USA > Indiana > History of the Indiana democracy, 1816-1916 > Part 73
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The Republicans had no local ticket in the field this year. They amalgamated their interest with a dissatisfied element of the Democratic party and a few "Grange" enthusiasts with a view of defeating the county ticket. They formed an or- ganization which was called the "Farmer and La- bor" party. They petitioned the board of election commissioners October 15 to place their candi- dates on the ballot under the name above men- tioned, using as their device a pruning-hook. Most of the Democrats on the new ticket had been defeated at the preceding primary election and were very much chagrined. They put on the war paint and it seemed for a time that their influence would very materially reduce the Democratic ma- jority. As the time for holding the election ap- proached, however, the disaffection gradually dis- appeared and the normal political situation pre- vailed.
Ben P. Smith, the candidate for county auditor, was the hardest fought on the regular Democratic ticket. He received 1,239 votes, while his op- ponent, Isaac Chafin, on the Blackberry ticket, as it was dubbed, received but 545 votes, only 23 more than that received by the Republican candi- date for secretary of state. Happily, this dissatis- faction vanished and the next campaign settled the fact that any attempt to disrupt the party by internal dissensions was a failure.
In 1892 the vote for presidential electors was as follows: Cleveland and Thurman (D.), 1,378; Harrison and Reid (R.), 656; Prohibition party, 38; People's party, 92. The vote for state offi- cers was practically the same. John S. Williams (D.), local candidate for joint representative, re- ceived 1,385 votes; his opponent, Allen W. Grissom (R.), received 659.
In 1894 Wm. R. Myers, Democratic candidate
for secretary of state, received 1,158 votes; Wm. D. Owen (R.), 685. The Prohibition party polled 35 votes and the People's ticket received 101.
In the campaign of 1896 every inch of the ground was vigorously contested. Both parties were well organized. Public speakings were held in every school house. The hammering cam- paign on trusts, protection and the gold standard brought every Democrat to the front. Bryan was truly their idol. The lesser parties, for the time being, lost sight of their cause and joined the old parties. The vote for presidential electors was: Bryan and Sewall (D.), 1,470; Mckinley and Ho- bart (R.), 726; Prohibitionists, 16; People's, 10; Gold Standard, 1; National party, 3; Social Labor, 2.
In 1898 the vote for secretary of state was: Samuel Ralston (D.), 1,227; Union B. Hunt (R.), 615. During this campaign James S. Guthrie was the first and only Democrat in the county that ever received a place upon the Democratic state ticket. He was a candidate for state statis- tician.
In 1900 the vote for presidential electors was: Bryan and Stevenson (D.), 1,452; Mckinley and Roosevelt (R.), 704; Prohibition party, 36; Peo- ple's party, 11.
In 1902 the vote for secretary of state was as follows: Albert Schoonover (D.), 1,051; Daniel E. Storms (R.), 590; Prohibition ticket, 63; Peo- ple's ticket, 4. Fremont Miller (D.) was elected for a second term as prosecutor of Brown and Johnson counties. Willoughby Wellons (D.) was elected joint representative of Brown and Monroe counties.
In 1904 the vote for presidential electors was as follows: Bryan (D.), 1,157; Roosevelt (R.), 760. The Prohibitionists cast 93 votes; the Peo- ple's party, 13; the Socialists, 7; Socialist La- bor, 4. In the congressional race, Lincoln Dixon (D.) received 1,073 votes, while his opponent, An- derson Percifield (R.), received 830. Mr. Perci- field was a Brown county product, an attorney and formerly a Democrat.
In 1906 James F. Cox (D.), candidate for sec- retary of state, received 899 votes; Fred A. Sims (R.), 573. The Prohibition ticket polled 74 votes; People's, 5; Socialists, 5; Social Labor, 3.
In 1908 the vote for presidential electors was: Bryan (D.), 1,177; Taft (R.), 658; Prohibition ticket, 68; People's party ticket, 1; Socialists, 5. For joint senator, Brown, Jackson and Washing- ton counties, George W. Long (D.) received 1,090 votes; H. C. Dannettell (R.), 639.
In 1910 the vote for secretary of state was: Lewis Ellingham (D.), 888; Otis F. Culley (R.), 556. The Prohibition ticket polled 55 votes; So-
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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
cialists, 9; Social Labor, 2. The congressional and local tickets received practically the same vote.
