USA > Iowa > Dubuque County > History of Dubuque County, Iowa; being a general survey of Dubuque County history, including a history of the city of Dubuque and special account of districts throughout the county, from the earliest settlement to the present time > Part 42
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In the autumn of 1893 there were three tickets in the field in this county-Democrats, Republicans and Citizens-the latter composed of certain Republicans, "Jacksonian" Democrats and dissatisfied Democrats. The Citizens favored rotation in office, opposed third terms, denounced the management of county finances, and de- manded. of course, strict honesty of public servants; they thuis slapped Henderson, candidate for Congress. There were four state tickets-Democratic. Republican, Prohibitionist and People's. The Democrats generally won in this county in November. 1893, by from 300 to 1,500 majority, although there were great Republican gains here and all over the country. For governor, Boies (D.) received in this county 6,174 votes ; Jackson (R.), 2,522: Mitchell (Proh.), 86; Joseph (Peop. or Populist ), 274; for senator, Baldwin (R.), 4,409 : Shields (D.). 4,393: sheriff, Phillips (D.), 4,915; Hayden (R.), 3.771; treasurer, Traut (D.), 4,501 ; Vogel (R.), 4,240; county superintendent, Horchem (R.), 4,349; Regan (D.), 4,318
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In August, 1893, the Republican county convention recommended Col. W. H. Torbert for the Republican nomination for governor.
In the mayoralty election of 1894 the following were the leading issues : (I) decrease of city debt ; (2) reduce expenditures and increase revenues by increasing the saloon licenses, etc. ; (3) vigor- ous use of the mayor's veto power when necessary; (4) equaliza- tion of assessments. The non-partisans made a strong showing. nominated A. W. Daugherty for mayor, and contested every issue hotly. The Democrats nominated Peter Olinger. The Republicans endorsed the non-partisan ticket. The mulct law was much dis- cussed, though all parties and factions here at this election leaned gently and lovingly toward the liquor interests. A tax of $600 per year was laid on all saloons by the mulct law, and was a lien on the saloon property and premises. It was here and elsewhere made a political issue. The cry of the partisans was, "Too much extrava- gance ; retrench and pay the city debt." The result of the election was: For mayor, Olinger (D.), 2,883; Daugherty (R. and Non-P.), 2,442. The whole Democratic ticket was victorious.
In the fall of 1894 the Democrats elected their county ticket. O'Donnell and Husted ( Ds. ) were elected judges over Lyon and Webster (Reps.) by large majorities. The balance of the Demo- cratic ticket had majorities over 716. For Congress, Bashor (D.) received in this county 5,640 to 3.556 for Henderson (R.). There- were but two county tickets-Democrat and Republican.
In the spring of 1895 the Democrats renominated Mr. Olinger for mayor, and the Republicans and Citizens named Mr. Crawford. One of the issues was that of the economy and management neces- sary to meet the refunding of a large portion of the old bonded debt -over $200.000 to become due in 1895-96. The Democrats were mainly successful at the polls; for mayor, Olinger (D.) received 3.593 votes and Crawford (R. and Cit. ), 1,823; recorder, Cooney (R. and C.) won by 258 majority; for treasurer, Gniffke (R. and C.) won by 614 majority ; for city attorney, Knight (D.) won by 718 majority. The Republicans and Citizens elected two alder- men and the Democrats three.
In the fall of 1895 the Democrats, as usual, carried the county by large majorities. On the state ticket there were polled in this county : Babb (D.). 5,202; Drake (R.), 2,815;Crane(Pop.), 185; Bacon (Proh.), 58.
In January, 1896, the grand jury indicted the mayor and eight aldermen on the charge of unlawfully voting and taking larger sala- ries. This charge cut an important figure in the spring elections, though the Democrats renominated Mr. Olinger for mayor. The Citizens nominated T. T. Duffy, and the Republicans endorsed the latter. This was a bitter fight, with charges, recriminations and personalities of the severest stripe. The "salary grab" was the bone of contention. The prejudice against the mayor and council on
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this, wine rooms, extravagance, and other questions, caused the defeat generally of the Democrats. For mayor, Duffy (R. and C.) received 3,900 votes ; Olinger (D.), 2,299; for assessor, Duncan (R. and Cit.), 3.505; Ruegamer (D.), 2,536; the Citizens elected two aldermen and the Democrats three.
