A Souvenir of Massachusetts Legislators 1897 Volume VI

Hardcover. Book Condition: Very Good. A.M. Bridgman, Stoughton, MA 1897. First Edition. 1st Printing. 183 pages. Nice Firm Clean copy ! Light general wear. Size: 8vo 7.75 - 9.75'' tall. PREFACE. Each Legislative Souvenir has its own special features of legislation and legislators to represent. Fortunately the editor is not required to attempt any explanation of the differences he finds in each Legislature. 'His not to reason why.' That is for the voters to pass upon. The Souvenir of 1897 is remarkable in that, for the first time, it represents an Executive Council composed wholly of Republicans. And it is still more remarkable, probably in that this Council includes a Negro, one who was born a slave, but who, by the curious and intricate complications of modern politics in Boston, was elected by his district as one of the constitutional advisers of the Governor. As it is quite improbable that the present generation will again see a Council wholly Republican or a Councillor of Negro blood, this Souvenir of 1897 will have a unique value in this respect at least. And this Councillor came and went among his fellows, in all respects as though the accident of color made no shade of difference between them. The Legislature of 1897, like most Legislatures, had one chief bill to pass upon - that for a new Elevated Railroad for Boston. The bill became law with no suspicion of improper action attaching to it in all its progress, even though almost untold millions were at stake. There were many other measures of great financial importance, even more than usual, while the political legislation was, perhaps, of less moment than usual. Especially noteworthy is the fact that the sessions of the Senate were held in a hall specially provided by finishing for that purpose the upper half of Memorial Hall, a most satisfactory room being thereby provided. The views given elsewhere are doubtless the only views that ever will be published of that room. This Souvenir contains also a special feature in the picture of Tom Meagher, the gallant one-armed veteran of the War, who has been for many years a popular fixture as the 'candy man.' The following pages show you the portraits of the men who made the laws of 1897 and give you also their biographical sketches, the votes for them and their opponents, and the facsimiles of their autographs. A. M. BRIDGMAN, Editor. New England::History New England::Biographies/Memoirs History::Localities History::U.S.A.::Civil War to 1900 6068