In 1912 the vote for presidential electors was as follows: Wilson and Marshall (D.), 909; Taft (R.), 293; the Prohibitionists, 52; Progres- sives, 235; Socialists, 11. John P. Wright (D.) was elected prosecuting attorney of the Eighth judicial circuit; Charles Genolin (D.) was elected joint representative of Brown and Monroe coun- ties.
In 1914, Benj. F. Shively, Democratic candidate for U. S. Senator, received 885 votes. His op- ponent; Hugh T. H. Miller (R.), received 411 votes. The Progressives polled 98, this being the number received by Albert J. Beveridge, their candidate for U. S. Senator.
The Prohibitionists polled 37 votes, and the Socialists, 8.
The vote for Secretary of State was: Homer L. Cook (D.), 809; Ed Jackson, 411. For Con- gress, Lincoln Dixon (D.), 902; Manley D. Wil- son, 443. For Joint Representative of Brown and Monroe counties, Thomas Sare (D.), received 826 votes; Ernest Darby (R.), 436. The local tickets received practically the same vote.
The campaign of 1916 was very interesting for the reason that the Progressives being deserted by their leader were looking for some place to "land." Their organization had collapsed. Many avowed they never would return to the G. O. P. How- ever, as time went on, the big majority permitted their partisan spirit instead of principle to domi- nate and skulked back into the fold. Some, true to their convictions, joined the Democratic ranks and enthusiastically supported the ticket from Wilson down to the last man.
In this election, the Democratic electors received 1,046 votes; Republicans, 506; Progressives, none; Prohibitionists, 31; Socialists, 10; and Social La- bor, 2.
For United States Senator, (long term) Jno. W. Kern (D.), received 999 votes; Harry S. New (R.), 490; (short term) Thomas Taggart (D.), received 990 votes; James E. Watson (R.), 492.
The candidates for state offices received prac- tically the same vote as did the candidates for U. S. Senator.
For Congress, Lincoln Dixon (D.), 1,017; Manly D. Wilson (R.), 519. For Joint Senator, Thos. Dorrell (D.), 964; Wm. Graham (R.), 511. For Joint Representative, Wm. L. Coffey (D.), 1,015; Frank Gentry (R.), 498.
The leaders of both the old parties were untir- ing in their efforts during this campaign and both equally confident of success in the state and na- tion.
The Democrats were proud of their achievements
in legislation and were confident their work would not be repudiated. Nevertheless, the State fell to the Republicans. Many Democratic counties were overthrown entirely. Monroe county, to which this county is attached for Representative and Senatorial purposes, passed into the hands of the Republicans.
Dorrell, candidate for State Senator, was saved by the counties of Johnson and Brown; but the writer, candidate for Representative of Brown and Monroe counties, was defeated by 92 votes.
THE COUNTY PRESS.
Sometime in the year 1854 the first newspaper venture was made by S. A. Armour. This paper, a Democratic organ, continued with fair success till December, 1856, when it was sold to James S. Hester, J. S. Arwine et al. This firm changed the name of the paper to Hickory Withe.
The editor, Mr. Hester, was an unusually bright man with very pronounced Democratic views. His paper bore the distinction of being a true expo- nent of the Democratic principles. The Hickory Withe flourished for about a year, when it fell into the hands of the United Brethren church, with Jesse Brandon as its publisher. This ven- ture was not very successful. The demand for a political paper led Mr. Brandon to purchase the plant, which he did in 1861, naming the new pub- lication the Nashville Union, which was of Demo- cratic proclivity. Mr. Brandon conducted his paper, which was well patronized, through the fiery years of the Civil war and until his death in 1866, when it was purchased by Watts Adams, who changed the name to the Nashville Star. This was a Democratic publication also. It lived about eight months, and passed away.
The following three years bore evidence of much struggle for the press to live. The Star fell into the hands of Summers and Gaston, who changed its name to the Democrat, and after an existence of six months it passed into the hands of a man named Winters, of whom it is said "only three publications got out of his press."
In December, 1867, George Sleeth secured the office and issued the Nashville Democrat until September, 1868, and then sold out to L. H. Mil- ler, who started the Index, another Democratic organ. This was issued until about the month of March, 1869, when it became defunct. In 1870 Yates and Allison started the Jacksonian. After a few months Yates sold out to Allison. This publication was continued by Mr. Allison until March, 1883.
