Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 249, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 October 1919 — G. O. P. GAINS IN ALABAMA [ARTICLE]

G. O. P. GAINS IN ALABAMA

CARRY Fl VE OF SEVEN COUN - TIES—REDUCE DEMOCRATIC PLURALITY BY 894.

Washington, Oct. 15. That drift is to Republicanism, even in the very heart of the south, is indicated by the official returns just received from the special congressional election held in the Seventh Alabama district. The special election was made necessary by the death of the incumbent, a democrat. The official returns disclose that the republican candidate came within 406 votes of election. Indeed, the republican candidate, C. B. Kennamer, carried five of the seven counties of this district. Ettowah county alone saved the democrats from a humiliating defeat. The democratic candidate carried the Alabama district last November by 1,300 votes. Last week’s special election showed a republican gain of 894 votes. With such a rapid trend .to republicanism it is fair to assume that the election in 1920 will show this Alabama district (it is a district composed almost exclusively of white voters) to be in the republican column. , Undoubtedly this Alabama district —in the very heart of the south — would' already be represented—in. congress by a republican except for a democratic gerrymander in 1916. In the 1914 election the republicans made such a fine showing in this district that the Alabama legislature hastened to make a change in the district boundaries. Two republican counties were taken out of the district and Blout county, which had been democratic, was added to the district, but to the surprise and amazement of the democrats, Blout county cast a republican plurality at last week’s, special election. The democrats now are at a loss to know how to make a further change in the district that will make it safe for democracy. The republicans are jubilant that they gained nearly 900 votes and are confident that the next election will put the democrats to rout. / Representative Will R. Wood, republican, participated in the speaking campaign. The democratic papers tried to stir up old prejudices by calling him a “carpet bagger.” However, this did not prevent hundreds of former democrats from voting the republican ticket. The Alabama voters are coming to realize that the south suffers by being a one-party state and the time is fast approaching when they will elect republicans. The trend toward republicanism, noticeable throughout the country, only emphasizes State Chairman Ed Wasmuth’s assertion that Indiana will retain her republican representation in the next congress. . Reports from Kentucky indicate that Ed Morrow, republican, will be elected governor at next month’s election. The republicans also are expecting a victory 8 congressional election is held at Okla&oma City, Okla.; this special election is made necessary by tne recent death of Representative Thompson.