STEPHEN MALLORY WHITE

STEPHEN MALLORY WHITE

CALIFORNIA STATESMAN

PETER THOMAS CONMY

Director of Historical Research

N. S. G. W. 1956

Dolores Press, S.F.

pg. 1

On June 9, 1887, in Los Angeles was instituted Ramona Parlor No. 109, Native Sons of the Golden West. On that occasion one of the charter members of the new parlor, and the one who was elected Past President, was a young and distinguished attorney, Stephen M. White. At that time only thirty-four years of age he already was a leader in the affairs of California, and within twelve months was destined to become known nationally as the temporary chairman of the Democratic National Convention. Like so many others who rose to great prominence in the affairs of the United States, this man was of humble and obscure birth. The role which he played in the political determination of his party until his death in 1901 was as unusual as it was great. It was unusual because it was exercised in a period of history when the west was still new, when California was regarded as an outpost, and, actually, was, in national terms, numerically weak for political considerations. These facts of themselves strip the importance of White as a local favorite son, and endow his career with the personal attributes of mind and heart to which it was due. As a result he must be regarded in history as one of the greatest of Californians.

It appears best to present this sketch of the life of Senator White under the following topics, (1) birth and parents, (2) education and profession, (3) political career, (4) senatorship, (5) Native Son and place in California history, (6) religion and death.

Birth and parents. Stephen Mallory White, was born in a little cottage in San Francisco on January 19, 1853. At that time the now great metropolis was a small city and the street on which he was born was in the outskirts although now it is very definitely downtown. This cottage was located on Taylor Street between Tyler and Turk Sts. As both Taylor and Tyler Sts. entered Market St. at the same point the euphony of names was confusing and the name of Tyler St. was changed later to Golden Gate Avenue. White's parents both were native of Ireland. His father, William F. White, was a farmer in the River Shannon country but migrated to the United States in indignation at the treatment that tenant farmers were receiving at the hands of British Landlords. His mother also was a native of Ireland. Her maiden name was Fannie Russell and she was brought to the United States at an early age, an orphan, and raised by relatives in Florida. William White and Fannie Russell were married in Savannah in 1848 and after learning of the discovery of gold came to California arriving in 1849. They settled in San Francisco where their first child, Stephen, was born in 1853.

pg. 2

From his parents the future United States Senator received a great inheritance. His own stature undoubtedly reflects theirs. His mother, orphaned early, was raised in Florida by relatives, one of whom was Stephen Mallory for many years United States Senator from that state and Secretary of the Navy in the Confederate cabinet.(¹) His father, born in Ireland, shared the arbor of the resentment of his fellow citizens over the bondage and vassaldom of their country. In the United States he was first a farmer in Pennsylvania, then a publisher of a weekly newspaper in New York City and finally an official of the New York custom house. In California he was first a San Francisco marchant (sic), but soon moved to Santa Cruz County where he farmed near Watsonville. In politics for many years he was an active member of the Democratic Party. In 1861 and 1862 he was a member of the state convention, and in 1864 served as vice president thereof. In that year, also, he was a candidate for presidential elector in favor of George B. McClellan. In 1878 he served as a member of the Constitutional Convention representing Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito Counties. At this time he broke with the Democratic Party over the labor issue and joined the Workingman's Party by which he was nominated for governor in 1880. At that election Hon. George C. Perkins, Republican, was elected receiving 67,965 votes, but White received 44,482 votes and Hugh J. Glenn, the Democratic Candidate 47,646 votes. These figures show that White was a strong even though unsuccessful candidate. In addition to his busy life in politics and in farming this man also found time to write in 1887 a book called, A Picture of Pioneer Life in California.(²) His political career included an appointment as State Banking Commissioner by Governor Irwin. William F. White died in Oakland on May 16, 1890. These few bare facts in the lives of William and Fannie Russell White should be sufficient to show that the family background of the later and the public career of the former must have supplied an inspiration for their son, Stephen.

Education and profession. When Stephen White was of very tender age his parents moved from their Taylor Street home in San Francisco to the El Pajaro Valley where, as was stated above, his father took up farming. The time came when the boy should be educated. At first he received instruction at home from one of Mr. White's sisters and then attended a private school near Watsonville. At age sixteen entered St. Ignatius College in San Francisco where he studied for about a year and a half. Then he enrolled in Santa Clara College from which he graduated with the B.S. Degree in 1871. White was noted in later years as one of the foremost orators of the nation. It appears that this ability was being developed during his college days for at the close of the academic year 1869 he participated in a forensic activity at St. Ignatius.

