The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1896-10-13
ELECTION DISPUTES AT EAU
CLAIRE GETTING TOO HOT FOR
THE BALLOT BOX.
DUEL OR A BIG LAWSUIT.
MAY BE THE OUTCOME OF THE
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN
CANDIDATES.
CHARGES AND coUNrERCHARGEs
Furnishing a Sensation for Disin-
terested OnlOOlxers-COngP
man Griffin Involved.

Special to the Globe.
EAU CLAIRE, Wis, Oct. 12.-There
is serious trouble brewing between
Gen. M. Griffin and Capt. A. M Sher-l
man. The fomer is a candidate for
reelection to congress, the latter is a
candidate for sheriff. Both gentlemen
have been lifelong Republicans and
until recently warm personal friends
Capt. Sherman wanted the nomination
for sheriff on the Republican ticket,
but was disappointed and Capt. C. H.
Henry put up Later Mr.. Sherman de-
clared he would run on an independent
ticket. He was Endorsed by the Popu-
lists and in an open letter OF accept
ance made some caustic illusions to
bosses, faithless friends, the gang, etc.
The letter created all kinds of COM
ment and was a. nine-day wonder. The
rand and file of the party practically
Endorsed the letter, while the leaders
were thrown into a state Of consterna-
ton. No names had been mentioned
but 1t was generally believed that it
was direct slap at Congressman Crit
fin. He took it SO. Capt. Sherman's
friends say that Griffin was not intend
ed, but that a certain millionaire lum-
herman, who takes a very active part
in county politics, was meant. They
say that prior to the county convention
! this lumberman declared in the lobby
of the Eau Claire house that list of
names which he had would be nomi-
mated if 1t cost him $500, and that the
same list would be elected in Novem-
Der II it cost him $1,000. The names on
Of d tn =
was this that brought forth the cap
tain's letter. Congressman Griffin, in
an address at Cleghorn, at which Capt
Henry, the machine candidate for
sheriff, was present, decided to get
square, and denounced Capt Sherman
in scathing language. Among other
things he drew a comparison between
the two captain-candidates saying
Here, gentlemen. we have two cap
talns, both of whom served in the late
rebellion. One came home covered with
honorable scars and glory, while the
other (meanig ~Shefman) came home
covered with statuary which he con-
fiscated for himself from Southern
| plantation" The reference was to a
lot of marble and bronze statuary
which graces Shermans lawn and
| which arrived from the South shortly
after the close Of the war. Mr.. Sher-
man, in another open letter published
| in local paper, denied the statuary
| business and denounced Congressman
Griffin. Later the two met on the
street and very hot controversy en-
sued, which nearly ended in blows
Both demand retraction and both aver
that the other will have to chew those
| false words. Many old soldiers have
taken the matter up and denounced
| Gen. Griffin for making an unmanly
and unjustifiable charge against fell
low soldier. Just how the matter will
end is causing much speculation. Some
say that a duel may result. That a
law suit for heavy damages will be
| commenced Immediately after election
is an.assured fact. Papers are now be-
ing prepared by one of the parties in
| the controversy.