainly a super- lative masterpiece of oratory. ln the recent campaign in South Dakota he made a series of the ablest addresses that were pre- sented to the people of the state by any man in public life. He has an effectual delivery, and his personality aids him greatly in holding attention. Senator Gamble bas always been a quiet worker. His po- litical mill has ground considerable legislative flour, but his machinery has been kept well oiled, so that it has not made a great deal of noise. After an extended investigation of the con- gressional record, we ourselves were dumfounded at what he had quietly accomplished. Tbe records show that be not only voted ROBERT J. GAMBLE 67 for the following bills, but that he was otherwise active in se- curing their passage: An Act providing for free homesteads on the public lands, approved May 17, 1900. He was very active in behalf of it and was accorded the honor of making the closing speech in the house on behalf of the measure. By its provisions it relinquished in favor of the settlers on the public lands of South Dakota, and payment for the lands involved, exceeding six millions of dollars. An Act known as the Gold Standard, Refunding, and Bank- ing Act, approved May 14, 1900. An Act requiring common carriers engaged in interstate commerce, to make full reports of all accidents, to the Interstate Commerce Commission, approved March 3, 1901. An Act to provide for the construction of a canal connect- ing the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, approved June 28, 1902. The Reclamation Act of June 17, 1902. An Act to expedite the hearing in Anti-trust Cases, approved February 11, 1903. An Act to establish the Department of Commerce and labor, approved February 14, 1903. An Act providing for the reorganization of the Consular service of the United States, approved April 5, 1906. The Denatured Alcohol Act, approved June 7, 1906. The Employers' Liability Act, approved June 11, 1906. An Act enlarging the powers of the Interstate Commerce Commission, approved June 29, 1906. The Pure Food and Drug Act, approved June 29, 1906. An Act to promote the safety of Employees and Travelers upon railroads by limiting the hours of service, approved March 4, 1907. An Act reducing the cost of transportation of the mails, aporoved March 2 1907. An Act creating a Bureau of Mines, approved May 16, 1910. An Act creating a Court of Commerce and enlarging the powers of the Interstate Commerce Commission, approved June 18, 1910 An Act authorizing the admission of New Mexico and Ari- zons to statehood, approved June 20, 1910. An Act to establish Postal Savings Banks, approved June 95, 1910 68 WHO'S WHO IN SOUTH DAKOTA An Act providing for the Publicity of Conti!ibutions made for campaign purposes, approved June 25, 1910. An Act authorizing the President to make withdrawals of public lands in certain cases, approved June 25, 1910. An Act authorizing the issue of twenty millions in bonds for use in completing irrigation projects, approved June 25, 1901. Senator Gamble was very active during the last session of Congress in seeking to promote legislation upon the subject of conservation. He is a member of the Committee on Public Lands in the Senate, that had this subject under consideration. Senator Gamble has taken an active interest in the opening of the Indian reservations west of the river, and he took the in- itiative in the opening of the lands in Gregory and in Tripp counties, aggregating about one million and a half acres. Two vears since he passed a bill opening three million of acres on the Standing Rock and Cheyenne Indian reservations, and during the past years two bills opening about one million five hundred -thousand acres an the Rosebud and Pine Ridge Indian reservations, and also passed through the senate two bills opening the remaining lands of on the Standing Rock and Cheyenne res- ervations, aggregating two million two thousand acres. The area opened under these bills aggregates upwards to ten millions of acres and leaves practically about two million five hundred thousand acres still within the reservations which soon it is expected will be opened to settlement. The appropriations carried on the foregoing bills in payment by the government for the school lands aggregate nearly eight hundred thousand dollars. Some years since he passed a bill referring to the Court of Claims the matter of the Forfeited Annuities of the Sisseton Indians and a judgment was recovered in their favor which was affirmed by the Supreme Court of the United States, aggregating nine hundred thousand dollars. An examination of the Congressional Record shows that Sen- ator Gamble has succeeded among other matters, in enacting the following legislation of interest to his state. The following measures passed both houses during the present session of con- gress and are now laws: Senate Bill 183 provided for the opening to settlement of approximately 800,000 acres of land on the Rosebud Indian Res- ervation and carries an appropriation of $125,000 for the pay- ment by the government to the Indians for land for the benefit of the common schools of the state. Senate Bill 2341 provides for the opening to settlement of approximately 750,000 acres of land on the Pine Ridge Indian ROBERT J. GAMBLE 69 Reservation and carries an appropriation of $125,000 for the pay- ment by the government to the Indians for the benefit of the common schools of the state. Senate Bill 3788 providing for the payment to Horace C. Dale, administrator, for reimbursement for property taken for agency purpose on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservaton, $2,515. Senate Bill 4473, providing for the payment to Rasmus K. Hafses, a contractor of Aberdeen, S. D., for balance withheld on account of construction of an Indian School at Bismark, N. D. Senate Bill 193 providing for the payment of the amount due James D. Elliott for services as United States District Attorney for South Dakota, $2,500. Senate Bill 6736 referring to the Court of Claims for deter- mination by that Court as to the title of the Yankton Indians to the Pipestone Reservation in Minnesota. Senate Bill 4016 extending the time for the completion of a bridge across the Missouri river at Yankton for the Winnipeg, Yankton & Gulf Railway Company. Senate Bill 6229 extending the time for the completion of a bridge across the Missouri river at Yanton for the Yankton, Norfolk & Southern Railway Company. Senate Bill 187 for the erection of a public building at Rapid City to cost $100,000, which was included in the omnibus public building bill. Senate Bill 2925 to increase the limit of cost for the public building at Sioux Falls from $100,000 to $190,000, which was increased by the omnibus public building bill to $200,000. Senate, Bill 186 for the erection of a public building at Brookings to cost $76,000, which was included in the omnibus public building bill. Amendment to the omnibus building bill providing for the purchase of a site for a public building at Madison, $10,000. Amendment to the omnibus building bill providing for the purchase of a site for a pubilc building at Redfleld, $10,000. Senator Gamble also reported Senate Bill 3286 providing for the increase in the payment for the school lands on the Standing Rock and Cheyenne River Indian Reservations for $1.25 an acre to $2,50 an acre, and substituted a house bill therefore, which passed the senate. Senator Gamble also introduced and passed through the Sen- ate in addition to the foregoing, the following measures: Senate Bill 5121 for the restoration of annuities to the Santee Sioux Indians, which refers to the Court of Claims the matter in difference between these Indians and the Government on forfeited 70 WHO'S WHO IN SOUTH DAKOTA annuities, which are claimed by the Indians to aggregate some- thing like $1,000,000. Senate Bill 640 to establish a U. S. Land Office at LeBeau, S. D. Senate Bill 7676 providing for the payment to the Mission Farm Company and certain individuals for damage occasioned by fire on the Rosebud Indian Reservation, $6,500. Senate Bill 3284 providing for the opening of all the re- maining surplus and unallotted lands in the Standing Rock and Indian Reservation in North and South Dakota embracing 1,123,- 000 acres and carrying an appropriation of $180,000 for the payment to the Indians for.lands for the benefit of the common schools of the state. Senate Bill 3285 providing for the opening of all the re- maining surplus and unallotted lands in the Cheyenne River In- dian Reservation in South Dakota embracing 1,210,000 acres and carrying an appropriation of $160,000 for the payment to the Indians for lands for the benefit of the common schools of the state. In addition to the foregoing Senator Gamble passed through both houses, and they are now laws, twenty-three special pension bills for the veterans of the Civil War, residents of this state.