Jasper County Democrat, Volume 11, Number 35, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 August 1908 — WATSON AND THE “BLIND TIGER.” [ARTICLE]

WATSON AND THE “BLIND TIGER.”

One can hardly conceive how James E. Watson, Republican candidate for governor, can go out over the state preaching temperance while at the same time he is a member in high standing of that notorious blind tiger, the Columbia Club, at Indianapolis, where “booze” flows freely for twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week, in direct violation of law—a jplnt of which its members make the proud boast that they are equipped to furnish any drink that may be called for. Is that consistent with Watson’s attitude on the stump?—Portland Sun. •

AN IDEAL GOVERNOR. The manifest feeling among voters of all parties in Indiana is that Hon. Thomas R. Marshall, the demcratlc candidate, would make an ideal governor. With practical unanimity this is the sentiment of the newspapers, republican and Democratic alike. This settled conviction mentioned above has been arrived at on the part of the voters by a study of the characters of the two leading candidates for governor, Marshall and Watson, and the manner In which each secured his nomination. It is not too much to say that the method of which. Mr. Watson secured his nomination left a decidedly bad impression among the respectable element of the republican party. They feel that the office of governor is one of too much dignity and responsibility to be raffled off by a lot of pot house politicians. The attitude of Mr. Marshall, both before and after the convention, has been beyond criticism ''and by it he earned enconiums from the republican press. His declaration that he would not indulge in church or lodge politics to secure votes put Mr. Watson at a disadvantage, for the latter’s method of campaigning has been to make ardent love to every element that possessed a vote, possibly coqsollng himself with the thought that “politics knows no conscience.” : '■ It is the general belief of skilled politicians of both old parties that if the election was to be held today Mr. Marshall would be elected governor by ont of-the largest majorities ever given a governor in thisstate. As the campaign progresses we expect to see the Marshall sentiment become more pronounced. His election would mean the Inaugural of a new era In state administration which for cleanness and ability would be a decided contrast to the administrations of recent years.— Auburn Courier.