In February, 1883, Wm. M. Waltman and Isaac Chafin founded the Democrat, and in March, 1883, bought the Jacksonian. The new paper issued bore the name of Jacksonian Demo- crat.
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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
In May, 1883, John C. Hester and W. W. Browning became owners of this paper. In June, 1883, Hester became sole owner. The paper was operated but a short time when Mr. Hester de- cided to move his plant to Spencer, Ind. A por- tion of this equipment was purchased by Brown- ing and Metheny, who started a new paper which they called the Brown County Democrat and which they published till December 14, 1884, when it was sold to the present editor and publisher, Alonzo Allison. For thirty uninter- rupted years Mr. Allison has enjoyed the dis- tinction of being proprietor and publisher of this paper and has through that long period of time faithfully expounded and promulgated Demo- cratic doctrine.
COUNTY OFFICERS.
Following is a list of the names of Democratic county officials from 1836, the date of the organi- zation of the county, to the present time:
COUNTY CLERKS.
John Floyd, July 9, 1836; Thomas M. Adams, 1839; Shadrach Chandler, 1842; Wm. M. Mason, 1848; Thomas M. Adams, 1859; James S. Hester, 1863; James Ralphy, 1864; Wm. H. Bainbridge, 1865; W. L. Cox, 1867; Eliakim Hamblen, 1874; Joshua Metheney, 1882; Com. P. Hanna, 1890; William H. Pittman, 1898; Charles Genolin, 1906; John F. Bond, 1910; Christopher Brummett, 1914.
COUNTY AUDITORS.
Thomas M. Adams, 1841; Shadrach Chandler, 1848; Lewis Prosser, 1842; Sylvanus Manville, 1858; Eugene Culley, 1862; Wm. G. Watson, 1870; George W. Allison, 1874; John S. Williams, 1882; Ben. P. Smith, 1890; John C. Ross, 1898; John B. Seitz, 1902; John McGee, 1910; Omer Morrison, 1914.
COUNTY RECORDERS.
John Floyd, July 9, 1836; Thomas M. Adams, 1839; Shadrach Chandler, 1848; Wm. M. Mason, 1848; Fountain Southerland, 1858; John Carson, 1862; Daniel Marcellus, 1864; F. D. Wood, 1872; Isaac Chafin, 1876; Joel R. Carter, 1884; Frank J. Griner, 1892; Thomas W. Durnal, 1900; Alonzo W. Anderson, 1904; Wm. H. Newmister, 1908; Frank P. Taggart, 1918; Elijah Lucas, 1916.
COUNTY TREASURERS.
Thomas Hinkson, July 26, 1836; John S. Wil- liams, Nov. 7, 1836; Isaac Bott, 1844; W. W. Baker, 1849; Lewis F. Raper, 1852; Charles C. Hanna, 1856; Alfred Williams, 1860; J. A. McKin- ney, 1864; W. H. Taggart, 1868; Eli T. Moore, 1872; Thomas Milnes, 1876; Joseph M. Cook, 1880; Wm. H. Beatty, 1884; James L. Tilton, 1888; Samuel Walker, 1892; Isaac Tabor, 1906; H. B. Miller, 1900; Joseph A. Lucas, 1904; J. H. Barkes, 1908; Can Clark, 1912; Thomas Ayers, 1916.
COUNTY SHERIFFS.
James Dawson, April 20, 1836; James Tag- gart, Aug. 16, 1836; Littleton Mathews, 1839; R. S. Brummet, 1839; William S. Roberts, 1846; R. S. Brummet, 1848; Benjamin R. Kelley, 1852; Stephen A. Kennedy, 1856; David Crouch, 1860; Wm. G. Watson, 1864; R. S. Brummet, 1868; F. G. Metheney, 1870; A. F. Sipes, 1872; S. A. Ken- nedy, 1876; John Watson, 1880; Thomas J. Tag- gart, 1882; Rufus W. Reddick, 1886; Samson David, 1890; George I. King, 1894; George A. McDonald, 1898; Samuel Parks, 1902; George M. Roberts, 1906; Dennis Calvin, 1910; James W. Kennedy, 1914.
COUNTY SURVEYORS.