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¹ The Mallory family was prominent in the political affairs of Florida. Stephen Russell Mallory (1812-1873) was United States Senator from Florida 1851-1861. His son also named Stephen Russell Mallory (1848-1907) was a member of the House of Representatives 1891-95 and United States Senator from Florida from 1897 until his death in 1907.

² This was written under a pseudonym, William Grey.

pg. 3

The closing exercises of the college were held on the evenings of June 24^th and 25^th. The introductory of the first evening was written by James Campbell and delivered by Alfred Kelly. “The Isle of the West,” an original English poem was delivered by its author, Robert Tobin, Jeremiah F. Sullivan followed with an essay on Astronomy. John A. Hicks showed his ability in a Greek Anacreontic, “To the Lily of St. Aloysius.” The debate which succeeded was participated in by A. J. Kelly, Stephen M. White, Charles Skidmore and James Campbell, under the chairmanship of James Ryan.3

The above quotation is not the only reference to White's career at old St. Ignatius. The following summarizes his work and attitudes as a student:

In the college catalogue (sic) for the scholastic year 1867-68, we find for the first time the name of one who was destined to be in after years, California's brightest ornament, Stephen M. White. With his brother, Edward, he entered the second class of grammar during the year, and achieved distinction in it, being among the foremost in conduct and application.4

After graduation from Santa Clara, White returned to Watsonville to prepare for the legal profession. For ten months he worked in A. W. Blair's office in that city. For a year he was with Albert Hayes in Santa Cruz and eight months with C. B. Younger in the same city. On April 14, 1874 he was admitted to practice by the Supreme Court of California.

Los Angeles was recognized by White as a coming center of trade and industry and he determined to practice his profession in this new field rather than in the El Pajaro Valley. In Los Angeles he went through the starvation period characteristic of young lawyers. He entered into partnership first with John B. Bicknelle and in 1886 with Erskine Ross who later was elevated to the Federal bench. On June 5, 1883 in the Cathedral of St. Vibiana at Second and Main Sts. White was united in marriage of Hortense Sacriste and subsequently they became parents of four children, two boys and two girls.

As a practitioner Stephen M. White was very successful. It is not possible in this sketch to give a detailed account of his contributions. There is one great case, however, in which he was one of the attorneys of record. This was in collaboration with the Solicitor General of the United States and the Attorney General of California in arguing for the constitutionality of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1888. After harassing litigation the Supreme Court of the United States on May 13, 1889 handed down a decision in favor of the law. 5

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3 Riordan, Joseph W., The First Half Century of St. Ignatius Church and College 1855-1905, p. 156 (San Francisco: H. S. Crocker, 1905).

4 Ibid, p. 150.

5 This is known as the Chinese Exclusion Case, Chae Chan Ping v United States, 130 U.S. 581. Mr. Justice Stephen J. Field delivered the opinion of the court.

pg. 4

Several years after he was dead White was described as follows in a history of bench and bar:

He was deeply learned in the law, and a memory of unusual tenacity rendered his resources available.

His preparation for trial was careful and elaborate. In the conduct of a case he did not indulge in unnecessary cross examination, frivolous objection, or prolix argument. He treated opponents with courtesy; Judges with deference. His forensic and senatorial arguments were remarkable both for construction and delivery, exhibiting the culture of the scholar, the skill of the dialectician and the power of the orator. His conduct of professional business and intercourse with brother lawyers were marked by courtesy and kindness. Strictly faithful to the interests of his client, he was ready to extend any professional favor not inconsistent with duty.6

Political career. The political career of Stephen White followed naturally that of his father, who had been a Democrat but in 1878 had broken away and joined the Workingman's Party. Stephen became a Democrat when he attained his majority in 1874. He appears to have been active in the organization and as early as 1880 was on the committee on resolution of the State Convention.7 He apparently, therefore, did not support his father's candidacy for Governor on the Workingman's ticket that year. In 1884 he was temporary chairman of the Democratic State Convention and when the permanent organization was perfected he was elected president. In 1886 he again was temporary chairman, and in 1888 was a member of the platform committee. In that same year also, he was sent as delegate at large to the Democratic National Convention at St. Louis. The alternate delegates at large were Robert M. Fitzgerald and Maurice T. Dooling.8 He was also in that year a delegate to the national convention in Chicago. In both 1896 and in 1900 he again was chosen a delegate to the national convention. Because of his intense activity in his party White became recognized as the leading democrat in California.

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6 Willoughby Rodman, History of the Bench and Bar of Southern California, p. 258 (Los Angeles: William J. Porter, 1909).

7 For White's participation in the affairs of the Democratic Party see W. J. Davis, History of Political Conventions in California, 1849-1892 Sacramento: State Library, 1892).

