The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-05-11
JOHN HENRY SMITH.


was Elected "by Large Majority"
The best story of all is told by United
States Marshal George w. Irwin. The
marshal has seen as much of politics az any
one in the state, and any story he tells
about early day political methods discloses
many humorous and interesting features.
While chatting about the political history
Of the state the other day he said: "The
first election which participated in in
Montana occurred at Deer Lodge City in
1866. / was new conner in the territory
and cast my first vote at that election. I
found to my sorrow that the democratic
was the only ticket in the field. I seemed
to be the only republican in town. I be-
|lieve the election at that time was for the
purpose of choosing territorial officers and
members of the legislature. The leading
democrats, including Judge Irwin. Jim
Brown and few others came to me early
in the day and asked if had voted. I told
them that thought there was no hurry
about the matter, and when they asked
il said that had not yet decided. found
that the democratic ticket was the only one
lin the field, and as was determined to
vote decided to vote that way, there being
mo other way at that time. But told the
boys that the next election would see an OPP
position ticket in the field. The uext year,
"a few weeks before election issued a cali
and got sixteen republicans in convention
to name ticket for county officers. was
chairman of the convention, and as there
was lack of interest in the proceedings
decided to name the ticket. selected
men from remote districts, SO that they
could not have an opportunity to decline
before the election. I succeeded in finding
enough names for the different offices until
got down to the coroner.
could think of no man to run
for that office, but finally in
nate John Henry Smith. 1t should be ex-
planned that John Henry was a myth, but
chat cut no figure, as we had no idea that
he could be elected. I eulogized him in
placing his name before the convention as
man of good standing in his community,
democrat that could be named. also said
that there was not the slightest doubt about
his election. John Henry Smith was NOM
mated by reclamation. A few days after
ward the democratic convention was held.
On the evening of that day Jim Brown, who
was at that time the county clerk and re-
Ind said, Irwin believe that man Smith of
POUR side will be elected, for the democrats
have forgotten to name candidate for
eoroner. l confded to Jim that John
denry Smith was myth, but said
wanted ante ase5 t. him pull our man
Il. He agreed to do this and nothing more
vas said about the matter until election.
Df course, Smith was elected. Now you
ban imagine my surprise when, few weeks
Lfter election, Brown came to me and said:
Irwin, John Henry Smith came down from
Yankee Doodle gulch to qualify for his Of
Ice. He came in and said, II see as how I
vas elected for coroner and reckoned I'd
rop in to take the Office. didn't want it,
put the boys give me such a majority that
eckon can't refuse and it is considerable
compliment, anyhow "Well, to
nish the story" concluded the marshal,
ohm Henry qualified and served out his
ERIN. He was the first republican official of
peer Lodge county. All of the democratic
andidates were elected by vote of 1900
10 300, but the myth pulled through hand
omely and have always been proud of his
uccess in that election"