Jasper County Democrat, Volume 12, Number 58, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 November 1909 — SHANK PROBABLY ELECTED MAYOR [ARTICLE]

SHANK PROBABLY ELECTED MAYOR

Unofficial Flpes Show That Causs Is the Loser. ELECTION RATHER CLOSE ONE Temperance Forces Rally to the Aid of the Republican Candidate Who Left the Auetloneer*a Block to Make a Raee For the Highest Office In the Municipality Successful Nominee Commenced Hie Career aa the Driver of a Delivery Wagon. Indianapolis, Nov. 3.—Samuel Lewis Shank, the auctioneer canotdate of the Republicans who began bis business life as the driver of a delivery wagon, has been elected mayor of this city by an unofficial majority of about 1,500 over Charles Gauss, his Democratic opponent. Judge Fremont Alford, the independent candidate, does not appear to have polled very many votes. The election of Shank probably means the election of the entire Republican ticket.

The closing days of the campaign rested entirely upon the moral aspect of the race, and the temperance people generally came gradually to the support of Shank, under the belief that the election of Gauss would mean the triumph of the brewery element and give that class complete control of the city. Gauss voted for the repeal of the local option law as a member of the legislature at the last session and soon after his nomination for mayor, Tom Taggart became very active for him and In a few days all the brewery owners and saloon keepers were lined up for him. Taggart at once became the central figure in the campaign and Gauss was lost sight of in the fight made against his leader. The most notable Republican victory appears to have been won in the city of Fort Wayne in which Democratic Candidate Schmidt, representing the Berghoft brewery Interests, opposed Republican Candidate Grice. Grice was elected mayor by about 800 votes. The most serious trouble of the day occurred at Terre Haute where repeating was openly practiced and where men who protested against it and tried to secure arrests were themselves arrested and all appeals to the mayor and chief of police for protection were unavailing. Evansville is close, but is believed to be Republican. South Bend is Democratic. Richmond is probably Republican.