President Pro Tem. Of The Iowa Senate

There is a constitutional provision making it necessary for the Senate to elect a President pro tempore, in order that, in case the office of Lieutenant Governor should become vacant ad interim the place may be supplied. This is accomplished by the non-appearance of the Lt. Governor during the last hours of the session, the Senate making the appointment and adjourning with the newly appointed officer in the chair. Our Senate conferred this honor upon the Hon. Jos. B. Leake from the county of Scott, upon the nomination of I. Redfield of Dallas, by a nearly unanimous vote. The State Register, in noticing the fact, remarks in connection therewith: “During the excited and protracted night session which ensued, the duties of the office were discharged with unusual ability, and the fact was made manifest that the responsible honor of the elections was well bestowed.” From our personal acquaintance with the gentleman named and the commanding position which he has taken as a legislator, we can readily believe that the compliment was conferred most appropriately.

– Published in the Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, April 16, 1862