The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-01-17

of means he rented a small farm in Mont
gomery county. and there he and his help
full wife began a heroic struggle with ad-
versity.
Three little rooms, all poorly furnished,
contained everything they possessed.
He was a man of indomitable industry,
and after farming in a small way as a
renter for several years, he purchased the
land he had improved and gradually in
creased his holding until he owned 500 acres
of the finest land in the State. highly i'm
proved in every particular, including
handsome residence with all modern con-
veniences.
In making the purchase OF the land he
incurred a debt of $500 upon which he
had to pay 10 per cent. interest. He had
in 1895 no membranes upon his property,
ana du,ing the time he had given his chill
dren an aggregate of eighteen years in the
best colleges in the land.
TOOK ACTIVE INTEREST.
Mr.. and Mrs. Mount both took an active
interest in everything pertaining to farm
life and were prominently identified with
all organizations looking to the advance
ment OF agriculture. Mr.. Mount frequently
lectured to farmers institutes throughout
the State and i'm this way he acquired an
extensive acquaintance and large influence
among the farmers of Indiana
His first entry into politics as a cam
didate was in 1883 when he was nominated,
against his will. for the position of State
senator, to represent the district compris-
ing the counties of Montgomery, Clinton
and Boone.
He made a brilliant canvass, entering
earnestly into the work of the campaign
after the nomination and was elected
carrying a Democratic senatorial district
by 600 majority. He served four years in
the upper branch of the State Assembly
and in such manner as to win distinction
In 1890 while yet a member of the State
Legislature he was urged to make the race
for Congress in what was then known as
the Terre Haute district. This was a
strong Democratic district and in that
year the race was thought to be hopeless
for Republican. When the matter was
suggested to Mr.. Mount he refused to ac-
cept the nomination offered. but he was
nevertheless nominated in the convention
and met defeat with the other Republican
candidates that year.
BROUGHT INTO PROMINENCE.
In 1891 the Republican State Committee
was asked to send some one to represent
the party upon the platform in joint dis
cussion where all parties were represented.
Farmer Mount, he was called, was
selected. He proved in those debates to be
the peer of most of the gifted orators of the
State, and his experience brought him into
much prominence as a natural leader of
men.
He had given much time and thought to
the business OF farming and his success as
practical, progressive farmer created q
great demand for his services as lecturer
before farm institutes of the State, and lie
was constantly in demand during the win
ter season and met with the farmers in
every county in the State.
In 1896, at the earnest solicitation of many
friends, he consented to allow his name to
go before the Republican State convention
for nomination of Governor
TWELVE CANDIDATES.
There we're before that convention twelve
prom Int ,lnl able Republican aspirants
for the honor. 1t was the largest and most
enthusiastic convention in the history of the
State, and among the opponents of Mr..
Mount were those who had been longer and
more prominently identified with the work
of the party. In the midst of the widest
enthusiasm Mr.. Mount was chosen on the
seventh ballot 1t was at once conceded
that the convention had made a wise
choice. and this was more and more ap-
parent as the campaign progressed. for the
fusion OF the Populists and Democrats
made the outcome of the campaign some
what doubtful.
He had already proved himself an able
debater, and it was with pleasure that the
leaders of the party found that few in
this State had ever taken the stump in
behalf of the Republican or other marty
who was able to acquit himself with more
credit He was in demand in every part
of the State. and as the campaign pro-
gressed 1t became less and less feared
that the farmers would vote the fusion
ticket.
His campaign was a remarkable one In
many respects. He made during the four
months 1S0 speeches. seventy-six of which
were at out-of-door rallies. The effect Of
his work was noticeable In the count of the
ballots, which showed the largest plurality
26,177. ever given before that to a presiden-
tial or gubernatorial candidate in this
State
During the campaign, as well as i'm deal
ing with situations connected with his
farming, he had shown ability to define
and master the situations, and he had not
long been in the Office of Governor be-
fore he again showed his remarkable abil-
ity in this line. 1t was not long after his
inauguration that the sensational free sill
YER issue was brought out in full strength.
1t caused much astonishment to party
leaders. who were unprepared to combat
the arguments put out by those who start
ed the issue. Party leaders, while believ-
ing that the arguments were not based
upon strong foundations, hesitated to an
swer them without taking time for prepar-
alton. Governor Mount had been selected
as the Republican candidate more as a man
and representative of the farming inter-
ests of the State than as politician. The
party leaders were therefore much sur
prised when he showed himself to be one
OF the few Republican speakers properly
equipped for the combating of the free
silver heresy. He grasped the situations
with clearness of conception exhibited
| by few of the party men in the country.
He was conceded to be master in STEM
| ming the tide of public opinion which was.
without thought, running irresistibly in the
1 of fraa ell