8 Maurice T. Dooling (see note below) and Robert M. Fitzgerald were both Grand Presidents of the Native Sons of the Golden West. Robert Mullins Fitzgerald was born January 7, 1858, and died January 3, 1934. He was one of Oakland's leading lawyers, and his firm still is called Abbott and Fitzgerald. He was Grand Orator 1888-89, Grand Trustee 1889-90, Grand Vice President 1890-91 and Grand President 1891-92. By appointments from Grand President Mooser (1914-15) and Grand President Davis (1915-16) he served during their terms as a member of the Board of Appeals.

9 R. F. Del Valle was the first president of Ramona Parlor No. 109. Jackson Hatch, a member of Mt. Lassen Parlor No. 15 of Red Bluff was Grand Orator 1887-88. Later he moved to San Jose and was a member of Garden City Parlor No. 82.

pg. 5

Indeed when his death was reported the Oakland Tribune published an article by Hatton entitled, “White's Death Clears Road for Phelan.”10 In this respect it must be pointed out that under the system whereby the legislature elected the United States Senators, a candidate needed to be regarded as a very strong party leader, more so perhaps, than under the present system where senators are elected by the people directly.

In 1882 White was the Democratic nominee for the office of District Attorney of Los Angeles County and was elected. He served the full term of four years and was both a popular and effective prosecutor. Mosher, writing in 1903, said,

“His administration of this office was brilliant and able to a degree. He became a terror to evil doers in all their various varieties. His prosecution of a case spelled conviction for the guilty.”11

White's ambitions outstretched the confines of Los Angeles County and in 1886 he was elected a state senator. At the ensuing session he was chosen president pro tem; and after the death of Governor Bartlett and Lt. Gov. Waterman's accession to the governorship White became Acting Lt. Governor, from and after September 13, 1887. Edith Dobie cites a letter to White from his friend English which suggests that he visited the 1888 session of the Grand Parlor to meet the delegates from the remote sections of the state preparatory to campaigning for governor.12 Such, however, seems not to have been his purpose. The position to which he aspired was United States Senator, a position at that time filled by the legislature. The death of Senator George Hearst, a Democrat, on February 28, 1891, with two years of his term unserved might have made White's election possible, but Governor Markham was a Republican and gave his support to Charles N. Felton who was elected on March 19^th.

The term of Leland Stanford, Republican, expired on March 4, 1891, and it was to this position that White aspired. In the fall of 1890 he had stumped the state urging the voters to elect a Democratic legislature which in turn would name him United States Senator. The Republicans, however, received a substantial majority of the seats and Stanford was re-elected on January 13, 1891. White's opportunity, however, came in 1892 when Cleveland was elected President. The Democratic bent of the nation reflected itself in California. The legislature which convened in 1893 consisted of 59 Democrats, 51 Republicans, 8 Populists, and 1 Independent. When the question of electing a United States Senator came up, one of the Populists, the Independent and all of the Democrats voted for White and elected him for the term from March, 1893, to March, 1899.

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10 George F. Hatton, “White's Death Clears the Road for Phelan”, Oakland Tribune February 23, 1901. p. 7

11 Leroy E. Mosher, Stephen M. White, California Citizen, Lawyer, Senator, His Life and Work, a Character Sketch; I, p. 8 (Los Angeles: Times-Mirror, 1903.)

12 Edith Dobie, The Political Career of Stephen Mallory White; A Study of Party Activities Under the Convention System. (Stanford: University Press, 1937).

pg. 6

White's election to the Senate gave a national office to one who had already become a national figure in the counsels of his party. In 1888 he had been temporary chairman of the Democratic National Convention. In 1892 he made the official address of notification of nomination for Vice President to Adlai E. Stevenson 13 In 1896 he was the permanent chairman of the convention. Mosher makes the following significant comment on this phase of White's career.

At the convention of 1892 and 1896 Senator White was a foremost figure in the counsels of the delegates. The writer of this sketch was present at both these conventions and speaks by the card. It was an open secret at Chicago in 1896 that but for the proscriptive anti-Catholic organization known as the American Protective Association, or the A.P.A., then flourishing and aggressive in many parts of the country and particularly in the West, Senator White might have been the nominee of the convention for the Presidency instead of Mr. Bryan. His name under constant discussion in Chicago in that connection and in connection with the Vice Presidency. Had Mr. White not been of the Roman Catholic faith he stood more than a fighting chance for the presidential nomination in the year.”14

