The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1890-06-09
EASTERN CONNECTICUT POLITICS
Surprising Growth OF Democracy In the
Norwich District


Norwich, June s-For twenty-five years
Norwich was called the citadel OF Connecticut
Republicanism. Now It is an even chance at
any election whether tho city goes Republican
or Democratic The growth OF the Demo-
cratic vote has been gradual and steady. The
revulslon to liberal politics from Republican
partisanshlp that was as black as the ace oil
spades has been interesting
Two years ago S. Ashbel Crandal an active
young Democratic lawyer OF this city. who ac-
uuired his political education as the right
hand man OF ex-Gov. Waller In the " Little
Giants lively campaigns. was elected Mayor
by n small majority, and the City Council also
was Democratic for the first time in the his
tory OF Norwich. Since then the Republicans
have made every effort to prejudice Demo-
cratic rule here and at the late city election no
argument that craftsmanship could suggest was
overlooked in the Republican attempt to de-
feat the Mayor, who was o candidate for re-
election. The attempt was futile. Not only
was Mayor lrandaIl reelected but the Demo
cratic City Council has become even more
There arc sill other fruits Of the victory.
The result OF the election has advanced MT.
district The old Third i,tTict Of, thIs state,
counties. has been the blacklist Republican
stronghold In Connecticut. II has not sent
t9 &c s sTs
It was represented by II. II. Starkyeather and
lately by John + Wait who used to receive tsS We
Chas. !. Russell, pleasant young man of Kill
inRly. in Windham county, who has not much
the House OF Representatives by the money
anu influence Of his iather-in-law, Sabin
SqyIes millionaire cotton msnn u, %,n OF
county. He obtained only slender majority,
and has since steadily weakened his mold on
the district Not long ago he still further offend
cd the time RepnbIicans OF this county by
Eugene SULLIVAN ~ he Fl hH
tho claims OF a veteran soldier. who had Icing
been seeking to obtain the place.
publican candidate from this district next fall,
for sabin Sayles Is too potent TO be appointed
Rs n es be- beaen by strong popular
Democratic candidate. That Mayor Crandall
will be the. candidate OF his party for Repre-.
sentative Is unquestioned. since the result
he viii viii defeat Russell and that the THIRD dis
Congress again. for the first time In more than
thirty years, is manifestly what the kepubll-
in pon counties nov m9s aoSdnc r sR
hot and dashing campaign, he would personally
take the stump. and would be aided on the
% es and dn Thom tne NJ do@ aer undoubtedy
and other veteran campaign speakers and
Mr.: Russell Is not much OF a public speaker.
and he will be handicapped by the lukewarm
ness and growing resentment against him on
tho part of his own party leaders; Mayor
Crandall Is especially strong with the Irish;
Americans. and can command their undivided
support. The appearance OF the Order OF
American Mechanics In politics, who are ex
cecdingly strong In this quarter OF Connecticut,
and whose watchword 10 America for the
Americans" will be a serl GUS impeachment in
the way of Congressman RusselPs canvass for
O reelection, for the word has gone forth that
the society is anti-Catholic in principle, and
Catholic electors will vote solidly against any
candidate suspected Of being IN sympathy with
it. At the city election here the other day three
Republicans were defeated for the Office of
Councilman because they were known to be
members of the unpopular order,
II the skies should fall. such casualty
would not be greater surprise to most resi-
dents Of Connecticut than the election Of o
Democratic Congressman from the black old
Third district, which used to give 5000 major
ity to Republican candidates. 1t was not many
years ago. too, that the city Of Norwich rolled
up 500 or 600 Republican majority
So great was the popular Jubilation over
Mayor Crandall's reel lection that al immense
band of citizens gathered before his house In
the evening after the result had been an
nounced. placed him in carriage, and escorted
him about town. with a brass band playing
lively airs and rcd fire Illuminating the streets
Then he made II speech from n hotel balcony,
and the crowd yelled. You're the boy to whip
tho enemy out Of his boots; give it to em
again next fall" There will be the liveliest
fun In the Third Connecticut district next fall
even il the campaign elsewhere Is dull.