In May, 1896, the Democratic state convention was held in Du- buque. There was a large attendance and much enthusiasm. All wanted Allison nominated for President on the Republican ticket.
The campaign of the fall of 1896 was one of the most brilliant ever witnessed here. The Democrats were split on the silver ques- tion and the Republicans were not much better off. "Coin Harvey" expounded his sophistries and philosophies in October, and gained many followers; all admired the ingenuity of his theories. Ad- dresses were made in this county by Boies, Bryan, Tillman, Nugent, Allison. The Democrats of this county did not commit themselves on the silver question at their convention. At the close of the cam- paign it was said by the Herald that the presidential election of 1840 held here was interesting, that of 1860 exciting, that of 1864 absorb- ing, that of 1876 doubtful and nerve-wrecking, and that of 1896 "the most remarkable campaign in the history of the county and country." There registered in Dubuque 7,734 voters, against 6,782 in 1892. Marvelous to relate, Mckinley for President carried Dubuque city, but lost the county by a small majority. Every Republican candidate in Julien township was elected by majorities ranging from 67 to 539. On the national ticket, the following vote was polled in the county: Bryan (D.), 6,492; Mckinley (R.), 5,203 ; Bryan (People's), 78; Palmer (Nat. Dem.), 153; Lever- ing (Pro), 19; Bentley (National). 3; Mattchett (Soc. Lab.), II. There were but two county tickets-Democratic and Republican. Henderson (R.) for Congress beat in this district Staehle (D.) by nearly 11,000 majority. In Dubuque, Henderson received 5,491 and Staehle, 6,482. For county attorney, Michel (R.) received 6,027 and Jess (D.), 6,012. Mckinley carried Dubuque city by 105 majority. Three Democratic county supervisors were elected. The hard-money Democrats assisted in this result here. The Republicans celebrated their victory with a torchlight procession, speeches, etc.
In the spring of 1897 the Democrats nominated John M. Kenety for mayor and the Citizens and Republicans renominated Mr. Duffy. Economy, reduction of the debt and its refunding, vice and wine- rooms, etc., were among the issues. The result was as follows: For mayor, Duffy (C. and R.), 3,267; Kenety (D.) 3.084; re- corder, Langstaff (R. and C.), 3,212; Fitzpatrick (D.), 3,047 ; treasurer, Gniffke (R. and C.), 3,223; Kaufman (D.), 2,939; city attorney, Duffy (D.), 3,479: Webster (R. and C.), 2,751; the Democrats elected all aldermen except one.
In November, 1897, the Democrats swept the county, electing all except the sheriff. Party spirit ran high, good government was
M.C.
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demanded, and personalities were at times bitter and unjust. For sheriff, Duggan (D.) received in the county 4,869 votes, and Hau- denschield (R.), 5,006. For governor, White (D.) received 5,815; Shaw (R.), 3,928; Floyd (Peop.), 29; Cliggitt (Nat. Dem.), 108; Leland (Prohib.), 40; Kremer (Soc. Lab.), 27.
In the spring of 1898 the Democrats nominated, for mayor, Mat- thew Stafford; all opposed to the former Democratic administra- tion united on a "Citizens' ticket," with C. H. Berg for mayor; the latter liad served creditably as alderman, and even the Herald spoke well of him.
In 1898, under the new law, instead of there being elected two aldermen from each ward, there were to be one from each ward and two at large from the whole city, elected by all the voters, just as the mayor was elected. The mayor was to be elected for two years. This change had led politicians to study the situation closely. The leading issue was to reduce expenditures and the city debt, bond and floating. Mr. Berg was elected by 3,397 votes to 2,843 for Mr. Stafford. Elected also on the Citizens' ticket were auditor, assessor and two aldermen; the Democrats carried the balance; it seemed that the people wanted a change. The Citizens held every city office except marshal and engineer. This was the greatest change in the political complexion of the city for thirty years. Of the seven aldermen, five were Citizens. What made the Democrats sore was the fact that other elections generally were Democratic.
