Democratic Sentinel, Volume 6, Number 24, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 July 1882 — "A Marion Township Republican" Has His Say. [ARTICLE]

"A Marion Township Republican" Has His Say.

Marion Township, Jasper County, \ ndiana, July 10th, 1882. ) Editor Democratic Sentinel : IthaS never been my desire to gain notoriety by wilting articles for newspapers —particularly Democratic papers.— But in tho Republican of July6tb, 1882, appear two articles which, in my opinion, should be noticed, and as it is useless to give the prejudiced Re publican pi ess anytoing to publish that does not strictly conform to the ideas of its managers, and advocate the election of their pet, I ask you to publish this article, that thb poople of Jasper county mav know the facts .-oneernn g the mov. incurs of the Republican ‘ ring-bosses” of Jasper county. The article over four stars contains this statement: “Republicans know that such a thing as a “ring” does not exist within the party in Jasper county.” i«tbink there is* and I believe the people will so agree with me when lam through. Attention! “ring-masters”! Some tw 0 years ago, you will remember, a cer tain county officer, then serving oo a second term, ineligible under the constitution for ro-eleetion to it, put himself forward to secure the nomi nation for county treasurer, and ve hemently urged that he was the strongest m=>n in the party for the . race. The chairman of that conven tion, in his remarks on assuming the position, announced his opposition to “thiid-termism,” and tho sentiment was received with general favor. The demand of the aspirant was rejected, and he threatened dire results should follow the action of the con vention. He was pacified with a promise of the position on the ticket he has secured. Who made the promise? The Convention? No! But tho “ring.” The ■ resent incumbent proved himself then to be the best man for the race, has made one of the best treasurers Jasper county has ever had, and at the primary outran all others—receiving not a scratch. Since 1880 the sole effort of the “ring”—(for there is a “ring,” and a “ling” within the “ring”)—has been to make good its promise. At an early date it took under its care the editors of tin Republican, recent im* portations, and so successfully instilled into their comprehensive mind s Robinsoniauism that the junior knew no other man, aud at the suggestion of bis favorit e was ma ie Secretary of the Republican Central Committee. Aud right here let mo say that if he will but think back and refresh his memory he will remember that at different times he discouraged MrHarris from making an effort to se» cure the nomination, telling him, too 5 that he did not think he could be elected if nominated, and that it was possible for the primary to nominate a . man he would not support. And one of Rensselaer’s central commit* teemen said to another member of the committee from an out precinct, that it was arranged that there sho’d 'be no opposition to R. for the nomi nation for Auditor. By what author I ty did he so declare? That of the “ring.” It had so decreed in spite of the protests of good, solid stand bys of the party, who ask not office for themselves, but that their candis dates may be men for whom they co’d cheerfully vate. And the “ring” within the “ring,” in hopes of making smooth sailiEg, took upon itself the work to avoid a centralization of the t cket, tripped up Messrs. Sigler and Ferguson in a style that would ehallenge the wonder and admiration tne heathen Chinee.

In conclusion, Mr. Editor, the “ring” and its press may stigmatize me as a Democrat or what else they please, but 1 am* a good Republican all the same; not one that is as good a “Stalwart” as Arthur, norjone that changes his politics as often as a change in the administration may require; but a Republican in the fullest sense of the term, one who, so far as county offi cers are concerned, believes they should be representative men, capable and honest, no matter to what party they belong, and I shall always oppose those who secure their nominations through “ring” influences, and more particularly when I feel that they lack the necessary qualifications for the proper discharge of the duties of the position. A Marion Township Republican.