James Dawson, 1836; Allen S. Anderson, 1839; John W. Chaver, 1842; A. S. Anderson, 1852; John P. Wright, 1854; Alfred Williams, 1856; William H. McCarty, 1860; John P. Wright, 1862; L. S. Alder, 1865; John P. Wright, 1867; Alfred Williams, 1869; John T. Brock, 1870; W. T. Car- michael, 1871; L. S. Alder, 1872; Alfred T. Gee, 1882; James P. Prosser, 1896; Miles Williams, 1900; Alfred T. Gee, 1902; John Voland, 1908.
COUNTY CORONERS.
William Followell, August 16, 1836; James S. Woods, 1838; Joseph Kelley, 1841; Otha Wolf, 1845; Hiram Reynolds, 1848; William Taylor, 1849; R. P. Manville, 1854; Thompson H. Larkin, 1856; Daniel Marsh, 1858; James Jackson, 1859; John Henry, 1864; James Hampton, 1865; Asa Reeves, 1866; W. G. Watson, 1868; S. C. Wilson, 1870; Dr. M. E. Phillips, 1872; Dr. A. S. Griffitt (R.), 1874; W. T. Grattan, 1876; W. J. Long, 1878; Dr. A. J. Ralphy, 1880; Dr. C. T. Taggart, 1884; Samuel C. Wilson, 1886; William L. Coffey, 1888; Samuel C. Wilson, 1890; A. J. Ralphy, 1894; Wm. E. Prather, 1900.
SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS, EXAMINERS AND COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS.
D. D. Weddle, 1837, Com .; Alfred Smith, 1844; same; Thomas M. Adams, 1854, Examiner; Isaac N. Prosser, 1856; David S. Story, 1857; James S. Hester, 1858; S. E. Mellhaney, 1860; W. W. Browning, 1861; W. S. Olmstead, 1862; William L. Cox, 1864; L. S. Alder, 1867; Fletcher D. Wood, 1871; Wm. D. Roberts, 1872; John S. Wil- liams, two months, 1873; John McGee, first Coun- ty Superintendent, June, 1873; David M. Beck, 1877; Simon P. Neidigh, 1881; Chas. W. Snyder, 1885; C. S. Campbell, 1897; A. A. Manuel, 1899; Wm. L. Coffey, 1903; Sylvester Barnes, G. G. Brown, 1917.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.
In November, 1836, the Justices of the Peace assumed the control of the county business. This
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HISTORY
INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816 -1916
power was vested in these officers till June, 1845, when the county was divided into three Commis- sioners' Districts. After the fall election in this year, three county commissioners took charge of the county affairs. Joseph Kelley, William Tag- gart and William Bender constituted the first and served the first one, two and three years re- spectively. John S. Arwine was elected and suc- ceeded to the position in 1846; Preston Goforth, 1847; Joseph Kelley, 1848; John S. Arwine, 1849; Preston Goforth, 1850; J. A. Mckinney, 1851; Milton Fleener, 1852; George Butcher, 1853; James Arwine, 1854; Preston Goforth, 1854; J. A. Mckinney, 1855; A. A. Anderson, 1855; Preston Goforth, 1856; Eli T. Moore, 1857; A. S. Ander- son, 1858; N. N. Maris, 1859; Wiley Spurgeon, 1860; John Richards, 1861; Louis J. Tull, 1862; John Wadsworth, 1863; John Breedlove, 1864; Hannibal I. Mead, 1865; Thomas S. Lucas, 1866; John Richards, 1867; H. I. Mead, 1868; A. R. Moser, 1869; Robert Henderson, 1870; John Stila- bower, 1871; A. S. Anderson, 1872; Robert Hen- derson, 1873; H. I. Mead, 1874; B. V. Lockman, 1875; Thomas Waltman, 1876; Samuel Webber, 1876; John Deist, 1877; Bartholomew V. Lock- man, 1878; Thomas Waltman, 1879; John Deist, 1880; Thomas Madgett, 1881; James Flint, 1882; William Walker, 1883; Thomas Madgett, 1884; Thomas Waltman, 1885; William Walker, 1886; Thomas Madgett, 1887; John Snider, 1888; John Milnes, 1889; Elisha Brown, 1890; John Snider, 1892; John G. Milnes, 1893; James Deckard, 1894; S. A. Richards, 1895; John C. Milnes, 1896; James Deckard, 1897; S. A. Richards, 1898; John Petro, 1899; Elisha Brown, 1900; Thomas Floyd, 1901; Wm. G. Wray, 1902; Elisha Brown, 1903; Thomas Floyd, 1904; John Petro, 1905; John Newmister, 1906; Martin Kleindorfer, 1907; Wm. G. Wray, 1908; Otto K. Carmichael, 1909; Peter Cullen, 1910; S. L. Taggart, 1911; Otto K. Carmichael, 1912; Peter Cullen, 1913; Wm. G. Wray, 1914; Clint Moore, 1915; Jacob Joy, 1916; John B. West, 1917; Jno. S. Lutes, 1918.