The principal issues in November, 1908, were honest, lawful and economical management of county affairs. The silver question, 16 to I, was warmly discussed and cussed. Democrats, Populists and Silver Republicans united on a state ticket, with 16 to I as the corner-stone. The Democrats made a clean sweep of this county by large majorities. Matthews and O'Donnell, for judges, received 6,040 and 6,014, respectively, to 3,534 and 3,359 for Lyon and Utt, respectively. Henderson (R.), for Congress, polled 3,966 to 5,671 for Howell (D.) and 22 for Dean (Indep.). In December, 1898, Eugene V. Debs lectured at Dubuque, on "Labor and Liberty."
On October 16, 1899, President Mckinley visited Dubuque ; great preparations for his reception were made; Allison, Hancock, Merry and others were at the head of the movement: the schools were dismissed in order that the children might see the illustrious visitor, but a rainstorm marred their pleasure; many distinguished men were present.
In November, 1899, the whole Democratic county ticket was elected by majorities ranging from 264 to 1,794. For governor, White (D.) received 5,800 and Shaw (R.), 3,785; state senator, Nolan (D.), 5,354; Hancock (R.), 4,699; sheriff, Conlin (D.), 5,173; Haudenshield (R.), 4,909.
In the spring of 1900, C. H. Berg was renominated for mayor by the Citizens, and C. J. W. Saunders was nominated by the Demo-
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crats. The principal promise of the latter was "to dissolve speedily the compact that now exists between the city on the one side and the haunts of crime and shame on the other." Mr. Berg, who had become very popular, was given an immense majority-4,828 to 3,022 for Mr. Saunders. The Citizens elected mayor, recorder, treasurer, auditor, assessor, one alderman-at-large and three aldermen in wards 1, 3 and 5; the Democrats secured the balance. The majorities varied greatly, showing the rupture of parties. By hard committee and council work, the Berg administration, as a whole, showed superiority over any previous city management.
In November, 1900, the county registration was 7.790; in 1896 it was 7.734. The vote on the national ticket was: Mckinley (R.), 4,752; Bryan (D.), 6,655; Woolley (Pro.), 56; Barker (Peop.), I; Malloney (Soc. Lab.), 17; Leonard (United Christian), 8; Debs (Soc. Dem.), 75. For secretary of state, Crane (D.) received 6,812: Martin (R.), 4,814. The whole Democratic county ticket was elected by about the same majorities. On the proposition to revise the constitution, the result was : Yes, 4,009; 10, 3,205 ; bien- nial elections : yes, 3,839; 10, 2,777. Henderson (R.), for Con- gress, received the largest majority ever shown in this district- II,491 ; he became Speaker of the House.
In the spring of 1902 the Democrats did not name a candidate for mayor; they otherwise nominated a full ticket, but left the voters to make their own choice for mayor from C. H. Berg (Citizens), John Babcock (Law and Order) and A. B. Wymer (Socialist) ; the vote was: Berg, 4,160; Babcock, 1,040; Wymer, 550. The Law and Order ticket favored Sunday closing, abolishment of wine- rooms, slot machines, gambling and the social evil.
Governor Boies spoke in Dyersville and Worthington in Octo- ber, 1902.
In November, for Congress, Birdsall (R.) received 3,636, and Boies (D.), 5,717. Matthews and O'Donnell were re-elected judges over Powers and Michel, though the Socialist candidates for judges received 666 and 687 votes in this county. The Democrats-Mul- grew, clerk; Weimer, auditor; McGovern, recorder; Fitzpatrick, attorney, and Andre, Pillard and Cooney, supervisors, were elected. The large Socialist vote, 646 to 732 on the whole county ticket, was the sensation of this election here. This was a bitter contest and was not the first one where passion and personal gain appeared to rule. Each side claimed and plausibly showed that the other party was always extravagant and usually corrupt when in power. An untruth- ful attack. artfully, vehemently and unctuously conducted against opposing party candidates, was supposed to reveal superior watch- fulness, integrity and righteousness on the part of an arrogant and self-boasting press. Often the campaigns of falsehood and slander intentionally employed by the newspapers, were far worse than the malfeasances they denounced or concealed. Slander was an every-
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day newspaper event ; misrepresentation was the concealed bludgeon used thug-like by the press to advance individual interests, sustain diminishing newspaper circulation, or promote partisan success. In- variably figures were made notorious liars by the skill of penny-a-line reporters, venal press owners desiring public confidence and patron- age, and oily editors without conscience, honor or hope of heaven. This state of things had gone on so long in Dubuque county that people no longer trusted newspaper tales of corruption and incompetence.