Native Son and Place in California. Among his many activities and accomplishments, Stephen M. White was an active and ardent member of the Native Sons of the Golden West. Active in the formation of Ramona Parlor No. 109 of Los Angeles, he was initiated at the time of its institution and was there elected the charter past president of the parlor. In 1888, he was a delegate to the 11^th Session of the Grand Parlor in Fresno and in 1892 to the 15^th Session held in Los Angeles. The years 1893-1899 in which he represented California in the United States Senate were busy ones and he lacked the time for the organization that heretofore he had given. Nevertheless his membership was noted and his biographer writes,

While Senator White was strongly domestic in his tastes he was also a man among men. He was a member of the Bohemian Club of San Francisco, of the California, Newman and Sunset Clubs of Los Angeles, and many other organizations. He was especially prominent in the councils or “parlors” of the unique organization known as the “Native Sons of the Golden West,” an organization exclusive to those born upon California soil.15

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13 This was done at Madison Square Garden in New York and brought White to prominence in that city.

14 Mosher, op. Cit., p. 10. In addition to this quotation the writer adds to the same that he was told by the late Robert P. Troy of San Francisco Parlor No. 49 who was Senator White's Secretary at that time and who was with him at the 1896 convention that it was only his membership in the Catholic Church that prevented his being nominated as Cleveland's running mate.

15 Mosher, op. Cit. I, p. 14.

pg. 7

The Native Sons of the Golden West has been a much misunderstood organization.16 It was founded to perpetuate the memory of the pioneers and to preserve and disseminate California history. White was a son of pioneers. He honored their memory well in his short life that spanned but two years short of a half century. On more than one occasion through his mighty oratory, he paid tribute to his state and to those who founded it. One of these was on September 9, 1893 when he was the principal speaker at the World's Fair in Chicago. This address shows not only his superb understanding of the contribution of our forefathers, but his profound knowledge of the position of California. A few excerpts will make this evident.

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16 For a discussion of the fundamental purposes of the Native Sons see Peter T. Conmy, The Origins and Purposes of the Native Sons and Native Daughters of the Golden West (San Francisco: N.S.G.W., 1956).

pg. 8

As I have said, the facts attendant upon the admission of our state were peculiar. The condition being as I have described it, upon the circulation of the news of the discovery of gold in large quantities, thousands left their homes in the Eastern, Middle, Southern and Western States, expecting to secure with slight effort an ample supply of the coveted metal and then to return to their firesides, wealthy, happy, and prepared for the joys of opulence. These were the California pioneers. It did not take them long to learn the advantages and necessities of statehood. They met in convention, framed their constitution, presented it to Congress, procured its ratification, and our state sprang into existence without infancy or probation – Minerva-like and absolutely complete.

State pride is but another name for appreciation of national glory. The sons and daughters of each of our commonwealths delight to sing the praises and repeat the incidents of their respective birthplaces. Yet, in the assembled splendor of all, the American citizen finds his chief source of gratification; and hence, if we, and especially those of us who are natives of California, shall seem extravagant in our laudations (sic) or partial in our views, we shall not thereby forfeit the esteem of our fellows, for the competition in which we are engaged is an effort for the promotion of universal welfare.

The California pioneers were a remarkable band of men, and my address would be a manifestation of base ingratitude if I did not say something of them. When accounts of the new El Dorado reached the eastern part of the Union the ambition of the energetic and dauntless elements was excited beyond description. Graduates of universities, youth raised amidst polite and pleasant surroundings, saw in the vista an opportunity for sudden affluence and the consequent realization of fervid desire. Ardent, gallant, hopeful, they bade their mothers and fathers, their sweethearts, their sisters and brothers. Those who had lived near the Eastern sea shore chose the ocean route. Those who started from the interior selected the plains. Some there were whose wives, and a few there were children embarked upon the dubious undertaking. It was necessity true that but a small minority of the pioneer Californians anticipated the perils in store for them. The feeble hearted soon gave up and early resumed their farmer methods. But those of whom it might be said that they established California, while disappointed by the unfavorable aspect of their new contract, threw aside all that was useless and began to work for the fulfillment of their hopes. They had been home in safety around the stormy Cape, over the malarial isthmus; they had escaped the indescribable horrors of the desert; they had lived though starvation seemed imminent; had escaped from the savages' hands, and firmly resolved to carve out a career of greatness, they scattered over California's surface, devoting themselves mainly to mining and to those commercial transactions which naturally accompanied that avocation. They scaled the high Sierras, they thronged the deep canyon, until its fastness rang with the hum of their energy...17

Stephen M. White, although not the first native Californian to attain high office nor the first to sit in the Congress, was the first to reach the Senate. In his elevation to the senatorship he attained the highest honor that heretofore had been accorded a native Californian of the American period.18