MEMBERS OF THE STATE LEGISLATURE. REPRESENTATIVES.
Throughout its existence, the county has had but few representatives in the state legislature. The following story is told of a reverend gentle- man by the name of Eli P. Farmer, who repre- sented the county in the lower house some time in the early "fifties." This gentleman proceeded to lawmaking somewhat in the manner in which he carried on the ministry in those pioneer days. It is said that, upon one occasion when he ad- dressed the speaker of the house, he failed to get recognition. He addressed the chair again with the same result. Being somewhat angered at
this disregard, he walked up the aisle where the speaker stood and dealt him such a severe blow with his fist that he felled him upon the spot. The secretaries near at hand aided him to his feet. Mr. Farmer coolly returned to his seat and again addressed the chair: "Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker." It is said that he was duly recognized. The county has been represented in the lower house by the following Democrats: John Richards, 1864; W. W. Browning, 1884; Wm. G. Watson, 1890; John S. Williams, 1892; Willoughby Wellons, 1902; and Charles Genolin, 1912.
STATE SENATORS.
Judge Richard L. Coffey was elected state sen- ator of Brown, Monroe and Bartholomew coun- ties in 1878. He was a staunch Democrat and the first to serve his county in this capacity. His very pronounced views on all moral questions were well known throughout the district. Dur- ing the two sessions, 1879 and 1881, he cham- pioned temperance reform legislation. His at- titude on this question defeated him for re-nomi- nation in 1882.
W. C. Duncan (D.) succeeded Mr. Coffey in 1882 and was re-elected in 1886.
After a period of twenty-two years George W. Long, a prominent Democrat and attorney of the Nashville bar was elected to represent the counties of Brown, Jackson and Washington. Mr. Long served during the sessions of 1909 and 1911, and ably filled many responsible positions on com- mittees of that body.
COUNTY CHAIRMEN.
It has been found impossible to obtain a per- fect list of names of Democrats who have served the party in the capacity of county chairman in this county. From the best information obtain- able, beginning with the year 1886 and continu- ing, up to and including the present year, 1916, the following served in that position in the order named as nearly as can be ascertained:
Eugene Cully, Wm. L. Cox, Green Watson, R. L. Coffey, Joshua Metheney, Anderson Percifield, Thomas J. Taggart, John Cravens, John W. Harden, H. B. Miller, George W. Long, Sylvester Barnes, John McGee and Omer Morrison.
It is a notable fact that no Democrat of this county has ever been elected to a state office, to Congress, or succeeded to any national position of consequence by appointment.
The older Democrats of the county did not interest themselves in the larger responsibilities and seemed content in the management of local affairs. However, the younger men are more am- bitious and are contending for recognition more commensurate with their political services.
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HISTORY OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF CARROLL COUNTY
T HE history of the Democratic party of Carroll county dates back to the year 1828, when at the presidential election of 1828, Andrew Jackson received 112 votes and John Adams 73 votes. At the election of 1832, Jackson received 258 votes and Clay received 173 votes; in 1836 Van Buren received 565 votes and Harrison received 375 votes; in 1840 Van Buren received 765 votes and Harrison received 699 votes; in 1844 Polk received 865 votes and Clay received 712 votes; in 1848 Cass received 1,008 votes and Tay- lor received 822 votes; in 1852 Pierce received 1,265 votes and Scott 1,075 votes; in 1856 Buch- anan received 1,344 votes and Fremont 1,261 votes; in 1860 Douglas received 1,446 votes and Lincoln 1,590 votes. From the first presidential election up to 1860 the Democratic party was in the majority.
