Jasper County Democrat, Volume 14, Number 99, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 March 1912 — DEMOCRATS PICK WENNING TICKET [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

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-

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

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

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-

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

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-

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.

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-

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. ,

LEW G. ELLINGHAM.

WILLIAM H. O’BRIEN.

WILLIAM H. VOLLMER.

THOMAS M. HONAN.

CHARLES A. GREATHOUSE.

THOMAS W. BROLLEY.