St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1890-02-15
EDWARD w. DURANT.

There is well defined feeling abroad
IN the state that the next governor OF
Minnesota will be Democrat. Ever
since the memorable campaign of 1888,
when Collector Bierman made his phe-
nomenal run against Gen. Hubbard, the
Republicans have felt fearful of ''Off
year" campaigns. The contest
of 1886 was calculated to in
crease this feeling, and 1t did
it TO such an extent that the Republican
leaders felt apprehensive in 1888 of the
result even IN presidential year. The
late elections in Iowa and Ohio have
shown the people no easy it is to over
turn machine rule and boss candidates,
and from present indications the intelli-
gent voters of the North Star state will
give the Republican bosses a lesson this
coming fall that they will long remem-
Der.
In order to gain the support of in
dependent and taritf-reform Republi-
can the Democrats must Ito use a COM
mon eXpreSSion) put their best foot for
Ward"-that is, an able and popular
candidate must be placed in the field,
who will command the support of that
large element of the Republican party
DESTROYS of placing the seal of condem-
nation upon the methods which pre-
vail inside their own party in this state.
Such a man is not hard to find in the
Democratic party of Minnesota. In
deed, there are great many good and
loyal Democrats in different parts of
the state who would ill the bill and re-
ceiVe at the polls, not only the enthus-
iastic support of the Democrats of the
state, but also that of hosts of indie
pendent Republicans.
whats the matter with Ed Durant
for governor" has become common
remark at the numerous little political
cOnclayes held wherever the politicians
cOngregate during the last three months.
The answer Invariably is that "Durant's
all right" and Stillwater's genial mayor
is looked upon by many as the coming
Democratic candidate. When the matter
was suggested to Mr.. Durant by friend
few days ago, he shook his head and
said he wouldn't have the Office if he
could get it." Bot" remarked his
friend, ED Durant win never refuse to
render his party service when it's in
his power, and if he should be nomi-
mated he would not refuse to make the
run"
Mayor Durant is native of Roxbury,
Mass, and came to Minnesota i'll 1913,
OStGllL5 III OGlllWdlSIs LII UuOSc udyS lIl0
popular legislator was employed as
river hand, and carried his earthly be-
lOngings in a handkerchief" as he
often expresses it. He had received
good common school education in his
Massachusetts home, however, and had
good stuff in him, which was bound to
bring him to the front. He was soon in
the lumber business for himself and
one OF the leading citizens of Saltwater.
He has been elected a member of the
city council several times. has repre-
sented Washington county in the lower
house of the legislature three terms,
and was elected member of the state
senate in 1856 by decided majority,
notwithstanding the fact that Wash
Ington county is strongly Republican.
He is now serving his second term
as mayor of Saltwater. He was
enant governor of the state, and, al
though defeated, made a splendid run.
In 1876 ne presided over the Democratic
state convention, and was delegate to.
the national convention in 1884 that
placed in nomination President Cleve-
land. The congressional and other con-
VentionS in which Senator Durant has
represented the Washington county
Democracy are too numerous to mention
and still further attest his popularity
with his party where he is best known.
"ln early times my ancestors were So
ciety people," said Senator Durant at a
gathering of the Sons of the Revolution a
short time ago, land were great OH tea
parties. One of them is said to have at
tended little gathering of this kind in
years ago and helped kick up a great
rumpus." This sally of Stillwater's
mayor created a laugh, and in spite of his
saying that such things are rather diff
cult to prove, Mr.. Durant was unani-
mously pronounced eligible for member
ship in the society. This Outburst but
illustrates the irrepressible good humor
of the man. When he cannot provoke q
laugh Bill Nye and his ilk had best not
make an attempt. He has a fund of
good stories, and never, no, never. is
guilty of perpetrating chestnut on his
friends.
But it is with the laboring people of
Saltwater and Washington county that
ED" Durant is most popular. He is
their friend, and has always been the
same whole-Souled, unceasing advocate
of anything that would benefit the peo-
ple-all the people-of Saltwater. He
gives employment to large number of
men both in the pineries and at
Saltwater, and knows personally
nearly every man in his en-
ploy. The humblest citizen can
approach him and feel sure of hospi-
table reception and a respectful hear
Ing. Rising as he has by his own ex-
ertiOns, Senator Durant is able to ap-
preciate the struggles and trials of the
people who do the business and per-
form the withdrawing labor Of the
state.
''As legislator and state senator, 'Ed'
Durant has made good record" said
prominent politician few days ago,
sand if nominated for governor by the
Democrats he would receive tremen-
dOus majority in the Twin Cities. AS a
campaigner Senator Durant is a sue.
cess, and he would stir up more ell.
thusiasm than any other man that could
be named"