THIS CHAPTER XXI. WILLIAM R. MORRISON. HIS favorite son of the Democracy of Illinois was born in Monroe county, September 14, 1825, and, like most boys in the country, attended the common schools, where he laid the foundation upon which he builded later at McKendree College, Illinois, completing a classical course. He then studied law, and was admitted to the bar, where his talents soon secured him a fairly lucrative practice. In a short time he was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court, and after the expiration of his term was sent to the State House of Representatives. He was re-elected three times, and one term occupied the Speaker's chair. He was elected to the Thirty-eighth, Forty-third, Forty-fourth, Forty-fifth, Forty-sixth, Forty-seventh and Forty-eighth, or present Congress. Speaker Carlisle, recognizing his long experience and great ability, made him Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, which carries with it the leadership of the House. Mr. Morrison has been much talked of for the VicePresidency and Presidency, especially in the West, it being generally conceded that he possesses many elements of popular strength, and would make a most efficient Chief Magistrate. 827 |