His political career won for him a national reputation for ability, courage and integrity. But as a product of California, he was an exponent also of her resources, her traditions and her lore. He was at the same time one of her interval builders. He goes down into history as a great American, and undoubtedly the greatest Californian of his day. Writes James,

I would that every young man and woman in the state might read and know his history and some of his most powerful speeches. Not only would they be fired thereby to a higher zeal, a truer patriotism, a nobler principal, but they would also acquire a knowledge of the battles that a community often has to fight to gain its expressed will...19

That White was the greatest Californian of his day was recognized by the Native Sons of the Golden West. As he died on February 21, 1901, official recognition of this by Grand Parlor normally would have been made at the April, 1902, session. But the waiting of so long a period was too great a formality and at the 1901 session he was eulogized by his friend of long standing, the then Grand Trustee Maurice T. Dooling.20

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17 This address has been preserved in Mosher, op. cit. II, pp. 319-334

18 Ramaulo Pacheco, born in California in 1831, was a member of the House of Representatives from 1877 to 1883. He was born under the Spanish flag at San Luis Obispo. In addition to serving in the House of Representatives he served several terms in the State Senate, one as State Treasurer, one as Lt. Governor, during which the Governor resigned and he became Governor.

19 George Wharton James, Heros of California, p. 458 (Boston: Little, Brown Co., 1910.)

20 Maurice T. Dooling, born in Sacramento on October 12, 1860, was for many years Judge of the Superior Court of San Benito County. In 1913 by President Wilson he was appointed United States District Judge for the Northern District of California. He held this position until his death on November 4, 1924. He was Grand President, 1907-08.

pg. 9

Following this a long and beautiful memorial was presented by the committee on resolutions and adopted. The committee was composed of Herman C. Lichtenberger of Raomna Parlor No. 109 (White's own parlor), Adolph Ramish of Los Angeles Parlor No. 45, and George L. Sackett of Cabrillo Parlor No. 114 of Ventura. This tribute was adopted by a rising vote. In part it read:

He lived the precepts of a true Native Son. Loyalty was the basic rock upon which he built his splendid career. His friendship was as true and as binding as steel, and he held fast in adversity and prosperity to those whose worth he had come to love. His charity knew no bounds, but the limits of his power to help.21

In 1902 the Proceedings carry the tribute automatically prepared by the Grand Secretary. Following his death a movement started in Los Angeles to erect a monument to his memory, and the Native Sons contributed $871.50 to this. From 1902 to 1936 the Grand Parlor Proceedings do not carry the name of Stephen M. White. On February 25, 1925, there was instituted by Grand President Edward J. Lynch at San Pedro, Sepulveda Parlor No. 263. At the 1936 session a petition from the parlor was received requesting the Grand Parlor to change the name of this parlor, Sepluveda No. 263 to Stephen M. White Parlor No. 263. This was authorized by Resolution No. 17, the preamble reading, “to grant that parlor permission to change the name of Sepulveda Parlor No. 263 to Stephen M. White Parlor No. 263 in honor of a prominent Native son.”22

Thus did the Native Sons of the Golden West pay tribute thirty-five years after his death, to one of their own members who was, in his day, the greatest of living Californians.

Senatorship. At the time that White took his oath of office as United States Senator (March 4, 1893), Grover Cleveland was being inaugurated as President of the United States. Aside from the tariff which the Republicans wanted to be high and the Democrats low, one of the great issues in the country was that of control of corporate business. It must be remembered that in a country that had been and still was largely a frontier, governmental control had been light. Business had developed rapidly and the idea of organizing commercial ventures as corporations as against the system of individual entrepreneurs or that of partnership became popular. The result was the multiplication of corporations, the forming of subsidiary corporations, the monopolization of certain businesses by the formation of trusts, and the entrance of corporations into politics to control legislation.

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21 Grand Parlor, N.S.G.W., Proceedings Twenty-Fourth Annual Session 1901, pp. 262-64.

22 Grand Parlor, N.S.G.W., Proceedings Fifty-Ninth Session, 1936, p. 115.

pg. 10

The labor movement was incipient. There was a growing feeling that an age of big business was crushing the small man and people were urged to organize for their protection. It was suggested that government had fallen into the hands of those friendly to the demands of business and that legislation was being enacted without consideration of its effects upon the poor.