The campaign of 1840 was the most exciting campaign prior to 1860. It was spectacular. It is remembered as the "Log Cabin, Hard Cider" Campaign. The rallying cry was, "Tippecanoe and Tyler, Too." Long processions moved through the unbroken forests, big wagons and horseback companies. A log cabin on wheels with a coon at the window, and hard cider for the thirsty. In campaigns following both politi- cal parties employed big wagons, drawn by four to sixteen horses, filled with voters, women and children, upon occasions of big meetings, where big men were present to discuss the great issues of the times.
Every school house in the land resounded with the eloquence of local orators.
When the old Whig party disbanded, the Dem- ocratic party was confronted with grave issues, upon which the party was not a unit. The time was ripe for the formation of a new National po- litical party, and all factional elements united in 1856, and at Philadelphia the Republican party was born. Although the new party was defeated in that year, the Democratic party saw fit to split at Charleston in 1860 and for the first time in its history went before the country in 1860 in two dis- tinct factions.
The defeat which followed brought upon the country conditions that repose now too deep for resurrection; it is well it is so. Carroll county Democrats stood pat, adhering to the old princi- ples they learned from Jefferson.
They stood at the polls demanding the right for
the men of their choice, and to see that no fraud was practiced to defeat them.
They passed through years when the ballot was regarded as purchasable. Money was used to de- bauch the electorate, illegal voters sent from poll to poll to defeat the party. Men led men in "Blocks of Five" those days, intimidation was used, and for many campaigns the voice of the people was crushed.
The reaction came as it was bound to without resorting to revolutionary measures. The cam- paign of education went on and on, and by de- grees reforms were accomplished, and the up- heaval of 1908, 1910 and 1912 rolled back op- pression and corruption, and, as an evidence of the capability of the people to rule, the Republican party became disrupted and hopelessly divided.
The election of 1912 set on foot policies that are being enforced, and to their accomplishment the Democratic party in Carroll county has done its full part, giving a larger majority than ever before in its history.
The Democrats, now living, who have con- tributed to the success of the party, look back upon the past history of the party in this county, and cherish the memory of the leaders who preceded them; and can call up such men as General Samuel Milroy, J. B. Milroy, James Odell, Anthony Gar- rett, J. T. Richardson, B. F. Schermerhorn, B. B. Daily, E. Walker, J. D. Wilson and many others who were active in party councils.
Of those now found leading we mention a very few; J. A. Cartwright, A. B. Crampton, C. R. Pollard, John F. McCormick, Harry Reed, James Reeder, William Lesh, Mart Popejoy, Gro- ver Long, Emory Flora, John C. O'Connor, W. C. Smith, J. H. Cartwright, W. P. Thompson, James P. Wason, W. B. Wason, William Margowski, Sell Doty, T. J. Ryan, Guy A. Hall and John L. Hanna. Many of the above named have held offices of trust and profit to their honor and credit.
In the year 1893 one of the finest monuments in the State, in memory of the soldiers of Carroll county, was erected in the court house square by a board of Democratic commissioners at a cost of $12,000.
The present Democratic officers in 1918 are: James P. Wasson, judge of the Carroll circuit court; Henry Good, county auditor; James H. Hinkle, county assessor, and Walter G. Million, county commissioner.
18-History
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HISTORY OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF CASS COUNTY
C ASS COUNTY is, always has been and al- ways will be a bulwark of Democracy in Indiana. To use a muchly advertised phrase, "there's a reason."
Cass county's Democracy is a militant Democ- racy. The Democrats of Cass county are fighters, and if there is anything that they like better than a big, rousing political fight, it has not yet dawned on them. The stiffer the opposition, the better they fight. They are restless, dispirited, unless engulfed in the throes of a strenuous campaign. They gumshoe around, eyeing the enemy with sus- picion and distrust. They cannot understand the lull in activities. They feel uncomfortable, fear trouble and, though they cannot fight, they con- tinually keep their ear to the ground.
Democratic victories in Cass county have not been attained without fighting. Back in the days when the Whigs composed the opposition the De- mocracy had to battle valiantly for every victory which it obtained, because numbered among Cass county Whigs were men who knew how to fight and who loved to fight. And following the birth of the Republican party, the opposition did not become less militant. If anything it became more aggressive, and every campaign in Cass county has been a whirlwind of oratory, red fire and con- tagious enthusiasm. Whigs and Democrats, Re- publicans and Democrats, have been engaged in continual battle from the county's organization until the present day. Campaigns have been hard fought and victories have been won by close mar- gins.
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