The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1893-08-09


system. He attempted more than ne 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 filed
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 be 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, unless Mr..
Leach became his chief OF staff.
Reeder's Splendid Tribute
81 recognize in Mr.. Leach one particu-
General Reeder in announcing his appoint
ment in fact" he added, Il 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 a very high opinion of his
=
sponsible duties Of the position -
Many Of the most influential Republican
newspapers in the state gave fiattering
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 1885, 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 1855 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 month
before the election, he returned to Phiia-
delphia, and at his suggestion the city
committee, OF which he was a member.
organized special canvass OF the Third
Congressional district, with Mr. Leach as
chairman of the committee in charge Of
the party organization. The Republican
forces made mastery battle and re-
trict by about 5000 votes.
Perilous Work in the South.
In the national campaign Of Isss Chair
man Quay assigned Mr.. Leach to an inn
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 a 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 bad the
satisfaction of knowing that. though the
state was lost, three Republican congress
men were elected. which really saved the
house Of the Fifty-hrst congress TO the Re
publican party, for. despite the Democratic
wholesale counting in tactics, the Repub-
llcans secured the house by 8 majority of
three, Chairman Eaves, of the North
Carolina Republican state committee, in a
cordial letter a smea Mr.. Leach that with
out his help he doubted If one Of the three
Republican congressman could have been
elected
A Tactician and Organizer.
Although he must relinquish the details
OF organization work for time Mr. Leach
proposes TO continue an active interest aud
participation in state politics. lie expects
TO be able to attend the coming state con
convention, to which he l. a delegate As
secretary of the Philadelphia delegation.
and OF the committee having Judge Felrs
canvass for the supreme bench in charge,
Mr.. Leach has particular interest in the
gathering at Harrisburg on Aug. 80.
There IS no doubt that it will he difficult
TO find man as capable as Mr.. Leach for
the secretarysh OF the state committee
At best Il 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.
Mr.. Leach IS admittedly one of the eleverest
tacticlans and most skiilful organizers in
the state.