This was the state of the nation when Senator Stephen M. White, Democrat, from California, took his seat. He was definitely on the side of the little man as opposed to business. Almost from the day he entered the senate White stood out as a leader of his party. At that time there were only fourty-four (sic) states and he shone forth as one of the outstanding eighty-eight senators.23 During his six-year term White spoke on many matters.24 Perhaps his longest struggle and at the same time greatest achievement were his efforts with respect to San Pedro Harbor. In 1891, a Board of Engineers had surveyed the situation and recommended that a harbor be built at San Pedro at a cost of $3,000,000. In 1892 this report was reviewed and endorsed by another Board of Engineers. In 1895, however, the bill providing for this was recommended for passage with an amendment calling for an additional $2,900,000 for a harbor at Santa Monica. The Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce was for the San Pedro Harbor. The Southern Pacific Railroad Co., then a potent factor in California politics, wanted the harbor to be at Santa Monica. Senator White's position was that (1) the matter should be determined by engineering experts, (2) that this had been done, (3) that if there were doubt about the recommendations of the experts, another board of engineers be empaneled. This matter was before the Senate on numerous occasions. White delivered two eloquent and convincing addresses on the subject, on May 9, and May 12, 1896. In the long run he won his point, but in so doing he incurred the ill will of Southern Pacific. He grew in popular stature, however, and when the battle was over the defeated President of Southern Pacific said to him,

White, I like and respect you. You are almost always against us, but it is not what you can make out of us to come over. You have a steadfast principle and you fight like a man, in the open, and with clean weapons. I cannot say that of all the public men I have had to deal with.25

The building of the harbor after a parliamentary struggle of five years, proved to be a stimulation to business and industry. Writing in 1955 the California historian, Rockwell D. Hunt, reminisces as follows:

But what of industry? I moved to Los Angeles in 1908; large scale industry was almost lacking. “Factories, Factories,” was the cry. But now look. Senator Stephen M. White and associates created a splendid free harbor at San Pedro. Then came factories, singly and by troops, till we are hearing the plaint, “It is enough.”26

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23 States admitted after 1893 were Utah (1896) Oklahoma (1907) Arizona (1910) and New Mexico (1910).

24 Most of the important addresses made by White in the Senate are reprinted in Mosher, op. cit.

25 Mosher, op. cit. I, p. 14. The President of Southern Pacific was Collis P. Huntington.

pg. 11

One of White's first great addresses in the Senate was on the Remonetization of Silver. This was delivered on September 21, 1893. On November 2^nd he made a strong plea for the retention of Chinese Exculsion (sic). In this he was expressing the sentiments of the people of California. There have been writers who have questioned the California attitude toward the Chinese. Those writers live in the twentieth century and view the problem in the light of present-day Chinese who are a respectable element in many California communities. Three quarters of a century ago the Chinese were living by standards that were a menace to health and far below the social norm of the United States. They were working for cheap wages and were offensive to labor. They were importing opium. It is true, of course, that among them there were upright and respectable people, but for the most part they were socially unacceptable. This was brought out by White in his address:

Mr. President, I am as charitable and kind-hearted I trust, as any man who is within this Chamber, or elsewhere. I would as quickly, I hope as anyone else put myself out to alleviate suffering and perform those duties which charity enjoins upon a Christian. But I am confronted with a situation that threatens ruin to my own people; and when I am called upon to choose between them and an alien race incapable of virtue and unappreciative of vice, then I stand by my own hearthstone and guard my own home.27

On July 31, 1896 White spoke in favor of Silver Coinage and Coin Redemption, endorsing the platform on the Democratic Party. He was not in favor of United States interference in Hawaiian affairs, and opposed the annexation of the islands. Part of his objection was because of his fear of imperialism. This was strictly in accordance with his belief that big business would benefit by American colonies. He believed, also, that legally the Hawaiian Islands could not be annexed, unless as a state. The United States, he argued, may purchase territory or acquire it by a treaty, but it cannot annex a free people, or sovereign country, except as a sovereign state. He pointed out that the Republic of Texas, a free country, had been annexed as a state on an equal footing with the other states. To do otherwise, was imperialistic, according to White.

One of his last addresses in the Senate made on January 23, 1899 (his term expired on March 4^th) was on the acquisition of the Philipines (sic). White urged that this country, freed from Spain, which might be protected by the United States, must be assured her eventual independence.

On April 16, 1898, Senator White made an eloquent plea against declaring war on Spain. He was not a pacifist, but he believed that there was no justification for declaring war because of the explosion on the Battleship Maine.

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26 Hunt, Rockwell D. “Mr. California,” Autobiography of Rockwell D. Hunt, p. 354 (San Francisco: Fearon Publishers, 1956).

