Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 41, Number 37, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 January 1909 — Kern Blames Defeat to Corruption. [ARTICLE]

Kern Blames Defeat to Corruption.

Benjamin F. Shively, of South Bend, was chosen at two o'clock Thursday morning by the democrats for United States Cenator. His victory is looked upon as that of a “dark horse”, as John W. Kern was the leader in the beginning and presumably the people’s choice. Mr. Kern, in a statement given out at his home Thursday blames his defeat to dotible-deaUng of some in his ranks. The liquor Interests are accused of using their corrupt influence to defeat Kern and elect Shively. Mr. Kern says he will expose the corrupt influences which control the democrtic party. He said these interests had been attempting to deceive him all along; bnt he would expose them thoroughly now to show them he was aware of their trickery. Thomas Taggart, the democratic boss of the state,- a notorious gambler and den keeper, apparently was supporting Kern; but is said to have secretly supported Shively. The secret ballot, Mr. Kern said, enabled the corrupt interests to prevail upon members of the caucus to betray their constituents and defeat Kern because their constituents would not know the action they took. John E. Lamb has agreed to swing his support to elect Kern, and when he did so, it was learned of the treachery of some of the Kern men as more Kdra men went to Shively; than Lamb men to Kern. Mr. Shively Is considered an able man, and is considered honest by bis friends. “Shall the people rule?” was the democratic cry last fall. Judging from the defeat of Kern, democratic rule does not mean peoples’ rule.