The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1878-07-05
A Bit Of Political History.

In the tall Of 1875 an election was held for
county commissioners under the new consti-
tuition, each elector voting for two candi-
dates. Morgan Fehr and PatrickColli were
the democratic nominees and Samuel Gar
rett and Louis Blass the republican candid
ates. Governor Hartrsnft was candidate
for reelection against Hon. Cyrus L. Per-
shing that same year. In Pottsville, leading
republicans openly cut their fellow-towns-
man, and lifelong republican, Samuel Gar
rett and gave votes to Collins in return for
votes for Hsrtranft. In Girardville, NAH
anoy City and other portions of the county
the same thing was done. From the fact
that Judge Pershing was very popular
among order-loying people, he received a
large republican vote at home, but was
slaughtered by criminals and their friends 4;
and notwithstanding the open Collins-Hsrt-
ranft trade by prominent Pottsville republi-
cans, Judge Pershing received majority of
thirteen hundred and thirty-eight. Patrick
Collins was elected over Garret by very
small majority. For the sake of Hartranft
the republicans slaughtered Garrett. For
Hartranft's sake they elected Collins and set
Louis Blsss to watch him, and right faith
fully has Louis performed his part, especi-
ally after he had tried Collins and found he
couldn't mould him to his own views. Col
lins was not long in Office before howl was
made for Collins to resign. 1t was instigat-
cd by democrats, of Collins own nationality,
and the cry was taken up by democrats OF
all natiOnslities and echoed through the
county until 1t was threadbare, worn out and
monotOnous. But not single leading re-
publican was heard to mention it, except in
. way that was calculated to stir up strife
In democratic ranks. The organ down
In the hole at the quarry gave Collins aid
and comfort during this time. One of its
owner called on him at the conrt house and
BY pampering him, tried to get printing and
advertising from him. One Of its editors
, took buggy rides with him. They were
happy party all around because it was keep
Ing up quarrel in the democratic party. IL
the same spirit that republicans procure'
the pardon Of Hine, Benner and Coury
after conviction and sentence by demo
cratic court, they took the perverse commits
sioner, whom they had elected by disgrace
full trade, TO their bosom and petted him. o
course he has had luck, as the quarry orgsl
remarked to-day, and it will only desert hin
now If the same people who have been hi
guardian angels, viz; leading republican
and owners and editors Of republican news
papers, should fail TO get him an early par
don. Why should the quarry organ oonnec
his name with Messrs. Reilly and Kaercher
when they had nothing TO do with his elec
tion as delegate to Pittsburgh, and much les
with his seating Dauphin county man il
his place Why will republicans persist
entity procure pardons for delinquent Official
convicted by democratic tribunals 7 VIII!
did Hartranft and his lieutenants purchss
Mollie Mcguire votes? Why has Jack Ke
hoe so much confidence in the "Old man
Harrisburg"
Republicans may peruse our bit of politi
cal history and answer these questions 70
Ghemselye FtttsoiAs Chroaiele.