The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-11-06
THE METHODIST DODGE
HUGH DOUGHERTY FLOODING INDI-
ANA WITH PASTORS LETTER.
steele's Opponent I'm Eleventh Dis
Meetings Of Campaign.
Special to the indianapolis Journal.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal
WABASH. Ind, Nov. 5.-Rev. Somerville
Light, formerly pastor of the First Meth
odist Church, this city. and now inning a
similar charge at Button has aroused the
resentment of the members of his church
here by an attempt to drag the denomina-
lion into the campaign, making it serve the
uses Of the Democracy. Hugh Dougherty,
the Democratic candidate for treasurer of
State is resident of Button and a mem
Der of Rev. Lights congregation, and be-
cause of this Rev. Light is endeavoring to
turn the vote of Methodists against Leopold
Levy. Through the influence of Dougherty
he has had printed the following circular
letter which he has sent broadcast to the
Methodist ministers of the North Indiana
Conference in the last three days:
My Dear Brother-As you are aware the
Hon. Hugh DOugherty, of this city, is a
candidate for treasurer of state on the
Democratic ticket. Knowing that you. with
all the Methodist ministers of the State are
more deeply interested in the subject OF
good citizenship than in mere party poll
ties, feel free, as his pastor, to address
you concerning the candidacy of Mr.. Dough
erty With me this is a matter of con-
science, for feel that every brother minis
ter in the State should be in possession
Of the facts and thus be enabled TO go 10
the polls Nov. fully appreciating the rare
citizen to fill this very responsible once
Permit me to call attention to the follow
ing facts in support of my position:
'First-MT Dougherty is senior member
OF the official board of the NJ. r.. Church,
in this city. having been a member OF the
board since 1866, and faithfully Iiled 6ne
offices of trustee and steward. During TINS
long period of service he has contributed
to The construction of two churches, beng
the largest contributor toward the erectlon
of the present beautiful church building.
Nor is his generosity spasmodic. He leads
the year through and year after year IN
contributions for pastors salary ana 1oI me
benevolences of the church. In word MS
religion has reached his bank account.
.sSecond-Mr. Dougherty is now, ana mas
been since 1885. member OF lile 1odru VI
trustees of De Pauw University: ana rs con-
stantly and earnestly cooperating with the
board in devising ways and means Ior In inc
securing Of a large endowment fund for that
institution backing his profession of inter-
est by large contributions.
This letter has evoked storm of protests
from the Methodist ministers of this portion
OF the State who resent the impudent at
terspt 10 commit the church to the interests
Of any party Nearly all of the ministers
are Republicans, and have the highest re-
spect for Mr.. Dougherty as man and
Methodist, but they openly condemn Rev
Light fer his imprudence and the excess or
zeal for a parishioner. and the effect of the
appeal will be to turn against DoUgherty
many Methodists who were kindly disposed
toward his candidacy
The Republican campaign in this county
closed last night with a fine meeting at the
city hall here addressed by Charles r.
Griffin ex-secretary of state. me large
room was crowded, and enthusiasm was
reused to a high pitch by the eloquent
speaker. whose mastery address was de-
voted almost entirely to the war issue The
speech was repeatedly and loudly APP
plauded and has left a most favorable i'll
ar members hOth