In November, 1903, the Democrats elected every county officer except treasurer ; the vote for the latter was: Kretschmer (R.), 5,041 ; Gehrig (D.), 4,641; Buckingham (Soc.), 445. For gov- ernor, Sullivan (D.) received 5,074; Cummins (R.), 3,810; Work (Soc.), 558. The Times charged corruption, extravagance and plundering to the Democratic county administration; but the ticket of the latter was elected "just the same."
In the spring of 1904 the Socialists nominated a full city ticket, with Ernest Holtz for mayor, with the announced object "the over- throw of the capitalistic wage system and the substitution therefor of the co-operative commonwealth," etc. The Citizens' party renom- inated Mr. Berg for his fourth term. He said that during the pre- vious four years his aim had been "to meet the varied needs of our people, to avoid clashing with them, and to unite all elements of the community in one harmonious whole." Economy and a wise expenditure of money had ruled, he said. The Democrats charged immorality, conducted an alleged righteous campaign, and were led by John J. Sheridan. "Decency" was their slogan. The result was: Berg (Cit.), 3,637; Sheridan (D.), 2,443; Holtz (Soc.), 272. This result showed that the citizens were satisfied with the Berg administration, and that the Socialist movement was on the decline.
In November, 1904, an unheard-of thing occurred: The Repub- licans swept Dubuque county for the first time in history, electing every candidate except recorder. In a large measure this result was due to Roosevelt's popularity, the county ticket being carried to suc- cess by the national ticket. Corruption and illegal fees were charged to the Democrats in county affairs. The result was: Roosevelt (R.). 5,485; Parker (D.), 4,913; Swallow (Pro.), 52; Debs (Soc.), 847; Watson (Peop.), 56. The Socialist vote showed a great increase instead of a decrease. For Congress, Birdsall (R.) received 5,214, and Mallon (D.), 4,829; for county clerk. Sulli- van (R.), 5.570; Mulgrew (D.), 5,110; for county auditor, Hau- denshield (R.), 5,897; Weimer (D.), 4,878; county recorder, Fober (R.), 5,151 ; McGovern (D.), 5,393; county attorney, Barnes (R.), 5,792; Fitzpatrick (D.), 4,854; county supervisors, McQuillen (D.), 5,135; Ferring (D.), 5,932; Hogan (D.), 5,133; Byrne (R.), 5,539; Laude (R.), 5,697.
The waterworks scandal came out about this time and has been
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out much of the time since. It was held before the people almost constantly during 1905 and 1906, and had a great deal to do in determining election results in the spring of 1906. The Democrats were determined to defeat the Berg administration, and nominated Henry A. Schunk for mayor, who announced his platform was: (1) Honesty in office ; (2) a business administration; (3) pub- licity of city affairs; (4) waterworks on a business basis; (5) a plumbing inspector; (6) elimination of graft in the city hall; (7) a Greater Dubuque. The Herald openly charged the grossest cor- ruption on the Berg administration and on the council. The Demo- crats argued (1) No long tenure of office; (2) improvement in waterworks management: (3) graft by the council and the mayor to be stopped. Seven officeholders had held office under the city for a total of sixty years; the mayor himself had held his office for eight years; there should be a change, it was urged. The result was as follows: Berg (Cit. ), 2,219; Schunk (D.), 3,363; Holtz (Soc.), 309; Needham (Indp.), 892. Linehan (D.), recorder; Lyons (D.), auditor: Brinkman (D.), treasurer; Kintzinger (D.), attorney, were duly elected. Mr. Berg said on retiring: "We have the honor of turning over to our successors the government of this beautiful city, with its finances in excellent condition and its reputa- tion for moral conditions equaled by only three other cities in this broad land."
