Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1876-08-24
Politics In Lawrence County.
Democrats Leaving The Party.
TOO MUCH REFORM.

IRoNToN, o., Aug. II, 1876.
EDITOR JoNRNAL:
Perhaps your readers may be Interested il
the political status OF this county. Heretofor,
we have been so grossly ymisrepresented by Dem
ocratic correspondents from this place that
few words OH the other side showing the true
condition OF affairs, will be appropriate. The
Democracy of this county are under cloud ant
Central Committee made hasty trip through
the rural districts q few days ago and did moi
meet with as warm reception as they antici
pated. They may not know the direct cause o
the disaffection within their ranks, as well as
those who have been silent observers OF theiI
conduct, but they certainly are satisfied that
they have lost ground since the Congressional
nominations. In the first place they expected a
division among Republicans and q lukewarm.
ness in the canvass, but in this they have been
deceived. They went to Republicans whom
they expected to be disappointed and dissatis-
fed and found them more than ordinarily en-
thused for Henry s. Neal. They then sought con
ISOLATION in their own strongholds and found
many Democrats entertaining feelings toward
Vance and their local leaders which surprised
them. Whether they have learned the cause OF
this feeling of distrust within their own party |
have no means OF knowing. BUTT can easily be
accounted for.
The fact is acknowledged by fair minded men
in their party that the young. irresponsible
leaders of the Democratic party in this county
and ile by their unscrupulous, personal attacks
upon Mr.. Neal. They have known Mr. Neal for
many years: He has come in and out before
them as neighbor and friend. eaten at their ta-
bles, shared their confidence and esteem, be-
friended them in many ways when he was not
in politics and had no selfish motive in view and
they know his character as a neighbor is ir-
reproachable. How these Democratic leaders
can get the consent of their consciences to heap
upon him such personal abuse is beyond their
comprehension. This is the feeling of many
lifelong Democrats in various portions of Law
renee county. They tell me they have remon-
strated with these leaders against such low
they have therefore declared they will endure
it no longer. They blame Vance for the course
pursued by his friends in this county. lie reads
the Ironton Democrat and cannot be ignorant of
the fact. Not only does he approve of its
course by his silence but he instigates it by re-
warding the flthiest of these dirt SINGERS. He
took Charles j Weiner out of the filthy trail
adopted him as his private Secretary. a large
number OF Democrats scattered over the coun-
ty declare they will not endure this disgrace
any noise about it but they have quietly deter
minod to administer reproof by leaving the
party and protecting their manhood. Mr.. Neal
win not only poll every Republican vote in the
county but he will run far ahead OF his ticket
In one township alone there are thirteen staunch
old Democrats who have become thoroughly dis
gpsted with the personal abuse heaped upon
Mr. Neal by the Ironton Democrat. aad have
made up their minds to support him. This Is no
exaggerati0n but the plain facts as any man
may learn by taking turn through cur county.
sort of political warfare / should rejoice that
Vance and his followers have adopted such a
course, because 1t will certainly swell Meals
majority.
To give you an idea of the character of our
local Democratic leaders will give you an Illus
tration. Alta pole raising in Ironton last Tues
day night Z. y. Dean made a speech, which
for falsehood. abuse and vilification exceeded
anything ever uttered in this place. He made
no argument. advanced no ideas or opinions
upon any issue, and never even outlined the
principles Of his own party, but devoted almost
his entire time (pore than an hour1 to the
abuse Of Kx-Goyern0r Norton, every sentence of
which was slander, and every word q glar-
ing faisehood. q creature or his own imagina-
ton. In speaking Of the Hamburger Massacre
he said it "was nothing more than street row
between set Of drunken niggers and q few
white roughs and had no political Significance
map who can qtter such delib-
dence, from both sides, transmitted to the Presi-
dent from the scene Of the slaughter and pub
lished to the world by both political parties in
Congress is capable OF more meanness to the
square inch than Sitting Bull, the chief Of the
Sioux.
Ionly repeat this language to show you why
30 many Democrats OF this county who have re-
gard tor truth and manhood are refusing to
train under these men. They have adopted this
plan OF reform" toward Neal and have made
him many votes. Within the last three weeks q
tide has set in in his favor which indicates that
he will poll two hundred votes ahead OF his
ticket. II this course is persisted in much long
er Ishall feel justified in giving you Mr.. Deans
record In the army.
A TRAVELLER.