The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-07-27

whose political career. and official record
are unique, was at the Claypool last night.
Hoopeston also has a unique record, due
largely to Mr.. McFerren, for the growth
and history of the city have been closely
interviewer with his work and life Indeed,
so close have been their relations that Mr..
McFerren might fttingly be called the man
who made Hoopeston famous, while with
equal justice Hoopeston might be termed
the city that has made Mr.. McFerren
famous
But to the point: Hoopeston is thriving
little city of 1900 inhabitants; 1t is the only
city of its size in the country that has no
saloons and will tolerate none; it has more
miles OF paved streets than any city of its
size In the country, and 1t has more fine
residences and finer residences than any
city of it's size in the country. Mr.. Nc
Ferren has been five times mayor of
Hoopeston. During his first administration,
twenty-seven years ago, he drove out the
SALOONS, and 1t has been due to his aggres-
siveness and sticktoitiveness, if the word
may be coined, that they have. been kept
out, although, of course, he has been backed
and assisted by the good citizens of the
place. During his later administrations he
started the agitation for paved streets, and
Hoopeston now has over eight miles Of
brick thoroughfares. record that other
cities of four or five times the size might
be proud of.
In fairness to Mr.. McFerren it should be
said that he did not volunteer this informa-
ment, and while he is proud of his city, he
is not inclined to boast of that. 1t took
close questioning to get the story from him
last evening.
Eyes, Hoopeston's record as a temper
| ance city, and as a city of substantial and
extensive private and public improvements
| is one of which We are all proud" he said.
| 1T is one we believe is not equaled by any
| other city of equal population"
How did you get rid of the saloons?"
"By passing an ordinance prohibiting
them and then enforcing It," answered Mr.
| McFerren. as if that were the simplest
| and easiest proposition in the world. When
pressed to go into Details he continued:
when Hoopeston was first Incorporated,
| twenty-seven years ago, was elected
mayor on a citizens ticket, pledged to
/ drive out the saloons. We carried out the
| pledge by passing prohibitory ordinance,
| and then / did my part to see that 1t was
enforced. Men who attempted to continue
in the liquor business were arrested
| promptly and repeatedly and fined the limit.
| They carried their cases into the upper
| courts, but we went with them and fought
| them and beat them as often as they APP
pealed. The thing was kept up for several
| years, but it always resulted the same: A
| man would come in, determined TO beat
| us. but We never weakened for a moment
| and in the end the liquor dealers concluded
to leave us alone. 1t has been long time
now since any one has attempted to start
saloon in Hoopeston. We prosecute the
| drug stores and 'Speak-easies' just as Wig
orously. and l believe Hoopeston has been
| and is a temperance city in the truest
sense of the word.
II take no special credit for what has
| been accomplished. The result stands as a
| tribute to the high class of citizenship of
| Hoopeston people. They took a stand
| against the liquor traffic and saw that their
| officials enforced the laws. The same thing
| has been true in our public improvements
The people were progressive-that tells the
story. or course the private improvements
| residences and fine lawns-were due solely
| to private enterprise"
Mr.. McFerren is a Republican. but, al
| though he did not call attention to the fact
it is due him to say that each time he has
| been elected mayor II has been as the can
didate Of all parties and with no opposi.
| elected term after term indefinitely. He
finished his fifth term last spring.
Hoopeston Is a city of wealth. its pros
| factories and Its being the center of an un.
usually rich agricultural community. Mr.
McFerren himself ii,. Is one of the riches
| the leading bank of his city, is interested
| in three or four of its factories and is one
of the largest landowners in a county noted
| for it's large estates. His holdings run into
| the thousands of acres, it is said, and ar
| idea of his wealth may be obtained when il
is pointed out that practically all the LAND
in the northern half of Vermiion county
| ranges in value from 500 to $40 per acre.
Mr.. McFerren is making trip through
| Indiana in large touring car He is ac
companied by his wife. and bushes:
associate, Mr.. Cuykendall To-day they
| will run down to Martinsville for a shor
| visit, and then they expect to make the
rounds of several resorts in northern Indi
| ana.
When he was asked about politics in ILL
nois. Mr.. McFerren replied that there wa.
little special interest taken now.
There is always considerable politics ii
my home county, he said. but il is al
ne-sided-Republican. l live in Joe Can
mons congressional district, and il is al
one way, too, for it stands as one of tn,
strongest Republican districts in the State
Some little interest is being aroused nov
in Republican State politics. Governo
Yates is candidate for denomination, an,
that means a bitter fight. i do not know
whether he viii get the nomination-per
haps he will, as he controls the party ma
chfnery-but / don't believe he can b.
elected IL he wins the nomination. Yate
has made very poor figure as Governor
in the opinion Of many members Of his owl
| party, and has provoked much hostility
man Illinois has ever placed in the chic
| ways been a Republican do not feel tina
can vote for him If he is on the tickle
| next year.
Unusual interest Is manifested this yea