John D. Denison, of Dubuque, was nominated for lieutenant- governor by the Democrats in August, 1906.
The gubernatorial campaign of November, 1906, was lively and interesting and the county campaign personal and abusive. The result was: For governor, Cummins (R.), 4,274; Porter (D.), 5.716; Shank (Soc.), 350; Coffin (Pro.), 52; Norman (Peop.), 3; Hisey (Secular Government ). 6. During the campaign Cum- mins. Porter and Birdsall spoke at Dubuque. For Congress, Bird- sall (R.) received in this county 3,924, and Murtagh (D.), 5,043; for the state senate, Crawford (R.), 4,468: Frudden (D.), 4,982; McAleece (Soc.), 342; for auditor, Haudenshield (R.), 4,905; Scharle (D.), 4,968; Miller (Soc.). 299; for treasurer, Ferring (R.), 4,724: Palen (D.). 5,108; Mason (Soc.). 297; for clerk, Sullivan (R.), 5.320; Callahan (D.), 4,398; Holmberg (Soc.), 322; for sheriff, Laude (R.), 3,827; Dunn (D.), 6,158; Cos- grove (Soc.), 309; for recorder, Fober (R.), 3,748; Swift (D.), 5,755; Brandt (Soc.). 328; for attorney, Barnes (R.), 3,880; Nelson (D.). 5,828; Euser (Soc.). 303. Matthews and Bonson, Democrats, were elected over Husted and Michel, Republicans, for judges. Democratic coroner and county superintendent were chosen. Reinecke (R.) was elected county supervisor.
In the spring of 1908 the following was the vote for mayor: Schunk (D.), 3,390: Ott (Cit. Non-Part.), 3,223; Cameron (Soc. ), 329; Needham (Indp.), 15. The real issue was the waterworks-
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should its management be reformed or should the old system be continued ? Originally, the Citizens' Non-Partisan League had been created to purify civic affairs; but now it was alleged by the Democrats, the Citizens' methods were worse than the evils com- plained of-they themselves needed purifying because they were no longer the advocates of civic righteousness but of civic corruption. The election of Mr. Schunk was believed by many to mean the eradi- cation of vice and dishonesty. This year the first general primary election was held in this county.
In August, 1908, Senator William B. Allison died here at the age of seventy-nine years, after a long and brilliant career as a citizen and statesman. The whole country united in fitting tributes to his high character and useful and influential public services. Many prominent men attended his obsequies, among whom were Vice-President Fairbanks, Governor Cummins and Senator Dolliver.
In the fall of 1908 the issues discussed were trusts, high, tariff and existing high prices. The local Democrats took the position that all these evils were the result of Republican mismanagement, while the Republicans declared existing conditions were due to shortage of supply, local influences, etc. Mr. Work, the Socialist, was here in October. The Times-Journal criticized severely the Democratic management of county affairs-particularly that of the county debt, which had increased. It had advanced to about $185,- 000 in spite of the fact that the mulct receipts during the last seven years had amounted to $355,496.32. The Telegraph-Herald stated that the bulk of the debt arose from bridge expenses resulting from floods, and had been necessary. This was a stirring campaign, replete with personalities more or less libelous in their character. On the national ticket, Taft (R.) received 4,708; Bryan (D.), 6,645; Chafin (Pro.), 53; Debs (Soc.), 427; Watson (Peop.), I ; Hisgen (Independence), 21. There were but three county tickets -- Democratic, Republican and Socialist. The registry in Dubuque city was 8,212. The vote for governor was as follows: Carroll (R.), 3,779; White (D.), 6,857; Brown (Pro.), 49; McCrillis (Soc.), 361; Cowler (Peop.), 4: Weller (Ind.), II. The result was as follows on the county ticket : Auditor-Scharle (D.), 6,320; Haudenshield (R.), 4,643; Brandt (S.). 335; treasurer-Ferring (R.), 4,606; Palen (D.), 6,370; McAleece (S.), 335; clerk- Sullivan (R.), 4,765; Harrington (D.), 6,054; Lux (S.), 344; sheriff-Dunn (D.), 8,049; Wright (S.), 436; scattering, 4; recorder-Klegmond (R.), 3,755; Swift (D.). 6,783; Coyle (S.), 356; attorney -- Barnes (R.), 3,701 ; Nelson (D.), 6,929; Enser (S.), 360.