27 Mosher, op. cit. I, p. 99.

pg. 12

As a lawyer the evidence that the bomb was of Spanish governmental origin was to him inconclusive. For several years when Cuban affairs were discussed on the floor of the senate, White had consistently spoken against intervention. His vote against declaring war was in line with is previous stand. This required a great deal of courage. He was respected highly, however, even by those who believed that war was necessary. A half-century and more appears to have vindicated his position.

On January 20, 1899, Senator White made a long address to the senate then considering the Nicaragua Canal Bill. This address was not on the merits of that bill but on the action of the legislature of California in sending to him and his colleague, Senator Perkins, instructions to vote for ratification of the treaty of peace with Spain. What White had to say dealt with the right of a legislature to instruct the United States Senators. It was his position that a senator elected for a term of six years must be left to the dictates of his conscience in determining his vote on matters pending before senate. A legislature as well as a private citizen may recommend but a legislature should not by official action instruct a senator.

In this short sketch of White's life it is not possible to present a complete history of his term in the senate. It is hoped that what has been included here will show his rare ability, his great statesmanship, and his complete sincerity. His term expired on March 4^th, 1899. Re-election for another term of six years appeared out of the question. The California Legislature at that time was composed of 85 Republicans, 1 Independent and 34 Democrats. Had the election been by popular vote he undoubtedly would have stood election, and would have had a fair chance of success.28 There were many who believed that the legislature was unable to agree on a successor and his place in the Senate remained vacant until February 8, 1900 when Hon. Thomas R. Bard, Republican, of Hueneme, Ventura County, was chosen. Governor Gage, Republican, and warm personal friend, did appoint White a regent of the University of California in March, 1899, immediately upon the expiration of his term as senator.

Religion and death. Born of pious Irish parents, Stephen White inherited the Catholic faith from them, and all his life was an active member of that church. He lived at a a time when religious toleration was not as advanced as it is now, and it was heard frequently that the religious issue had been raised in politics. Those Catholics who rose to high political positions had to be men of exemplary character. White certainly was one of these. He was a man with deep faith, and he kept himself close to God. It is related that on the day of 1893 when he was elected United States Senator, he was staying at the Golden Eagle Hotel in Sacramento.

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28 In 1913 the Constitution was amended providing for the election of senators by the people.

pg. 13

It was raining and as he was passing through the lobby, someone inquired where he was going. “To church,” he replied, “You know I am a Catholic and as to-day is in a way the most important in all my life I am going to the Cathedral for a few minutes before starting for the capital.29

After his retirement from the Senate in Los Angeles he addressed the Newman Club, a Catholic Men's organization.30 This lecture is called, “The Decadence of the Past and the Hope of the Future.” This was a most learned presentation. White developed the theme that men should fight for altruistic motives, that is for truth and honor and not for monetary gain. He extolled the sincerity of the early American patriots.

When we won our freedom from those to whom we were opposed in years agone, there were men who tried to teach us the lessons of truth. Were their motives corrupt or were they venal? Surely not. They had stood when the campfire of the Indian illumined the midst of the forest; they had stood and faced the European foe in front of them with the sword of defense in the one hand and the rifle of protestation in the other. They sought to win for themselves freedom from the foreign foe. They won; they accomplished that for which they sought. The erected, not upon the Tiber's bank, but upon Massachusetts Bay and in Philadelphia, a great nation, before which to-day, upon the Fourth of July, we bow the head of gratitude.

They had tried the story of human life. They knew, as my friend has well said this evening, that a Republic based upon intelligence had to be maintained upon patriotism and upon truth. They knew no Republic could live unless dominated by men of brains, freedom, honesty, and fearlessness of expression. They were not striving to form synidicates (sic) or trusts; they were not trying to make oil companies or sugar companies or any other companies dominant in the United States. They stood by the fireside with one hand around the babies of the flock and the other ready to receive the foe; and with eyes uplifted they stood to meet the issue; and they met it; and they won it; and they have transmitted to you and to me the priceless heritage of the freedom thus won, that we might do to ourselves a duty, and to posterity a duty, by defending it forever and forever.

We stand, fellow citizens, in a position grave and peculiar. Are we really fighting in a patriotic war? Are we not rendering this American people tributary to trusts, corporations and money powers? For what are you sacrificing the brave and gallant boys who are at this very moment baring there breasts to the rifles of a foreign foe? Is it to better our condition? What is the truth? Are we really doing it for truth, or are we building up some other system which we will bind around your necks and mine, like the anaconda destined to strangle, and to weaken us.31

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29 Quoted from George F. Hatton, op. cit. (Oakland Tribune).

30 This Newman Club is not connected with any college or university. It is an organization composed of Catholic professional men. It has nothing to do with the Newman club movement among Catholic students in colleges.

pg. 14

This address closed with White's appraisal of the fundamental purpose of American which he conveived (sic) to be human uplift. This, course, is fundamentally a religious motive.

