Jasper County Democrat, Volume 14, Number 99, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 March 1912 — Page 3

DEMOCRATS PICK WENNING TICKET

state convention a big and ENTHUSIASTIC GATHERING. ——T - Governor Marshall Makes the Keynote Speech, and Samuel M. Ralston is Nominated for Governor by Cheering Delegates. INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., March 21.—* Thousands of cheerful, enthusiastic Democrats from every nook and corner of Indiana thronged Indianapolis today to attend the state convention, to adopt a platform and to nominate a state ticket to be voted for and triumphantly elected at the election next fall, headed by that sturdy, faithful, Old-time war horse of the party, Hon. Samuel M. Ralston, of Lebanon, as the nominee for Governor. The first nomination made was that of Mr. Ralston, for Governor, and this was done in a storm of applause and cheers. Mr. Ralston, who was.present, was called on for a speech, and in his old-fashioned, Democratic, Hoosier way, he thanked the convention for the great honor, and promised the Democracy that he would devote his time, his energy and his whole soul to the effort to lead the ticket to vic-

LEW G. ELLINGHAM.

Lew G. Ellingham, renominated for Secretary of State after two years of most efficient service In that office. Is a resident of Decatur. He is yet a young man. For many years prior to his election to office he was owner and editor of the Decatur Democrat and served as president of the Indiana Democratic Editorial Association. He was also a member of the State Central Committee. He Is widely known and deservedly popular.

tory. That Mr. Ralston is fairly idolised by the Democrats of Indiana was shown by the thunderous applause that greeted him. It looked like every man in the vast throng was on his feet cheering and waving his hat for several minutes, as testimonial to the high regard in which Mr. Ralstph is held by the Indiana Democracy. It is many years since the degree of good feeling and bright prospects existed among the Hoosier Democrats that was present today. On every hand there is the firm belief and earnest determination that Indiana will retain her place in the column of Democratic states, and that the entire ticket will be elected without a dqubt. Workers Arrive Early. Although the . convention did not open until 9 o’clock this morning, old

WILLIAM H. O’BRIEN.

William H. O’Brien, of Lawrenceburg, has again been nominated as the Democratic candidate for Auditor of State, an office which he has filled with great ability for two years. He is a business man in the best meaning of that term, with large financial interests, but in discharge of his duty as a Citizen he served with marked credit as mayor of his city, as State senator and as chairman of the Democratic State Central Cpmmittee.

wheel horses and prominent 'party workers from all over the state began pouring into this city as early as last Monday, in order not to miss anything. They wanted to be oft. the ground early to participate in the enthusiasm to the fullest measure. The hotels were jammed to the roofs long before convention day. Militant, Working, earnest, steadfast Democrats met and exchanged notes on campaign, conditions. They brought from every county reports of Democratic solidity and harmony such as had not been heard before in years.

Every indication, before the convention opened, was that the convention would be in reality more of a love' feast than a scene of contest for supremacy. This harmonious situation was a source of gratification and encouragement to the Democrats, for it indicated to them that the party la in the best shape possible for the elec- 1 tion fight. fa Candidates Open Headquarters. The Denison Hotel was the headquarters of all of the candidates for nominations. For several days these headquarters had been open and in

WILLIAM H. VOLLMER.

For Treasurer of State, William H. Vollmer, of Vincennes, is the nominee for a second term. He is a farmer and business man of- wide . experience and success, and has been a most capable official. As a member of the State Board of Finance, serving with Governor Marshall and State Auditor O’Brien, he has done his full part in rescuing the treasury from the condition of bankruptcy created by Republican administration.

charge of the candidates and their friends and supporters. The delegates from the various districts held district meetings here last night to elect delegates and alternates to the national convention, and presir dentlal electors and contingent electors. These district meetings also made selections of members of the committees on credentials, organization and resolutions, and for vice-pres-idents and assistant secretaries of the convention. These committees prepared their reports at once for presen-

THOMAS M. HONAN.

