Congresses. Upon the death of Senator Hanna, Congressman Dick received the unanimous vote of the Republican members of the Ohio legislature as his successor in the United States senate, for both the long and short terms. His election took place March 2, 1904, and his term expires March 3, 1911. He is chairman of the senate committee on Indian Depredations, and is a member of the committee on Naval Affairs, and on Territories.
While in the house of representatives he was chairman of the committee on Militia. He is author of the famous militia bill, popularly known as the "Dick" bill. This act, which became a law in January, 1903, is designed to increase the general efficiency of the national guard of the country, by making it correspond as nearly as possible to the standards set by the regular army, by giving it encouragement and financial support from the national government, and by placing it in time of war directly under the control of the president of the United States. Senator Dick has always been an enthusiastic and progressive national guardsman. For many years he was major and lieutenant-colonel of the 8th regiment Ohio national guard; afterward he was elected brigadier-general, and he now has the rank of major-general, commanding the Ohio national guard. During the Spanish-American war he was in active service, as a lieutenant-colonel of Ohio volunteers, in the Santiago campaign.
As the author of the militia bill of 1903 General Dick has enthusiastic admirers among militiamen throughout the entire country, irrespective of party affiliations; and he has served as president of the Inter-State National Guard Association since its organization in 1900. As the former associate of President McKinley and of Senator Hanna, he is looked upon not only as a leading member of the Republican party in Ohio, but as a strong factor in national politics.
