The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1893-08-09

system. He attempted more than he was
physically able TO endure. He has not
been in good health since he broke down
In the campaign of 1891. During this
canvass he not only satisfactorily filled
the position of real estate deputy to the
sheriff of Philadelphia, but, besides per-
forming the eXacting work of the secre-
taryship of the Republican state commit
tee, he acted as assistant secretary of the
Republican national committee. Ere
quently he was in his Office until long after
midnight engaged with a stenographer on
correspondence covering every state in the
union. Owing to the condition of his
health Mr.. Leach wanted to retire last year.
General Reeder was unwilling to accept
the craftsmanship, however, unle Mr..
Leach became his chief of staff.
Reeder's Splendid Tribute
II recognize in Mr.. Leach one particu.
larly well qualified for the position" said
General Reeder in announcing his appoint
ment. I'm fact" he added, II do not
know another man in the whole state who
is as well fitted TO look after the import
ant detail work of the secretaryship. He
has had long experience in this particular
field, and have very high opinion,of his
ability and aptitude for the trying and re-
IL.
Many of the most influential Republican
newspapers in the state gave fattering
editorial commendation of Mr.. Leach's
party services in approving his reappoint-
ment to the secretaryship at that time.
The last campaign was particularly trying
upon Secretary Leach, owing to the addi-
tional work incident to the introduction Of
the new ballot law.
Where Detail Work Counted.
While Mr.. Leach has been secretary of
the state committee since 1855, part of that
time he was not actively engaged on the
routine duties of that Office. Although
still holding the position of secretary dur
ing the state campaigns of 1883 and 1890,
Mr.. Leach was devoting nearly all his
time to the work of assistant secretary Of
the Republican national committee In
the Delamater campaign, but a month
before the election, he returned to Phila-
delphia, and at his suggestion the city
committee, of which he was a member,
organized a special canvass OF the Third
Congressional district, with Mr. Leach as
chairman of the committee in charge of
the party organization. The Repu blican
forces made a mastery battle and TO.
duced the Democratic majority ia this dis
trict by about 5000 votes
Perilous Worh In the South.
In the national campaign OF 1888 Chair.
man Quay assigned Mr. Leach TO an i'm.
portant and perilous canvass of North
Carolina. Mr. Leach took entire charge OF
the Republican campaign in that state.
He made an effective still hunt. His mis-
sion was only discovered few days before
the election. Although his life was threat.
ened he held his ground until the close of
the polls. He perfected an organization
such as had never been known in any
southern state before Mr. Leach had the
satisfaction of knowing that, though the
state was lost, three Republican congress.
men were elected, which really saved the
house OF the Fifty-first congress TO the Re-
publican party, for, despite the Democratic
wholesale counting in tactics. the Repub-
llcans secured the house by majority of
three. Chairman Eaves. OF the North
Carolina Republican state committee. in a
cordial letter assured Mr.. Leach that with
out his help he doubted if one of the three
Republican congressman could have been
elected
A Tacticiau and Organizer.
Although he must relinquish the details
OF organization work for time Mr. Leach
proposes TO continue an active interest and
participation in state politics He expects
10 be able to attend the coming state CON
convention, TO which he is a delegate. AS
sSSlSNll9 VI INC Iullduclpulh utlcEhllOui
and of the committee having Judge Fell's
canvass for the supreme bench in charge
Mr.. Leach has particular interest In the
gathering at Harrisburg on Aug 30
There is no doubt that it will be difficult
TO find a man as capable as Mr. Leach for
the secretaryship of the state committee
At best it is a thankless task, there being
no salary attached to the Office. and the
onerous duties and great responsibilities
Of the position are seldom appreciated
tacticians and most skillful organizers in
the state.