Thomae M. Honan, of Seymour, chosen tor a second term for Attorney General, has demonstrated his fitness for that office by splendid service during his first term. He graduated from the State University, afterward served as prosecuting attorney, was for three sessions a member of the General Assembly and was Speaker of the House Of Represetnatives. During his service as Attorney General many matters of great importance to the State have been handled by him with signal ability and success.

tation to the convention toddy. This was done so as to get all of the preliminaries out of the way of the big work of the convention, thus clearing the decks for the magnificent keynote speech of Governor Marshall, outlining the position of the Democracy of Indiana on the political issues now before the people. Great Speech by Governor. Governor Marshall was chosen as the temporary chairman of the convention, a selection that met with the enthusiastic approval of Democrats everywhere. Because of his position as head of the party in Indiana and because he is Indiana’s candidate for* the highest honor in the gift, of the Democracy of the nation, the nomination for the Presidency, it was evident that this great honor was due the Governor. Besides, there is no orator in Indiana who could better define and explain the position of the Democratic party on the issues. His speech was a masterpiece of logic and oratory and its delivery aroused the thousands of Democrats in Tomlinson Hall to a -high pitch of enthusiasm. He was cheered to the echo ag he discussed the political questions of the day and made it plain that the Democracy stands always for the rights of the people. , The convention went on record unanimously, and with a roar of cheers, in favor of the nomination of Governor Marshall for President, and binding the party of this state to support him at the national convention at> Baltimore. Tomlinson Hall was decorated beautifully for the contention. Flags, bunting and banners draped the walls and the balconies. The stage was decorated in similar style, and above there were several large portraits of

Nominee for Governor

Sarnutl AioTfcLt Ralston was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, December 1, 1857. He is of Scottish-Irish descent. His father, John Ralston, was a native of “Old Virginia,” and his mother, Sarah Ralston, nee Scott, was a native of Pennsylvania. In 1865 they moved to Owen County, Indiana, where the father owned and operated a large farm and dealt in live stock. While residing here Samuel did the usual work that falls to the lot of a boy on a farm. He always enjoyed working with the stock on the farm. He is a lover of animals. He felled trees, sawed logs and marketed lumber with ox teams. Afterward he worked at sinking a coal shaft and mining coal. With the assistance of one helper, he sunk with his owfi hands the first coal shafe that was put down at Fontanet, in Vigo County, and secured a horse, the first piece of property he ever owned, by his work at this mine. For several years he taught school. He attended the Northern Indiana Normal College at Valparaiso and the Central Normal College at Danville, Indiana, being graduated from the scientific course of the latter Institution August 1, 1884. He then took up the study of law at Spencer, Ind., and in June, 1886, he began the practice of his profession at Lebanon, where he has since lived. As a lawyer he has achieved a distinction equalled by but few men in the State.

distinguished leaders of the party, among them being Hendricks, Jackson, Jefferson, Cleveland, VoorheeS, Bryan, Marshall, Kern and Shively. The forenoon session of the convention was devoted to the work of organization, the keynote speech of Governor Marshall, the short speech of United States Senator John W. Kern, who was chosen for permanent chairman, an<T the adoption of the platform. Senator Kern made a ringing speech full of sound Democracy, and his telling points aroused the crowd to great enthusiasm. He was loudly cheered when he stepped forward to take the gavel from the hand of Governor Marshall. •' ■ The convention consists ’of 1,747 delegates from, the various counties. It requires a majority, or 874 votes, to make a nomination. It was expected that the work of making nominations would not be finished before late this evening, but the delegates, happy in the knowledge that they were nominating a ticket that will sweep the state to triumphant Democratic victory next fall, were there to stay the full time and do all of the work required. List of the Candidates. The complete list of candidates for the various nominations who had announced themselves before the con-

CHARLES A. GREATHOUSE.

For Superintendent of PubUc Instruction, Charles A. Greathouse, of Mt. Vernon, has been nominated to succeed himself. He is a graduate of the University of Indiana. After his graduation he taught in the public schools and served several terms as county superintendent. He is now president of the State Teachers’ Association. As a progressive educator he is known throughout the country, and bis thoroughly capable administration of his office is conceded by ail.

vention was as follows, and It was a list from which the delegates could make no mistake, no matter what their choice of candidates might be: Governor—Samuel M. Ralston, Lebanon; Frank J. Hall, Rushville. Lieutenant-Governor William P. O'Neill, Mishawaka; James W. Fortune. Jeffersonville; Clay W. Metsker, Plymouth; Jacob F. Denny, Portland; Mason J. Niblack, Vincennes; Dr. T.

SAMUEL M. RALSTON.

