The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-07-04
Lady Churchills Tandem Campaign.

Lady Churchilrs Tandem Campaign.
Cable Special, July 2.
Woodstock, little market town eight miles
beyond Oxford, deserves its reputation as the
sleepiest place in England Perhaps it has never
seen such stirring days as these since Cromwell
rudely awakened its sumbers two and half
centuries ago. Indeed it can be easily believed
that the excitement fomented by young Amer
lean lady driving tandem through its ancient
streets, and bowling with charming smiles to its
cheering townsmen, puts even divers rumpus
in the shade.
There were complaints a few days ago that
Woodstock people were apathetic, but surely
there be none now. The horses of the
vehicle which conveys you from the railway
station to the town are decked with pink ribbons,
and the driver talks nothing but politics. even
to passing acquaintances along the streets
Placards in shop windows are almost all Tory.
Practically every one you meet wears the colors
of his party, even including the children. The
hue mostly seen is Lord Randolph pink. The
Bear Hotel, the Tory headquarters, and other
centers of the town, afford scenes of bustling
activity. Dozens of Tory 's1uires and orators,
and volunteers from all parts, are at one head
quarters while organizers and canvassers, main
ly from Birmingham, are at the other.
Tonight came the climax the Tory meeting
at the town hall, for which Sir Henry Drum
mond Wolff and others have been working like
beavers The Liberals have fewer speakers, but
many practiced workers. and candidate of
great energy. Two Girton college graduates,
young girls of position and beauty (the Misses
Adams and Klng) are also on hand TO try TO
neutralize female Tory efforts. They mean well,
but, to use an English phase, they are not init"
with Lady Randolph Churchill. Every morning
this week her smart tandem gay with pink rib
bons, has been waiting at the hotel door before
an early breakfast That finished, she has
started out with her husbands sister, Lady
CURSOR, sometimes accompanied by the latter's
husband, and sometimes without him, to make
eonquests of voters.
Tonight Mr.. Corre Grants supporters are
discouraged. They say the ladies have been too
much for them. No doubt that is the case.
There is scarcely hamlet in the entire parish
which the adventurous tandem has not visited.
Lady Randolph has had smile for elector, or
possible elector and either pleasant word or a
plea for her husband according to the neceSsi
ties of the case. Since the famous Duchess of
Devonshire there has been no such devoted
electioneering hepmeet.
Woodstock is not versed in political precedents
however, and ali the credit for her activity en-
ergy, and grace is given to her country. grieve
to state, the impression is growing that she
would make livelier, more potential statesman
than her husband One very old man, who, in
his enthusiasm, is carrying pot of pink gera-
NUNS around, as well as wearing ribbons, ex-
pressed the thing when he said: ME! that
Yankee wife of his will make Lord Randy Prime
Minister fore | Gle; see if her don't"
The angry Liberals night are talking of con-
testing an adverse result, upon the ground that
Lady Randolph used improper practices, in ask
ing miller in the suburbs of the village to use
his influence. and see that his employees voted
right. But she says she only asked him to use
his moral influence.
Perhaps not the least of her conquests may
justly be said to be the change in the attitude of
the Duke of Marlborough. There is no love lost
between the two brothers, and when the Duke
went to Blenheim last week it was quietly
whispered that he had knife in his boot" for
Lord Randolph. Then when Lady Randolph
took up her quarter at the Bear Hotel, instead
Of at Blenhem, the breach seemed obvious.
But she saw the Duke and then came denial
that he was hostile, but had pledged strict inn
partiallty. Next came the statement that he
would loan his horses and carriages for Ran
dolph's use Friday, but they old not then
wear the pink. Last evening it was announced
that Lady Randolph had changed her quarters
to Blenheim, and that the Duke had gone to
London to better keep his promise of impair
talty. To-day there is no doubt she is working
the whole great Bienheim power for all it is
worth. The Woodstockers chuckle as they re-
count this last tribute to her powers, and
ought gratefully to admit that the popular ad-
miration of her has been reflected here to-day in
the generous treatment Of her countrymen.
Woodstock is an historic spot, and has been
gracefully immortaized in many a song and
story. Legends of Fair Rosamond7 linger
about it, and Scott has made it the scene of one
of his best romances. 1t was once a royal manor
and, we believe remained such until grateful
country gave it to John Churchill, the first and
great Duke of Marlborough He built or had
built for him there, the magnificent palace of
Blenheim, which has since been the home of the
Marboroughs. The first duke, and his equally
celebrated wife, Sarah Jennings, are buried at
Blenheim In more than regal style and who
knows but what fortune may decree similar sep
ulture for Lord and Lady Churchill-as Duke
and Duchess of marlborough