Jasper County Democrat, Volume 2, Number 11, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 June 1899 — A LITTLE PERSONAL. [ARTICLE]

A LITTLE PERSONAL.

The writer, before locating at Rensselaer and taking up the fight in behalf of the people for a better and more economical county government, carefully considered the matter from all sides. We knew the kind of a gang we had to fight and (hat, aa it was a life or death Struggle with them, they would leave no stone unturned to “down” ua. We knew from our own observation and a careful perusal of the state reports that much rottenness existed, bat the disclosures since presented from oar limited examination of the records exceeded even our expectations.

We took the bull by the horns and showed np matters as they existed, and we nave, as we expected, brought down upon oar bead the anathemas of the whole corrupt gang. There is an old saying that “Whom the gods seek to destroy they first make mad,” and our exposures have without doubt made everyone mad who favored keeping the people in ignorance of the true condition of affairs while the county treasury was being carefully looked after and nd big surplus allowed to accumulate. In addition to the combined efforts of the ring, the three republican newspapers have fought us tooth and nail from the day it became known we were coming here. We have been called eyerything with the vocabulary of the ring editorial association, from a saferobber to a tax-dodger, in their frantic efforts to run us out, and now the scheme seems to be to drive us out with libel suits. In spite of this we still remain, a thorn in the flesh of every ringster and shyster who would plunder the people and wants no interference in his work.

We have no regrets for the policy we have pursued, we have gained the friendship of a large majority of the honest yeomanry of the county, both democrats and republicans, and also many who are engaged in business or reside in town, people who believe that public office is a public trust and that public affairs should be conducted with the same business integrity and economy as private affairs. The fact that the circulation of The Democrat has more than doubled in the county during the year we have been at the helm is a gratifying endorsement of the policy it has pursued, and we wish to say right here,' that we would rather have the good opinion of a half-dozen of the friends made during this time than the fawning sycophancy of the entire republican ring and their office-seeking or office-holding friends. In view of the fact that we came here a stranger and the united efforts made to injure us in a business way and to discredit every statement made by us, it might not be out of place to herein publish a few letters of recommendation which we have had for some time. We have several others equally as good, and from people of equally high standing: [Letter from the editor of the Goodland Journal, written to Mr. Major about the time we first went to Remington.] Goodland, Ind., July 13,1890. Friend Major:— l this morning talked with Frank Babcock of this place, who has worked for me more or lore for the past three years, and who is thoroughly competent to conduct the mechanical department of the News in a satisfactory manner. He will go and stay with you for six weeks, and if all things are mutually satisfactory will remain with yon permanently. He is true as steel, honest snd reliable in every way, and is a natural job printer. You will find him all that I have recommended—just the man you want. Your Friend, A. J. Mitt. (From Hon. George Major, former state senator from this county, and well knowu to most of our readers.] Bloomington, Ind, Ind. Nov. 16,1898. Have known F. B. Babcock intimately for a little more than eight years. He was employed by me on the Remington Press for several years, coming highly recommended from h’s former home. Goodland. During this time I trusted much of the business and financial management of the Presa to Mr. Babcock and always found everything as straight aa straight could be. I found him to be all that he was recommended, and In all of onr business relations everything has been of the pleasantest character. I believe him to be strictly honorable and reliable in every why. - Georoe Major. [From a well known Goodland Attorney.) Goodlard, Ind., Nov. 15,1898. I have known F. R. Babcock for about fourteen years. He is a member in good standing of the K. of P. lodge at this place sod was secretary of the local building aad loan association here for some fonr years, re-

si«min* that office wben he —red to Rea»iajttoß. Hare had a number of tariMoMj. W. USWAUk. {From the President of the Ha— Book at Goodlaud.] Goodlaud, la«L. Nor. 14, UW neas with him dunn* that tu— and have af—T~* ~**~*x*— rrt “nniTalilr aalßin—l in an hte dealings, and as sock can be—Sy recommend him. V. D. Giuua. (From an ex-bnnker of Goodland. and a Goodlaud capitalist.] Goodland, lad. Nor. IS, UML We bare known F. E. Babcock far some IS years, bare had business dealings with Mas amounting to thousands of dollars and always found him straight and honorable. We know nothing derogatory to him in any way. & c. Spook. C. G. Aram. (From a well known business man. a rrpnh lican. and ex-member of the Remington town Board.] Remington. Ind. Nor. It USB. I hare known F. E. Babcock a little more than 8 years; hare had business relations with him during nearly all of this time, and bare ever found him honorable and reliable in every way, and ’The only bad thing I know about him is his politics.” W*. Shepherd. . [From another Remington business man %nd member of the school board at that place.} Remington, Ind., Nov. 16,1898. Have known F. E. Babcock about nine years and have had business dealings with him during much of this time. Our business relations have always been of the pleasantest character and 1 can truthfully say that 1 hare found him a perfect gentleman, honorable and upright in all cases. W. L. Gcxx.