Ohio History Journal

614        Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

 

HISTORY OF AKRON

A Centennial History of Akron 1825-1925, published under the

auspices of the General Committee of the City's First Cen-

tennial Celebration, July 19-23, 1925, and the editorial direc-

tion of the Historical Committee, Oscar E. Olin, LL. D.,

Mr. J. M. (Ada E.) Allen and Edwin W. Brouse; Man-

aging Editor, James A. Braden.

This book presents the remarkable progress of the city of

Akron from its humble beginning one hundred years ago to the

present time. It is one of the best city histories that has come

to our notice. It is absolutely free from advertising features

and contains a wealth of material on the institutions and indus-

tries of Akron. It opens with a general history of the city cov-

ering 122 pages followed by thirty-three special articles by citi-

zens of Akron who are qualified to write with authority on the

chapters assigned them. The volume includes 666 neatly printed

pages of small octavo size. No one interested in the growth and

commanding importance of this industrial city can afford to be

without it. It is published at a very moderate price without any

thought of profit and deserves a place in every public library of

Ohio. It has an ample table of contents that the average reader

will find a sufficient guide to the chapters of the book but it de-

serves and should have had in addition a carefully prepared index.

 

BROOKS AND BURLINGAME

Among the papers left by Governor James E. Campbell re-

lating to the challenge of Anson Burlingame by Preston S. Brooks,

is a copy of a communication published in the New York Tribune

of July 28, 1856. This is signed by Lewis D. Campbell and sets

forth fully the circumstances of the challenge and Burlingame's

acceptance of the same. The letter places Burlingame in a favor-

able light and was evidently intended to show conclusively that

it was no fault of his that the parties did not meet at the Clifton

House in Canada opposite the Niagara Falls to settle their "dif-

ferences". In a future issue of the QUARTERLY we will publish

the communication in full.

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Reviews, Notes and Comments              615

 

Judged impartially at this distance, it looks a little as though

neither Brooks nor Burlingame was eager to fight a duel. Of

course each naturally desired the public to think that he was not

lacking in courage to meet the other in mortal combat. While it

would doubtless have been dangerous for Brooks to travel through

the hostile North direct to Canada, had the public been advised of

his going, a journey to the point designated seems not to have

presented any unsurmountable difficulty. The contribution by

Governor Campbell shows pretty clearly that Burlingame was

not eager to fight the duel.

While Brooks was sustained and "vindicated" by the South

that probably did not fully satisfy his conscience. His attack

upon Sumner when the latter was seated at his desk and could

not defend himself, certainly did not reflect favorably upon the

courage of Brooks. In a speech in the House of Representatives

shortly after the assault, Brooks publicly admitted that he took

advantage of Sumner while the latter was seated, because he

knew that he would not have been able to measure strength with

the Senator from Massachusetts if the latter had been face to

face with him on his feet. Reflection upon his rash act and the

storm of indignation that it had aroused against him and his state

probably preyed upon the mind of Brooks and shortened his life.

Burlingame doubtless realized that a duel, even if he should

win and "kill his man", would in the end bring no glory to him

or his cause.

In this connection it is interesting to remember that Lewis

D. Campbell was an uncle of the late Governor James E. Camp-

bell. He was an eminent political leader of his time and worthy

of a monograph by some writer of Ohio history.

 

DEDICATION OF MEMORIAL WING

The Memorial Wing to the Museum and Library building of

the Ohio State Archaeological and Historical Society is rapidly

nearing completion. The bronze statue of the Marching Sol-

dier at the north entrance has for some time been in position.

The bronze tablets in the memorial room have been cast and will

soon be shipped to Columbus. Arrangements are in progress to

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