The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1895-08-16
A Chapter of True History.

uOUliHSCs.
A Chapter of True History.
The Scranton Republican so reckless
ly persists in misrepresenting the
friends of the Hastings administration
in this county, that it has become nee
essary to make explanations which it
was hoped needed not be made. There is
nothing in the campaign SO successfully
waged by the friends of Governor
Hastings in Lackawanna that requires
concealment: on the contrary, their ac-
tion throughout has been such as will
command the respect of fair-minded
ana honorable Republicans whatever
their preferences may be as between
Mr.. Gilkeson and Senator Quay for
the state committee Craftsmanship.
The repeated declaration of the Re-
publican that war was made on Senator
Quay by the Hastings men, Is simply
not true. The Republican either is
inexcusably ignorant of the true his
tory of the campaign in this county or
it purposely misrepresents. When
Judge Willard was appointed to the
Superior court there was no expectation
of such contest between the state adj
only thought among LackaIwanna Re.
publicans was the Importance of Judge
Wizards nomination and election for
the fun term in order that our county
might have representative on the
bench. The probability Of bitter con-
test for the election of the state dele
gates was scarcely thought of until
the Republican disturbed the existing
harmony by vicious and unprovoked
attack upon Governor Hastings and
Judge Willard. Even after that the
friends of Willard and the state admin
istration were ready to effect an hon.
orable compromise on basis of har-
mony and fairness.
Mr.. Connell, Colonel Ripple Colonel
Watres and other friends of Judge Will
lard, proposed that to the latter be ex-
tended the courtesy of designating who
should be the delegates to the state
convention, that they be elected solely
In his interest without reference to the
state craftsmanship, and to be entirely
free to act as they deemed best to pro-
mote the success of Judge Willard.
This eminently liberal, fair and honor
able proposition, if accepted by the
Quay adherents, would have averted
the bitter contest for delegates to the
state convention and the delegates would
have been left free to act as they
thought most advantageous to Judge
WIZARDS interests. But the Quay ex-
tremists rejected this offer OF peace and
harmony, and thrust into the field can
didates for state delegates who, while
pretending to be the friends Of Judge
willard. made no secret Of the fact
that their first allegiance was to Quay.
This unreasonable action Of the Quay
followers could not be regarded other
wise than as challenge to battle.
Then representative of Senator Quay
appeared on the scene, and at a con-
ference with Congressman Scranton
and few others the assurance was
given that "the administration faction
could be easily downed." and open war
was declared by the Quay organ. Next
came Senator Quay himself. He, too,
seemed to have fmbibed the idea that a
battle would be preferable to a com.
promise. The terms he offered were lit
tie short OF demand for an uncOndi-
tional surrender by the supporters of
the administration. This was rejected,
Of course. but the proposition was
made to Quay's local representatives to
concede to them three OF the seven dele
gates. This, too, was rejected, and
then, and not until then, did the friends
OF the administration, who are also the
real friends Of Judge Willard, fully
realize that fierce battle had been
forced upon them. Every proposition
for peace and harmony had been re-
3ected by Quay's representatives The
Hastings adherents had successfully
offered to send the delegates to the
state convention simply as Judge Will
1ard's friends, to be free to act In any
way that would best serve his interests;
or TO divide the delegation. conceding
three to Quay and four to the admipIs-
tra,ion. Both these Offers of peace
were rejected. The Quay extremists
thought they could capture the entire
delegation in fight and their ultima
tum was proclaimed.
From that time there was no alter
native for the friends Of Judge Willard
but to espouse the cause Of Governor
Hastings and his. administration. 1t
was the only hope Of Judge Willard's
success In the state convention It be-
came absolutely indispensahit that shis
own county send to Harr4tburs dele
gates who would ally, Themselves with
the anti-ouay men In other, sections Of
the state. Judge willard himself ap-
prseiated the correctness Of 3his o6iclu-
sion aad hss' ~ no tans bsSn - 'vari-
IN