Omaha daily bee., 1902-08-23
REPUBLICANS OF WEST SIDE
seventh and Ninth ward People Hear
Candidates Cornish ana
Breen.

The West Side Republican club held the
second meeting of its existence last night
with a large attendance. considering the
number OF voters Of the neighborhood. The
club is composed Of voters Of the Seventh
and Ninth wards, those from the former
ward being in the ascendaney. E. ]. Cor
nish and John p. Breen. candidates for
congress, and w. A. DeBord. candidate for
county attorney, we're present.
Mr.. Cornish was the first speaker, say
ing in part: II do not expect a delegation
for myself from the Seventh ward, as you
have one of the three who presume-for I
understand It Is presumption-to be candi-
dates for congress. Under the peculiar
conditions we are confronted with we are
forced to fight a congressional machine. I
was In one fight in Sarpy county. In that
county / had a slight advantage. My
brother and myself owned a farm there,
paying taxes on about $4,000 OF property,
so the people Of the county thought l
would have some interests in the county
at least more than a man who had no in
terests there. l also found that there were
some disadvantages. In every town there
was a postmaster, whose influence had been
pledged to work for Mr.. MERGERS nominal
tion. Every member of the county central
committee was pledged for Mr.. Mercer. but
while Mr.. Mercer is one of the best hand
shakers in the state, he cannot convince
every man that he really is his best and
nearest friend.
I'm every precinct in that county there
were circulated copies OF the World-H Herald
which told what a good man Dave Mercer
was. In that county there are three demo-
cratic papers-an supporting Mr.. Hitch
cock and drawing, their inspiration from
the World-Herald. These papers all ad-
vised the republicans to work for Mr.. Mer.
GERS nomination. 1 told the Republicans
Of the county that Mr.. Hitchcock was the
probable candidate of the democratic party
and that the democrats would not advise the
nomination Of the strongest republican
against the owner OF tie World Herald.
The expected has happened. Mr.. Hitchcock
was the strongest candidate of the party.
Mr.. Rosewater has much influence in the
democratic party. Mr.. Hitchcock was nom>
mated by the anti-Rosewater democrats.
1t was a wise political move, for II Mr..
Mercer is nominated he can get no anti
Rosewater democratic votes this year. as
they will all vote for Mr.. Hitchcock. The
republican nominee will have to be elected
by republican votes this year."
Mr.. Cornish was followed by Mr.. Breen.
who raid, in part: II have nothing to say
against Mr.. Mercer except so far as it is
deserved. Mr.. Mercer makes the mistake
Of chasing all OF the men who oppose his
nomination as blowers Of Mr.. Rosewater.
Everyone who knows me knows that / have
never been a follower Of Mr.. Rosewater, and
l do not like the light in which Mr.. Mercer
would place me. / simply claim the right
Of every American citizen to aspire to any
ONCE. l have supported Mr.. Mercer for ten
long years. Now, in all candor, 1 ask; How
long Is Mr.. Mercer entitled to remain in
Office? Has he the right-after ten years in
ohice-to designate every man who would
succeed him as a yellow dog? All 1 ask is
fair treatment and fair play. l am done
with Mr.. Mercer and his record. / have
lived In this district sixteen years. 1 am
simply a laborer in the ranks. L hope you
will select the best man for the place.
w. A. DeBoard, when called upon, re-
ferred to his candidacy for the ONCE OF
county attorney. saying that he had never
been a candidate previously and now asks
for the position believing that he can be
elected and can fill the office rather than
occupy 1t.
The last speaker was F.. @. Davie, who
announced his candidacy for the legislature
He said it had been forced upon him. bui
now he was In the fight to the finish.
The club adjourned to meet Tuesday might
at REEVES hall.