D. Scales, Boonville; L.'B. Clore, Franklin. Secretary of State—Lew G. Ellingham, Decatur, the ihcumbent. Auditor of State—William H. O’Brien, Lawrenceburg, the incumbent Treasurer of State —William H. Vollmer, Vincennes, the incumbent Attorney-General—Thomas M. Honan, Seymour, the incumbent. Reporter of the Supreme Court— Charles J. McCullough, Brazil; Edward E. Cox, Hartford City; Philip Zoercher, Tell City; Harry G. Strickland, Greenfield; E. W. McDaniel, Shelbyville. Superintendent of Public lastruc-

Thomas W. Brolley, who has lifted the office of State Statistician to a high degree of efficiency and usefulness, is the nominee for a second term. His home is in North Vernon. ! Prior to his election to his present , office he was for two terms a member of thte General Assembly. Under his administration statistical compilations have been rhore carefully made than for years and the free' employment bureau has been extended. ,

tion—Charles A. Greathouse, Indianapolis, the Incumbent. State Statistician —Thomas W. Brolley, North Vernon, the incumbent. Judge of the Supreme Court, First District—John C. McNutt, Martinsville; Edwin Corr, Bloomington; O. F. Harris, Terre Haute; John W. fjpencer, Evansville. Judge of the Supreme Court, Fourth District—Richard K. Erwin, Fort Wayne; Fred S. Caldwell, Winchester; G. W. McClellan, Matthews. Judge of Appellate Court, First District—Joseph H. Shea, Seymour. The nominations of Messrs. Eilingham, O’Brien, Vollmer, Honan, Greathouse, Brolley and Shea were foregone /conclusions, because these men had no opposition. In the political history of Indiana the Democratic state convention of 1912 will long be known as probably the most enthusiastic, harmonious and successful convention held in the state by any party tn the last twenty years* and the Democrats will have Occasion to be proud of the ticket which It has nominated.

THOMAS W. BROLLEY.

SPLENDID RECORD OF DEMOCRACY

GOVERNOR MARSHALL MAKES THE KEYNOTE SPEECH. Jk . Tells of Great Work of the Party In Indiana—Democrats Put Stop to Republican Extravagance. INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., March 21. The glorious record of the Democratic party since it was intrusted four years a«o with the management of the affairs of the state of Indiana was eloquently set forth in all of its striking detail by Governor Thomas R. Marshall in his speech at the Democratic state convention. It was the keynote speech of the campaign, and no more, forceful, logical and unanswerable speech has even been made in defense of the record of any party than this one of Governor Marshall. Himself a master of oratory and argument, the Governor was at his best when, he made this speech. -It is a document that will go down in history of Indiana. He said in part: "The Democratic party has crystalized > into law important principles and is now enforcing them. Let me briefly mention some of them. Along the line of public health we have new laws to curtail child labor; to regulate the sale of cold storage products; to require hygienic schoolhouses and

GOVERNOR MARSHALL.

to permit the medical examination of school children; to prevent blindness at birth; to regulate the sale of cocaine and othdr drugs; to provide treatment for hydrophobia through the "State Board of Health; to establish public grounds in the Capital City of the state; to strengthen the pure-food act and to require the branding of renovated butter. "Along the line of labor, let me mention the acts: To create a Bureau of Inspection; to provide a weekly wage; to require purchase by the state of the products of the Indiana Reformatory; to establish free employment agencies; to require the inspection of locomotive boilers; to require standard cabooses; to require full switching crews; to require storm windows for locomotives; to require handbrakes' on railway cars; to require block system on railroads; to require the erection of danger signs at grade crossings; to require railroad companies to give certificate of service to discharged employes; to safeguard the lives of laborers on high buildings; to provide examination for miners.

Another Important Law. “And let me also mention in connection with labor legislation the Employers’ Liability law, abolishing the doctrine of assumed risk and the fellow-servant doctrine and making contributory negligence a defense. “Along the line of public morals we enacted laws: To prevent corrupt practices at elections; to require general registration of voters; to provide penalties for furnishing money to naturalize foreigners; to enable the State Board of Pharmacy to revoke the license of whisky-selling druggists; io increase the penalty for horse stealing; to provide police court matrons; to establish uniform weights and measures; to prevent traffic in white slaves. "Other enactments of pith and moment to the people might be mentioned as follows: To provide for the examination of building and loan associations; to prevent the granting of rebates on policies of*lnsurance; to fix liability on bills of lading; to permit night schools in cities; to permit the purchase of flags by school trustees. Created Educational Commission. . “The Democratic Legislature also ratified the Income Tax Amendment. It created one commission to investigate. industrial and agricultural education and another to investigate the > feasibility of establishing a State Workhouse and Penal Farm. It authorized the purchase of a farm, provided state finances would permit, for an insane colony where the incurably but not violently insane might have the benefits of outdoor life. It appropriated |30,000 for the advancement of agriculture, domestic science and rural life. It sought to provide for the industrial education of colored children. “The Legislature also ordered a thorough and systematic investigation relative to fees and salaries. The Democratic party believes in the strictest economy in the administration of public affairs but it also believes that the workman is worthy of his hire and that township and conn-

