The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-02-25
VAN BUREN, IN INDIANA.
Hon. NJ. l.. Bundy's Call ON Him at
Knightstown in 1913.

There are still few living who took an
active part in the political campaign Of
1910 between the elder Harrison. Familiarity
called "Old Tippecanoe" because of the
battle he fought with the Indians while
Governor of Indiana Territory in ISL on the
river OF that name, and Martin Van Buren,,
for whom the Wings had an assortment OF
names, such as the Little Magician" be-
cause of his power in manipulating the
conventions OF his party.
General Jacksons term expired on the
4th of March, 1887, and Van Buren, had been
elected TO succeed him, as the Wings
charged, through the influence of Jackson
and on his sole nomination, and when Van
Buren, became candidate for a second
term 10 succeed himself in 1910, the Wings
put up against him the old pioneer, who, as
a young man, had first distinguished him
self in General wayne's battle with the
Indians in 1874, and afterward served as
Governor of Indiana Territory for twelve
years, and after political campaign the
like Of which was never before or since
witnessed in this country, succeeded in
electing "Old Tip
Van Buren,, of course, as well as his
term. and in 1913, the year after Clay made
his electioneering tour. came to Indiana
for like purpose, and Travelled the same
road that his illustrious predecessor passed
over, though he chose the spring OF the
year. when the road was at its worst, ana
travelled in the mud wagon which con-
veyed the mails. I learned that the ex-
President, who on his way TO Indian
apolis and st. Louis, would stop over LOT
day at Knightstown and receive those
who chose to call on him. AS 1T was rare
in those days that an ex-President visited
the wild West, 1 concluded to avail myself
of the opportunity to see the distinguished
| gentleman who for four years had occupied
the White House, and the late Judge Mel
| lette, having concluded to go with me- we
mounted our horses and reached the hotel
where Van Buren, was stopping In the
| forenoon.
| The late Elisha Scovill, distinguished
| local Democratic politician of that day.
| seemed to be master of ceremonies, ana
| had Van Buren,, who was small man,
| but handsome and well proportioned, stand
| ing on a box in the hotel office, and the
| people. who had collected, were on the
| sidewalk looking through the window at
4
| him My companion and 1 were we'll known
| to Mr.. Scovill, and when we walked up
| he introduced us and we were very cordially
| welcomed, but the people outside seemed
reluctant to come in, whereupon Mr.. SEQ
| will, in loud voice, exclaimed, Come in
and shake hands with Mr.. Van Buren,; he
| won't bite" This caused laugh. which
| he appeared to enjoy as we'll as others.
| What transpired when he reached In
| dianapolis or ST. Louis do not know. but
| all his labor and exposure were in vain.
| II was expected by everybody that Clay
! and Van Buren, would be the opposing can
didates for the presidency in 1874, but while
| Van Buren, could get united vote of the
| Northern delegates, majority of the con-
| vention, he could not get the support of
the South, which dstrusted his fidelity to
their peculiar institution, and Polk was
nominated. This changed all previous CAL
culations, and it became Clay and Polk.
There was no trouble in the convention
which nominated Clay, and the Wings were
enthusiastic for him. but, 1 have al
ready explained, he made his election i'm
possible by his speech at Richmond. and
boldly bringing one of his slaves with HIM
into this free State as a servant He could
have secured any number of free white
servants here, but it looked as If he wished
to defy anti-slavery sentiment. By this he
lest his lifetime desire and disappointed
| his friends. No public man in America ever
had such devoted admirers, but they could
not make up by enthusiasm what they
| lacked in numbers NJ. l.. BUNDY.
| New Castle, Ind, Feb. 23