Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 223, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 September 1919 — LOVE FEAST DREW RECORD CROWD [ARTICLE]

LOVE FEAST DREW RECORD CROWD

GATHERING OF REPUBLICANS AT CROWN POINT SURPASSED ALL RECORDS. Crown Point, Ind., Sept. 14. Lake county’s capital seethed with republican politicians yesterday. They came from all parts of the Tenth; and even the Thirteenth district to talk politics and find out who’s who in district, state and national republican ranks. Auto caravans filed into Crown Point f rom all directions of the compass. The Harrison (Hub, of Gary, was sponsor for the big district barbecue and love feast. The star attractions were Senator James E. Watson and Representative Will R. Wood. Senator Watson tore into President Wilson and the league of nations in spectacular style and hooted at the idea that no more soldiers would have to go to Europe if the league pact was adopted. Record Gathering. It was the biggest political gathering Lake county has had in many a year, and there was a good deal of political history written. Nearly 10,000 persons were present at the barbecue, and it was almost impossible to turn around without stepping on a candidate. District Chairman Lawrence Lyon, of Brook, came early with Warren T. McCray, of Kentland. Ed Jackson, of Lafayette? Lieutenant-Gov-ernor Bush, of Salem, and J. D. Oliver, all reported to be gubernatorial timber, were also present. Col. G. H. Healey, of Rensselaer, who has been boosted by Jasper county for the nomination, announced that he was not a candidate.

Many candidates for state office were at the barbecue, hut were swallowed up in the large crowd of candidates from Lake county for county office. Governor Goodrich aid pot put in an appearance, and the democrats, who were _ "guyed” when Samuel M. Ralston was governor because they could never get him into Lake county, turned the tables on the governor today. Senator Watson was introduced by Lawrence Lyons, of Brook, republican district chairman. An elderly farmer brought a grin to Watson’s face by yelling, "Now, Jim, give the league of nations hell!” - Hits League of Nation*. Senator Watson declaed that Wilson was a minority president, as he did jiot represent the majority of the people. “It was a fiasco,” said Watson, "a firm stand in Mexico would have icept Germany from her ruthless campaign.” He criticized Wilson’s “kept us out of war” stand. He continued: “When he did get us in he got us in too late and Wilson was the only man in the world who didn’t know what Europe was fighting about. He wasted $12,000,000,000 like water over Niagara Falls with no regard for*taxpayers.” Watson simply provoked a riot when he said he was against Wilaon because he was trying ,to put over a league of nations. Wilson Is Rapped.

’ “He appointed himself to go to Paris and wasn’t willing to trust another citizen,” said Watson, ‘'but he took along 1,400 persons and spent $1,500,000. He never paid any attention to anyone he took along. There was a boat ahead of lim to pour oil on the water and a joat following him with $24,000 worth of automobiles. He went over to make peace and they thought he wanted to make peace, but he wanted to make a league of nations. He came home and while he was home the others made the treaty and now he wants to upset it. The treaty should have been made first, then business could ha«e gone on as usual, but Woodrow Wilson wanted to make himself first president of thewjjjjL I haven’t the slightest doubtaßmit that. e Constitution Endangered. To adopt the league of nations will be to undermine the independence of the United States. It will undermine the constitution. It would be the greatest calamity that ever befell the country, not excepting secession. .The senate is going to do as it thinks patriotic with that treaty. It is going to reserve the Monroe doctrine and' strike out or ‘amend, article 10.” Someone in the crowd yelled: “Cut out the whole damn league!” - . . “Shall England have six votes and this country one?” he asked. The crowd yelled “No!” - The crowd was delighted when Watson twisted the lion’s tail. Representative Wood follower Senator Watson, speaking on the American invasion of Siberia and was warmly applauded by members of the American expeditionary force present who' had served in Archangel. He concluded by telling of the effort he made to have all the American troops in Siberia ordered home. v Chairman Hay* Not There. Neither Will H. Hays, republican national chairman, nor Mrs. Medill McCormick, of Chicago, were present. Mrs. McCormick sent Mrs.

Fletcher Dobyns, woman organizer sos- the national committee, to substitute for her, and she made a splendid Address. Many women voters were present. Mrs. Dobyns said that she had been accused of being a politician. She won applause by admitting it. She gave a brilliant review of the work that, women did during the war and of the work that they would do for the Republican party and the nation. Otto R. Fifiled, a state representative, provided the steers which were used at the barbecue. They were i cooked *iby Frank Hubinger, Gary’s | city health officer. With the other likings, the crowd had plenty to eat. After the speaking were foot races, auto races, motorcycle races, dancing and music, and Nate Potts, a Chicago boxing promoter, put on a, card of six-round bouts, which ended the big show. , ~