At the mayoralty election in 1910, Schunk (D.) received 2,886 votes; Haas (Cit. Non-Part.), 3,304; Buchet (Soc.), 252. Mr. Schunk was renominated on his good record during four years; no serious charge against his administration was made. Mr. Schunk
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sought re-election on the following policy: (1) Conservation of waterworks; (2) continuation of waterworks law suits; (3) oppo- sition to special privileges; (4) greater efforts for Greater Du- buque ; (5) active pursuit of tax dodgers; (6) business adminis- tration; (7) decrease of the tax levy; (8) a city parking system. But the Citizens' Non-Partisan voters wanted office, power and other choice things, conducted a campaign on more or less fictitious issues and triumphantly elected their ticket except auditor. The following city officers were elected: Daniel J. Haas (C. N. P.), mayor; Otto P. Geiger (C. N. P.), recorder ; George D. Wybrant (C. N. P.), treasurer; M. E. Lyons (D.), auditor; George T. Lyon (C. N. P.), attorney; W. A. Schaffhauser (C. N. P.), as- sessor ; C. H. Baumgartner (C. N. P.), engineer. Of the seven aldermen elected two were Citizens and five Democrats.
In November, 1910, there were no special local issues of impor- tance; the division of the Republicans in state and nation into stand-patters and progressives extended to this county, and here as elsewhere gave victory to the Democrats. The following were elected : Robert Bonson (D.) and J. W. Krutzinger (D.), judges : Nicholas Schrup (D.), senator; M. F. Mccullough (D.) and Simon Miller (D.), representatives ; Theo. Scharle (D.), auditor; Joseph A. Palen (D.), treasurer ; C. D. Harrington (D.), clerk ; J. J. Dunn (D.), sheriff ; Samuel Swift (D.), recorder; P. J. Nel- son (D., no opposition ), attorney; Harry B. Smith (D., no opposi- tion), superintendent : Paul Ilg (D.), surveyor; John C. Voelker (D.), coroner ; Joseph Connolly, John R. Kingsley, T. H. McQuil- len, Frank Bahl, M. W. Daly and John Vorwald, all Democrats, county supervisors. For governor. Porter (D.) received 6,616; Carroll (R.), 2,240, and Work (Soc.) and MacEachron (Pro.) received a few votes each.
ST. JOSEPH'S SANITARIUM, DUBUQUE
COUNTY AFFAIRS.
A LONG the Mississippi river came the white men who first saw what is now Iowa and first camped upon its soil. In 1673 Joliet, who was sent west to find a way to the "South Sea," as the Pacific Ocean was then called, came down the Wiscon- sin and Mississippi rivers, accompanied by Father Marquette. They saw and perhaps set foot upon what is now Dubuque county. In 1680 Father Hennepin and seven others of the LaSalle party sent to the Illinois country, came up the Mississippi and saw and no doubt camped upon the present Dubuque county. In 1702, Lesueur and a large party of adventurers and hunters from the French settlement at the mouth of the Mississippi came up past the present Dubuque county, exploring the shores thoroughly as they passed along, kill- ing buffalo, elk and wild fowl for their subsistence and very likely thus hunting in what is now Dubuque county. They went on up to Minnesota and passed the winter at Blue Earth, where they con- structed a fort, killed large numbers of buffalo and dug for con- veyance to Europe a considerable quantity of the blue earth, imag- ining it to contain valuable mineral, perhaps copper. On their re- turn in the spring they again passed by and probably camped upon this county. Soon afterwards Nicholas Perrot, Nicollet and other Frenchmen were in the vicinity of Prairie du Chien, Lake Pepin and as far up as St. Anthony's Falls. A fort was built near Lake Pepin by Perrot and garrisoned. As early as 1766 English traders visited all this region and established many trading posts among the Indians ; they were extending the trade and territory of the Hudson Bay Company. Marquette called the Mississippi "Con- ception"; Hennepin called it "St. Louis", and LaSalle called it "Colbert".
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