Benjamin Harrison Morton 1888 Campaign Handkerchief Political President
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:2834018 | Presidential Campaign: ben harris |
| Year: 1888 |
This red, white, and blue silk handkerchief was produced during Benjamin Harrison's successful 1888 presidential campaign. He is depicted with his running mate Levi P. Morgan. The handkerchief bears the slogans "Our Choice 1888" and "Protection of Home Industries." It measures 22.65 x 20.46 inches (57.53 x 51.96 cm). Benjamin Harrison (1833-1901) was born on his family's farm in North Bend, Ohio. He attended Farmer's College near Cincinnati and later transferred to Miami Universit...y in Oxford. He graduated from that institution in 1852 and went on to read law in Cincinnati. In 1853, Harrison married Caroline Scott and the couple moved to Indianapolis, where Benjamin Harrison set up a successful law practice. He also became involved in the newly formed Republican Party. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Harrison helped to raise the 70th Indiana Infantry regiment and served with distinction. When the war ended, Harrison returned to Indianapolis and resumed his law practice and political activities. He ran unsuccessfully for governor of Indiana in 1876 and was elected to the U. S. Senate in 1881. Harrison was chosen as the Republican nominee for President in 1888. During the campaign he supported a high tariff to protect American industries against foreign competition. Harrison won the election and during his term in office, Congress raised the tariff and passed acts relating to coining silver money and regulating monopolies. The United States also became more involved in foreign affairs. Harrison ran unsuccessfully for re-election in 1892. Many of his policies had proved unpopular and his wife was terminally ill, which limited his campaigning. Harrison died in 1901.
