The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-10-16
CASE OF TOO MUCH POLITICS.
What Might Have Been but for Henry
Watterson's EIouuence.


AS visitors at the horse show observe the
splendid figure of General Castleman few
of them know-or, knowing, pause to think
that but for the silvery eloquence of
Henry Watterson on a certain memorable
occasion John B. Castleman probably
would have been the Democratic nominee
for Governor of Kentucky in 1899 instead
Of William Goebel, and the entire political
history of Kentucky for the past three
years, and in a measure that of Indiana,
would have been different. Castleman, as
gallant a soldier as ever wore the gray,
went to Porto Rico as colonel of the First
Kentucky Infantry-the famous Louisville
Legion. The good record of the regiment,
the splendid discipline maintained by its
commander and the excellent capacity dis
played by him in administering affairs in
his district, coupled with the enthusiastic
letters home Of his soldiers. telling of his
care for their health and comfort, and the
knowledge of Kentuckians, and especially
the people of Louisville, that in going to
the front Colonel Castleman had made sac
rihceS for which the honor and emoluments
of his position were but a pitiful recon-
pense, created a strong sentiment among
the people that he should be the Demo-
cratic standard bearer when the time
home.
This was recognized by the local DEM
ocratic leaders, chief of whom were the
then Mayor Weaver and his director of
public works, the now Mayor Granger
who were even then hand-in-glove with
Senator Goebel, cognizant of and access
series TO his ambitions. Granger was the
dominating force of the reception commit
tee which had in charge the welcome to
the Legion, and Watterson, leaning Goebel-
ward, was a tool meet TO his hands The
Legion arrived one bitter December day
and that night official and cordial well
come home was extended at the Audi
Kentucky was there. and Castleman was
cheered TO the echo. After the singing and
other preludes were over Watterson began
his speech. His welcome of the Legion and
its gallant officers was eloquent heart
stirring and In keeping. Even that Spar
tan band of newsboys"-the Newsboys'
Band-and the regimental mascot were not
forgotten. Then he turned his attention
! to the commander. Watterson's son was
a soldier OF the Legion, and watterson
made use Of the fact. He portrayed the
son to the war. "Ahl but / knew Castle
man." he said. II had seen him coming
out of the powder smoke. up from the fires
of hell, and knew that could trust my
boy with such commander. He could not
come back save with honor"
Then he spoke of Castleman's sacrifices,
made for love OF country, and his pride in
| the regiment, and so led up to those civic
honors which might make him feel that his
sacrifices were not forgotten nor the State
ungrateful" Nothing is too great or too
| good for such a man" he continued, land
| forgive me IL i seem to touch on that for
hidden subject-politics) a great campaign
will open in the State next year Shall it
| be said that Kentucky shall look elsewhere
save to the citizen who has brought honor
to the State In war. 10 bestow the highest
| gift of its people in peace?"
This close to what had been otherwise a
| splendid tribute to the worth of Kentucky's
soldiers and an equally worthy expression
| of the peoples welcome on their return
simply stupefed the audience. and Castle
mans name was never mentioned again for
/ the governorship. save as some Republican
/ or anti-Goebel paper pointed out that this
/ much politics was interjected into the
meeting with the deliberate intent to bury
| Colonel Castleman politically. and this II
| did