The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1876-05-12
REPUBLICAN COUNTY POLITICS.

The casual reader of the Republican who
Expects to get from its columns q faithful
tatement as to the condition OF the Repub-
lean party in this County, or fair account
bf political matters generally, does not uu-
lerstand the "true inwardness" of that insti.
ntion. 1t dare not criticize the official
,ctions of the President or his satellites for
lear there would be a vacancy in the Post
Office at this place 1t dare not assail the
management of affairs by Hartranft, Mackey
or Cameron, however exceptionsble, or the
same result might happen.
We will briefly illustrate
For several years two gentlemen of un-
doubted Republcanism-Capt. Robson and
Mr. Peacock-held the positions of Notaries
Public in this place. They had performed
their duties faithfully, and were recommend
ed for re-appointment by both our Banks
and citizens generally. But the fiat from
the centralized Republican Ring, composed
of half dozen men-went to Harrisburg,
| and in the place of two efficient officers had
two new and inexperienced men appointed.
Later, Sheriff Grover died. In anticipa-
| tion of this event the Ring laid their plans,
| and before his burial delegations fastened to
Harrisburg, and the war for succession be-
gan. Dyke of Centralia, Brobst of Catawissa,
Kressler of Scot, and perhaps others claimed
recognition from the Governor, but again
the Ring said to Hartranft, No! We want
Fornwald.
But at once the Republicans from the
country became interested. An Office in this
County seldom falls to their lot, and however
much they may ridicule the contests for Office
among Democrats, none are so hot or hungry
as they achcn there is an opening. The Cover
nor became alarmed. Perhaps the Ring was
not omnipotent Centralia, Catawissa Ber-
wick, and dissenters in Bloomsburg might
have a reserved influence. 1t was explained
to him that the Republican conventions in
this County generally consisted of half a
dozen delegates elected by themselves, and
that the 1000 Republican voters followed the
ticket, because it ,cas the ticket.
Z In this dilemma he waited, and his mind
Inclined to the appointment Of some man
outside of Bloomsbury. Beckley, the head
of the Ring then determined on 'hank-
movement" (which he learned in the army?)
and his brother-in-law aoas put .tor,card. 1t
was supposed the Governor could not resist
such an appeal, because Hartranft is can
! didate for President, and must follow Grants
precedents of appointing brothers.n-law
Besides, how could Hartranft get over the
fact that Beckley was a constant Delegate
to County Conventions, constantly chairman
of the Standing Committee as we'll as its
Treasurer, land by the way never accounted
for money received( a regular Delegate tc
State Conventions, a Delegate to the National
Convention, editor of the Republican organ
and last, but not least Post Master Wha
could be more irresistible?
Yet, the Governor hesitated. But Provi
dence took from us our Associate Judge, Mr.
Scott. The scramble was renewed. Ever
+ Ben. Fortner was sorry he had taken tn,
appointment of Justice of the Peace. Ber
wick clamored for Phillips, Centralia fo
Camp, and other localities for their respect
i've favorites. But the generalship of tn,
Ring now came into play. May berry Hughe
became candidate for the vacant Judge
ship. He was genial, popular, and the Cat
awissaians could not well oppose him, and a
the Ring did not, his nomination and con
firmation were at once secured. The RIM
said with reason "Catawissa cannot CLAIM
both,-as a compromise we abandon tn
brother-in-law, and insist on Fornwald
"By this sign they conquered" and thus tn
Ring triumped.