ty officials should be paid salaries .. commensurate with their ability and service. It deplored the patch-work system by which the fee bill was from time to time being changed, knowing that justice was not being* done thereby to many ill-paid “In addition to all this, the Legislature presented to the people of In* dlana for their adoption or rejection, a new Constitution. The Governor expressed his hearty disapproval” of the recall of judges and judicial decisions, as advocated by Theodore Roosevelt. Economy in Finances. Speaking of the state’s finances, the Governor said in part: “Much has been said, and falsely said, about the condition of state finances. It is true that nothing will lie worse than figures have figurera. The tax levy, however, will disclose that one and one-half cents less upon each one hundred dollars has been taken from the pockets of the people by .this administration. In the aggregate it amounts to $290,000 a year. “Notwithstanding this decreased levy, the Democratic party has been able to meet the increased cost of living and the increased population at state institutions, to open up the new hospital for insane at Madison and the tuberculosis hospital at Rockville, to increase the capacity of the School for Feeble Minded Youth and the Epileptic Village, and to pay off the Colisseuin bonds of SIOO,OOO plus interest and it will be able to pay $150,000 of the state debt in July of this year and $150,000 more in January of next year.’’ The Governor recommended better primary election, laws. He recommended the establishment of a penal colony for prisoners sentenced for one year or less. He favored the establishment of a state orphans’ home. The Governor and the pardon board, he said, have been criticised for the way they have exercised the clemency power. He said he had no apologies to make on this score.

He pleaded for a higher degree of practical religion in state craft. “No longer may a man with safety to either his soul or his reputation pray on the Sabbath day as the Gospel commands, and pray the rest of the week as the law permits,” he said. He said that the ballot should be given only to those who would use it for the greatest good of all the people. An Ignorant, corrupt, besotted and purchasable electorate, he said, will destroy the fabric of any Democracy. The new Constitution, which waa proposed at the last session of the Legislature, he said, would eliminate from the ballot box all who were ignorant of our institutions and who could be purchased. He said an effort would be made to have the Legislature get rid of the lawyers’ amendment, now before the people, in order that need; ed amendments to the Constitution may be proposed. % The Governor said he did not sep any need of the initiative, the referendum and the recall at this time, but that he believed wisdom demanded that,, the Constitution be made to provide for them, so as to be ready to meet any emergency, He said he believed there are times when the recall should be used on public officials. Best Liquor Laws. t “In accordance with our last state platform,”'said the Governor, “and to conform to our belief in the doctrine of local self-government, we hkve enacted the township ants city unit law to govern option elections as to whether saloons shall or shall not be permitted. We have, likewise, passed a stringent regulators law known aS the ‘Proctor law,’ which fearlessly enforced, must inevitably result in lessening the well-known evils of the liquor traffic. It will be well tp fearlessly and strictly enforce these laws. They are, in their language, the best regulatory laws we have ever had. Whether they prove to be so in active operation will depend upon their enforcement. These—should not be regarded as prohibitory legislation for the question of prohibition bas never yet been presented to the people of this state. We have had no opportunity to pacs upon prohibition. So long as regulation is to be the object of the law, the present enactments, when honestly enforced, will be found satisfactory.”

The Governor recommended the enlargement of the powers of the State Railroad Commission and that it be converted into la public service commission, to deal with public service corporations, laws and regulations. Tariff for Revenue Only. The speaker devoted some time to a discussion of the tariff questio\i, taking the position that the protective tariff principle was ’indefensible, and said that the Democratic party believes in real tariff reform and a tariff for revenue only. He also favored an income tax, so that those who have large incomes would pay their proportionate share of the taxes. Corporations are all right, he said, so long as they keep within the law and the scope of tbeir rights, but they should not * be allowed io go beyond that boundary. Anti-trust laws, he said, should never be replaced so as to avoid offenses already committed. “It is our belief,” said the Governor, “that howsoever men have cast their ballots in the past, eighty per cent, of the voters of Indiana are, this day. Democrats at heart. “The rights of'men should be safeguarded from both the encroachments of majorities and the usurpations of powerful minorities. I cannot myself subscribe to the doctrine that majorities are always right. I grant the privilege qf majorities to' rule,' but always within constitutional limitations and , with never an. encroachment upon the inalienable rights of a minority, however small.*