The Evansville journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ind.) 1866-1870, 1870-11-05
THE CON VENTION.
Nomination of Hon. VIM. Baker for
Mayor By AcolamatiOr.
Grea. Unanlmlty and Enthusiasm.

was quite la'S0 S"Ni ""N
those who composed it. were some of
the Oldest, most responsible, and most
respected citizens Of the city.
The Convention was organized by
Col. P. Hornbrook's molten, calling
Mr.. James @. Riggs to the Chair,
which motion was unanimously
adopted.
Mr.. Riggs, on taking the Chair,
said that, as all knew the objects of
the Convention, no explanation from
him was necessary. He would not
attempt to make a speech for the rea-
son that it was not bis forte. and not
necessary at this juncture. He called
for nominations.
MIR. Joseph P. Elliott nominated
Hon. William Baker amid great APP
plause.
The Chairman asked if there were
other nominations. and was answered,
"Nol no pol"
Mr.. John S. Hopkins moved to
make the nomination by aeclamation,
and said that for this Office it was i'm
portant that man be selected who
possessed legal and mental ability,
and moral integrity that was unques-
tionable, and no one that he knew
possessed those qualifications in
greater degree than Hen. William
Baker.
Tumultuous applause followed this
speech, and the motion to nominate
by acclamation was carried BIZ loud
and emphatic AYE" followed by
cheers.
Calls were then made for Baker,
Hopkins, Heilman end others, but it
being ascertained that Mr.. Baker was
not 10 the hall. all present Joined in
calling on Mr.. j. s. Hopkins.
Mr.. Hopkins came forward and said
again that it was matter of the most
vital Importance that man Of ment-
al, legal and administrative ability
be secured for Mayor, aud be
knew of no man who combined
within himself so many qualities that
fitted him for this position as Mr..
Baker. Applause
He desired to see man elected
who needed no watching to have the
citizens know their affairs were
promptly and properly attended to,
and such man was William Baker.
When the affairs of the city are in
his hands they are sure to go right.
II elected now he would be re-
elected in the Spring, and by bis
wise management would. in all prob
ability. take the affairs of the city out
of party hands and so regulate the |
action of the Council that it would !!
operate as did bank and railroad |
boards, without regard to politics.
Major Blythe Hynes being called
for said he could only repeat the views
of Mr.. Hopkins. He endorsed his
eulogy of Mr.. Baker, and believed
that his wise administration of affairs
WVuxu Svuu VUUpIU " vUUC IUr men, In /
municipal elections, for their individ-
ual merits without inquiring into
their party antecedents We should |
elect men to the Council, and other |
city offices, with especial regard to
their fitness for the positions. 1t
made no difference to US if the city
prospeFed whether the prosperity be
promoted by Democrat or Republican.
We had too much Of politics ard
want no more, and he would say here,
and boldly say. that hereafter he
would vote for those whom he believed
to be fit to fill the Offices to which they
were nominated let their politics be
what they may.
Hon. VIM. Heilman, in RESP onse to
loud calls, responded briefly that the
election, now about to be held, was
as important to the city as the election
of President to the United States.
He was gTatified at Mr.. Bakers nom
inatioD. for he knew him well; had
served in the Council. with him years
ago. aud had he had such support as
Mr.. Bakers, or a majority in the
Council with whom he co1ld coop
crate. he could have accomplished all
the improvements. now being made, at
a saving to the city of 100000.
MIR. Samuel Orr responded 10 loud
calls. he heartily endorsed the nom
inatiOn of Mr.. Baker. He had served
in the Council for about twenty years,
but had never Known mao who de-
voted so much time and energy to the
city's interests as had Mr.. Baker,
While violent party divisions contin-
ued, the growth and prosperity of the
city must necessarily be retarded, and
as its prosperity uoder Mr.. Bakers
administration had been greater than
ever before, so it would be again if he
was elected. Ii would not do to sit {
down and say that because Baker was {
dominated, that his election was GER
tain; we must act. aud continue to
act until the election was acco /.
plished,
At this moment Mr.. Baker an
peared, was received with perfect f;
storm Of applause. and assembled the
stand. He expressed his thanks fer
the nomination to so responsible po- ;
sitioD, and said that if the nomination
vas ratified at the polls, he wonld see
hat equal ald exact justice was done '
% all, from the lowest TO the highest. I
he would also say that at regular
,fntnd nnrinTa the rann1a shnr,lI L.