The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-05-29
South Bends Mayor, Once Mechanic,
Has an Ambition to Be Governor
His Administrations as II
Mayor of South Bend
Have Brought Anything
but Fame to That City.
Makes Friends Through
a Pleasant Personality

that IL is vet he must accept the respcnsl-
bility, bringing contumely, shame and DIS
grace upon his first administration. but 90
not the people want South Bend TO be con-
Quoted upon this plan? The course OF events
would seem to so indicate. for Mayor TO
garty was unanimously renominated by ms
party and in spite of the great cry against
him he was reelected by an increased plu-
rality, but by a greatly reduced majority,
on May g. 1904. Certain clements Were
against him in his own party. but. on the
other hand the Republicans nominated a
man who was most vigorously opposed by
many Republicans. Mr.. Fogarty, therefore,
won.
Mr. Fogarty thought his remarkable sue
cess at the polls the first time made him
more than a municipal figure and ne en-
deavored to break into state politics. Here
his few shrewd friends again came to the
front and during the annual meeting OF the
Indiana Municipal League in Terre Haute.
in November, 1908. his gubernatorial boom
was launched. IL was suspected that ms
chief of police, Jim McWeeny. formerly or
the Chicago police department. did tie
launching AT any rate the Doom was
started. Here in South Bend IL was genet-
ally regarded as a joke, even by most sub
stantial Democrats Mr.. Fogarty had TO be
talked about, so while the gubernatorial
boom was securing a foothold ne was also
mentioned for Congress.
Meantime the mayor smiled. his head felt
good and he allowed IL 10 become known
that while he was talked of for Governor
he was but a candidate for denomination
for mayor His marked success In securing
the nomination a second time easily and
his slightly increased plurality on election
day, the greatly reduced majority not De
ing taken into consideration, Increased MS
guberna torial desires and, a few weeks ago.
during the Democratic convention IN IN
dianapolis, he personally authorized the an
nouncement that his name would be pre-
scented to the state nominating convention
when IL meets In the capital city on July
20. 1t now certain that he and his
friends VIII make an onslaught on the coIs-
vention, determined 10 win as they won IN
the city convention in 1902 All of them are
virtually inexperienced in state politics and
unless they can secure the influence and
aid of the big fellows the FoSarty boom
will be in danger. The boom Is not accepted
by the solid Democrats here IN his home as
much more than a strong, healthy joke.
and IL NAV be difficult. IL that idea spreads
over the State, to make the delegates in
the convention view II otherwise Mr.. Fo-
garty will make his strong play, In all prob
ability, the fact that he is union man,
a laborer and a common, everyday sort OF
fellow but, on the other hand, IL will be
urged that he is not heavy enough for such
a big office and that others in South Bend
will fern the power behind the throne,
should he win.
Personally, Mr.. Fogarty Is a very pleas
ant person. He has the instincts Of a gen.
tleman, knows how 20 be one and is one.
He makes personal friends. even IL they re-
fuse to affiliate with him politically He Is
to make good impression. As mayor. how
ever, he is weak quantity. His first adj
mnistration has been marked by a general
disregard of law Gambling has thrived,
saloons have made slight pretense OF obey
ing the laws. questionable resorts have
been allowed TO run. OF doubtful
character have walked the streets and con-
ditiOns In general have been most deplor-
able Whether his second administration
Will be any better remains TO be seen.
South Bend. Ind. Nav 81