Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1904-05-18
WHERE THERE is LIFE THERE IS HOPE
Democracy Comes to Life IN Vernon County, and the
EVENTS Celebrated BY Catch.a Catch-Can Match.

men, not many of them it is true, but
lively crowd of twenty-fonr attendants,
From first to last, covering period of
two hours, it was about the liveliest af.
fair one could well wish to fitness 1t
was such diversion from the custom
ary stalwart-half breed hair-pulling that
republicans present richly enjoyed the
mill 1t is certain that the out-of-
town representatives came prepared to
show the city crowd. which they denomi-
nate as 'stalwart-democrats, a trick or
two, and they did it TO nicely. Oppo-
sition to the Graves CofflanJ- Conner
trio, headed by DR. Sehreiner and doz-
en- and more faithful followers, reinforc-
ed by DIR. Suttle and others, controlled
the convention, and the Viroqua trium-
virate was powerless to do anything ex-
cept talk. They were routed at every
turn, resolutions iammed down their
throat that were anything but palata-
BILE
The first outbreak of hostilities came
when the matter of drafting resolutions
was presented G. w. Graves face
tiously remarked that perhaps they
might find cast-of set left somewhere
about the room by the late republican
convention. DR.. Suttle retorted that
some portions of the platform adopted
by the opposition were just and patriot
ic, especially the clauses relating to rail-
road taxation, and he openly stated that
Mayor Coffiand had introduced in the
Viroqua board of trade, at the instance
of stalwart republicans, resolutions de-
manding that our members of the legis-
lature vote against pending legislation
on the subject, which they very proper
ly declined to obey. All was again calm
till majority and minority reports were
submitted by the committee on reeolu-
tions. Then the storm broke loose in
all its tempestuous force, and it was
really the finest display of fireworks vi
roqua has known since the big celebra-
ton on July Fourth, two years ago.
The minority portion of committee re-
presented by DIR. Schreiner, desired to
repudiate the late platform adopted by
New York democracy; commended the
attitude and bravery of Governor La
Toilette in standing for just policies and
principles; condemned the coalition OF
stalwart republican and corporation de-
mocracy in the last state campaign.
The two latter planks were adopted by
good majorities by rising vote. The
first was voted down.
c. w. Graves condemned the resolu-
tions and said they were undemocratic,
He wanted no platform that commended
or even mentioned the name of Govern
or La Toilette. DIR. Suttle replied that
he endorsed just principles, no matter
what source they came. He declared
that democratic ranks in Vernon county
lad been decimated about fifty per cent
in late years because of such domination
as was shown in the past and by the
professed leaders here today.
In a spasm of righteous indignation
Captain Conner thundered out that tine
democrat who voted for Governor La
Toilette at the last election had no NOR.
al OF legal right in the convention, and
he demanded that they stand up, a roll
call had and that they be excluded The
chair stated that the motion and demand
were out of order. DIR. Schreiner retorted
with much warmth, rat he and large
majority Of the gentlemen present, re-
fused to have their democracy passed
upon by Captain Conner, or any other
Babcock shouter. He voted, he said,
for Governor La Toilette, and he had
good grounds for doing SO. He stood
for principles, not vote-catching subter-
fuges.
c. w. Graves, Geo. e. Tate and Hem
ry Shelton were chosen delegates to the
state convention, and they are in favor
of the candidacy of E. G. Wall of Mil
waukee, which doubtless means Parker
of New York, eventually FIJI. Graves
o. A. Unseth and Chris. Ellefson were
made alternates. Opposition to the vi
loqua triumvirate could have named
the delegates had they desired, but hey
made no attempt to take the advantage
they possessed
Captain Silbaugh presided over the
sparring match with a smile and air
that betokened satisfaction Cyrus NJ
Butt acted as secretary.
Had Captain Corners invitation, or
demand, that only Simon pure strains
of blood be permitted to course through
the convention electorate, not more
than one.fourth of the attendants would
have held their seats.
Altogether it was the prettiest ora
torical slugging match we have seen
pulled off, and the stalwarts and half
breeds are in comparison but bantlingB
in disposition and action Assurance
of a repetition of the day e performances
at the democratic convention TO be held
III tIE ubhl AAbhibB WOhlI EhdfdUbtH an
attendance that might make 1t necessary
TO call out the army of game wardens to
quell the disturbance Of the peace.
The following are the resolutions
adopted by the convention.
We, the democrats OF Vernon County in
convention assembled declare our continued
belief in tho fundamental democratic pr.aci
pies Of equal opportunities for all and special
privileges 10 none-princiDles that have
never found better expression than Ia the
last democratic national platform. with
our republican friends IN the county we
recognize as question of the hour the regain
Ing OF the peoples supremacy over the cor
poFatlons, which has been lost under re
publican tnisgoyernment, and we ceusnre
the present national administration for It's
trust out Of the unlimited number, which at
the present flourish throughout the land;
we further censure the republican party for
having lost sight OF the self-evident truth
that all men are created equal and endowed
| by their Creator with the unalienable right
to life and liberty as We believe this holds
good regardless OF color. We also believe
that the commandment. thou shalt not
steal holds good regardless OF the much
abused term. "Civilization."
We recognize and hail with JOY the progress
Ia political sense maze by the half breed"
republicans under the leadership ofGovernor
| LaFoilette. who has succeeded In prOmul
| eating democratic principles among his fol-
| lowers, by changing the label, and We de
nounce the stand taken by the leaders OF our
| party in tie last state campaign, in their
| tacit but we'll understood alliance with our
! natural enemy, the straight republicans, as
| an unworthy barter OF principles for votes.
CITY Council Proceedings