For myself my views are clear. I believe in my country. Her I am ready to defend. On her great shore, from her mountain tops, and from every vale within which she attempts to exercise jurisdiction, I believe it to be the duty of our manhood to rally to the support of the American flag. But I think that her destiny is something more than to subjugate rattle snakes, boa constrictors, Filipinos or Cubans. I look upon her as the typification of the republic of the ages. I regard her as containing within her mighty bosom the truths of centuries, received from those who have striven to elevate virtue, to take women and men and build them up to be higher and better things in the struggling story of mortality. I believe in that, and I summon to that great contest no barbarian horde. If I have anything to say, if my voice may summon from the vast deep, if it may call from the mountain top, if it may bring echoes from the plain, the note will be, “Let us fight that manhood may be better; that it may be purer; that it may be greater.” And, at my side I want intellect, purity, truth, manhood; and, above me the standard of justice.32

Senator White was not well when he came home to California in 1899. His health continued to fail, although he went about his daily tasks. His services as a lawyer were in constant demand.33 His last court appearance was on February 12, 1901, before one of the Superior Courts of the County of Los Angeles. The next several days found him seriously ill. He prepared for the end, and was conscious of “the standard of justice above him.”

Many times as District Attorney he had concluded cases with words, “The People rest, your honor.” As attorney in civil cases he had said either, “the plaintiff rests,” or “the defendant rests,” and now looking forward to meeting the Almighty Judge, this lawyer, who had fought the good fight in life, said to those around his bedside, “The evidence is all in; the case is submitted.”

These were his last words. He had proved himself a great man. He had led a good life. The faith that had been bequeathed him by his Irish father and mother, tenaciously he had adhered to, and to be it, he had been an honor and a glory. His soul passed on at 4:15 A.M. on February 21, 1901 in the city that bears the name of Neustra Senora la Reina de Los Angeles.34

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31 Found in Mosher, op. cit. II, p. 316-18.

32 Ibid

33 He was attorney for the Los Angeles Times, a republican newspaper.

34 This is the official name given when the pueblo was founded in 1791. In English, “Our Lady, Queen of the Angeles.”

pg. 15

His home was located at 1058 South Main Street within the boundaries of the old Cathedral parish. And, here, in the Cathedral of St. Vibiana at Second and Main Sts., his requiem was sung by Most Reverend George Montgomery, Bishop of Monterey and Los Angeles. Eighteen years before the bells of St. Vibiana's had been rung at his nuptial mass. Now, they were tolled at his funeral. Here was the body of a man who had transcended the importance of his own state and had become a national figure. It so happened that the Bishop of Cleveland, Ohio, was visiting Los Angeles at the time, and he delivered the eulogy, representing the entire Catholic Church in the United States.35 Burial followed in Calvary cemetery.

California's Republicans and Democrats alike, mourned the passing of the greatest Californian of his day. Executive, legislative and judicial officers were at his funeral. Newspapers printed editorial tributes. There was a universal recognition that one of the mighty leaders of America had gone. The child born of humble beginnings in San Francisco had reached national fame and prominence, proving that America is a land of opportunity.

Many tributes have been made to the memory of Stephen M. White. Most of these have been formal and official. That he is remembered still is evidenced in smaller tributes that occur from time to time. Stephen M. White Parlor No. 263, N.S.G.W. puts out a monthly bulletin known as The Log. A few years ago the following short but nevertheless important statement written by John Gower appeared, and with it this article is closed.

Senator White was truly the great champion of the Los Angeles Harbor at San Pedro and Wilmington. It was determined nearly a century ago that a great breakwater was necessary for the development of the port. So in 1896 began Senator White's historical fight in the U.S. Senate for an appropriation to start this work and the brilliant California Senator's three day debate with Senator Frye included some of the finest speeches ever heard in the history of the Senate.

It was only when the first rock was dumped on April 26, 1899 that the people were sure that the great fight had been won, then they celebrated for three days – first with the famous barbecue on the hills at the base of the breakwater and second with a marvelous La Fiesta parade in Los Angeles. A grateful people soon subscribed a fund to erect a heroic statue of Senator White, which still stands in the Civic Center.36

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35 Most Rev. Ignatius Horstmann, Bishop of Cleveland.

36 The movement referred to is the Civic Center in downtown Los Angeles. It is the one to which the Native Sons of the Golden West contributed.

Transcribed by: Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.

Source: Conmy, Peter Thomas, Stephen Mallory White California Statesman. N. S. G. W., Dolores Press, San Francisco, CA. 1956