The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1890-09-10


mating county ticket At II O'Clock the an
cient doors of the time worn structure squeaked |
a rusty welcome to the patriotic office seekers |
who tramped in noisy march over the familiar |
way to and up the stairs On either hand that |
lead to the enclosure above known as Citizens |
Hall. Although the same wooden chairs and
settees were ranged in stiff procession ready for
the back breaking act for which they have a
special aptitude, the march of progress - was
delayed at the entrance long enough for the
astute leaders to inspect the delegate mass in
the interests of "harmony and a fair COUNT
The ticket placed in nomination was as usual
"cut and dried'' affair, and before calling the
convention to order, it was determined to see if
any "kickers" were present. and if so, to Use
the thumbscrew and rack then and there, as it
was thought the victims would more readily
renounce their heresy than at :. later stage
when the fires of opposition would be famed by
heated controversy. But the political inquisi-
tors had no occasion for the practice of their
arts, for the Republicans of the various town
ships had been too busy with their own affairs
and became too much disgustde with the pro-
ceedings at former conventions to care who
represented them at the Conclave, and as con-
sequence, those who favored the ticket of the
bosses were elected delegates without any op-
position. The pencil can be used as effectively
in either case, so reasoned those who held them
selves aloof. Good generalsh1p quickly dis
Germs the temperament of an enemy and acts
accordingly.
J.C Beatty mounted the rostrum, and with
the aid of a pine stick, ''gaveled" the warriors
to silence. who sat with pious expectancy, pa
tiently listening for the convention to be open
ed with prayer. In lieu of this, however, they
were startled by the steHtorian voice of E. W.
Maxson, Esq, who announced the name of
Hon. S. P. Wolcott for chairman. Wolcott.
weary with too much past service of this char
acter, promptly and emphatically declined the
honor in favor of Hon. Friend Whittlesey, who
was unanimously called to the chair.
After political handshake with Mr.. Beatty,
the presiding officer was gracefully introduced
by our efficient post master. who retired to take
his place among the workers. Mr.. W. said he
rather shrank from the duty. not that it was
not an honorable one, but that Senator Wolcott
had so often been before them in that capacity
that he feared his own efficiency in comparison
But the work was not complicated and it look
ed as though they would get through at an
early hour. He was not prepared for speech
and did not think one would be desired, so,
thanking them for the honor conferred, he
would proceed to business.
A. s. Cole, Esq Ravenna, and M. G. McCas-
lin. Kent. were chosen Secretaries.
The Chairman then said he supposed that a
number of committees would be necessary, and
the first was the one on Rules and Order of
Business, to be elected by the convention. The
venerable Lyman Bryant, one of the Freedom
delegates. thereupon corrected the chair by
stating that the first business properly before
the convention was for the chair to appoint a
committee on credentials. Out of gratitude for
81, fI,ao oi,o
one of the committee with w allace Mccall and
c. 3. Doolittle, who retired to quiet spot in
the southeast corner of the room.
The townships were then alphabetically call
ed and the chairman of each delegation handed
in its credentials.
E. w. Russell. Chas. II. Scott, John Meharg,
- Erwin and S. P. Wolcott were appointed a
committee on resolutions. 1t being perfectly
apparent that no recalcitrants were present.
the committee on Rules and order of Business
was dispensed with.
John Meharg made motion that the names
of candidates for the various offices be an
| nounced. Carried. and the chair appealed to
| the brethren to furnish copy of the county
paper, as he had forgotten the order in which
| they should be announced. A thoughtful del
| egate who had probably at some time served on
| a prudential committee" flshed list of the
offices to be filled from his vest pocket. 1t
proved to be the regular printed call, which
| the clair read at length.
The call for candidate for County Clerk
| brought Mr.. Wolcott to his feet, who said the
| gentleman he had in view was so well known
and had so many good points that it was not
necessary to speak further of him or make any
| enumeration. Having served SO acceptably, he
| was entitled to denomination. He was we'll
| qualified, and being good lawyer, understood
what the Office required. One thing might be
said, that he was young man who had made
| his own way and had had no friends of political
prominence to help him. He nominated Arthur
E. Seaton for second term.
| At this point Mr.. Bryant said there were no
credentials from Deerfeld and wanted to know
| if anyone was present from that township. No
| response. DR.. - Erwin then arose and by a
mighty effort suppressed the long speech SO
carefully prepared to renominate Hon. c. D.
Ingel for Probate Judge, simply saying that
Mantua again had the pleasure and honor OF
naming Cheney D. Ingel for that office.
o. P. Sperra, in renominating James Jones
| for Sheriff. said some very complimentary
things about him. 1t was wise Republican
rule never to oppose a second nomination of a
| good officer. One strong reason was that il
was safer to continue good man than to ex.
| perlHlSuI WIFI u new OHe. cclnS an attorney
| he could say that Mr. Jones had made a capable
and efficient officer and no man was more de-
serving of denomination. This speech was
| generously applauded.
Mr.. Patton. of Kent. then GRATED qnite elo-
quently in behalf of Oscar F. Haymaker, OF
| Franklin, for County Commissioner, saying that
| he was prominently identified with the educa-
| tional. agricultural and horticultural interests
of the county, and geographically and politi-
| cally speaking, the nomination would be wise
| one.
MIR. Wolcott then said he did not wish to name
| all the candidates-(cries of louder). 'tWho is
deaf? shouted the happy ex-senator as he turn
| ed his back on the clair and awoke the echoes
| in behalf of T. G. Stewart for Infirmary Direc-
| tor. Although delegate, Mr.. S. had said
nothing. He ought to announce his own name.
" 1 would" said the speaker, if wanted the
Office bad enough" Mr.. S. was good official
| and attended to his business. "a voice. Name
the coroner in the same speech" Hereupon,
Erwin, the present incumbent, placed in nomi-
nation Hon. S. P. " olcott, and cries of "ques.
tion! question: rang through the hall, and
before the gentleman from Kent could realize
the great honor done him. he was named as the
candidate for Coroner of Portage County. But
Mr.. W. was not selfish; he did not wish to over
lOau h6n6 Win nOQOfS. there any money
in the ofice?'' he inquired. L guess not, and
therefore make the third nomination and an
nounce the name of - Erwin.'' But Erwin.
while realizing that the office was lucrative
one and filed with pleasure. withdrew in favor
of DR.. o. L. Lyon, Atwater
j. C. Beatty then renominated J. Cole for
County Surveyor.
The Committee on Credentials then reported
every township represented excepting Hiram,
Suffeld and Deerfeld.
A motion to adjourn to l 80 p. M. was lost.
o. P. Sperra moved to nominate the candidates
before them by acclamation, which was done.
After each township had named its committee,
the convention. on motion of Patton. endorsed
VIM. Grinnell for member of Equalization
Board from this district.
The report of the Committee on Resolutions
was then demanded, but as the Republican
party has made such an infamous record at
Washington and so many of its members are
opposed to the high tariff robbery and pending
force bill and other measures equally bad, it