 In January 1890, he was chosen chairman of the Democratic state central committee, to fill an unexpired term; he would be re-elected by each succeeding state convention until 1896, when he declined further re-election.His greatest work as chairman was done in the campaign of 1890, and during the session of the legislature following.His party was triumphant in the election of 1890, the year in which the leading
question was that of the Bennett compulsory education law.