Five Days Early

Charles S. Deneen,* ex-Governor of Illinois, contested, last summer, in the Republican primaries for Senator in Illinois. He defeated his opponent, Senator Medill McCormick, and was subsequently elected to the latter's seat. Less than a week before the close of his term, Mr. McCormick died (see above). Republican Floor Leader Senator Curtis communicated post haste with Governor Len Small of Illinois-- every Republican vote was needed on the floor of the Senate in the closing rush of legislation. Promptly Governor Small appointed Mr. Deneen to fill out the five remaining days of Mr. McCormick's term. Mr. Deneen, resting in his Chicago home, discomfited by a cold in the head, rose, girded on his vestments, journeyed to Washington. Next day, Senator McKinley, Illinois colleague, presented Mr. Deneen to the Senate, took him by the arm, escorted him to Senate President Cummins who administered the oath.

*Mr. Deneen, 62, was graduated from McKendree College in 1882. He taught country schools for a time and studied law at night. Later, he went to Chicago, had great trouble getting a job, finally secured one in St. Paul at a dollar a day. Returning to Chicago, he began to teach in a night school to pay expenses while he established a practice. He went into ward politics in the city, gradually rose, acquired some reputation as State's Attorney and then served two terms as Governor (1905-13).