Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1906-07-25
KEPLER COMPLAINS

Mt. Vernon Man Says Major Rathbun
Violated Sacred Promise in the Mat
ter Of the Appointment Of Delegation
From Linn county-Intimates Rail-
road Influence.
Special to Times Republican.
Mt Vernon, July 25.-Quite little
surprise was caused here when the
announcement of the Rathbun dele
gates from Linn county was made that
the list did not contain the name OF
Chas w. Kepler of this place, one OF
Rathbun's standpat friends. Kepler,
altho a progressive republican, has
stood by the home candidate and while
the Mt Vernon delegation to the Linn
county convention was Cummins
delegation at heart, it voted with the
standpatters in all matters affecting
Rathbun's candidacy. In a signad
statement in today's Mt. Vernon Rec
ord, Capt. Kepler says:
Oap1. naIn0un'S FoTnoys
''Capt. Ratilbun pledged himself to
name myself and DR.. T. L. Wolfe as
delegates to the state convention il
the Mt. Vernon delegation would not
oppose a resolution empowering him to
name the delegation. The delegates
from Mt Vernon, including j. C.
Keedick voted to nave myself and DR..
Wolfe represent the precinct in the
state convention. With this UNDER
standing the Mt. Vernon delegation
voted for the resolution. Capt. Rath-
bun, contrary to and in violation Of
his sacred pledge and the request of
the Mt. Vernon delegation appoints
j. C.. Keedick to represent the Mt. YER
non precinct, when Mt. Vernon is en-
titled to two delegates, and appoints
two delegates from Lisbon when it is
entitled to only one.
"I cannot imagine any reason for
such a willful betrayal Of confidence
other than that he had been seen'
by the railroad crowd. Under the cir
cumstances think can better afford
to be left off the delegation. than
Capt Rathbun can afford to violate his
pledge. The betrayal of trust has left
no sore spots on me. 1t will not change
vote in the convention, and time will
show whether Capt. Rathbun has
gained any benefit to himself by sac
rifcine his honor in betraying the con-
fidence of friend.
yours very truly,
.CHAlS w. 1&EyPLER."
Relative to the same matter the Rec
ord says editorially:
"capt. Rathbun Betrays Confidence.
stIn his selection Of delegates to the
state convention, Captain Elathbun re-
pudiated at least thre separate and
distinct promises made to members of
the delegation to the county convention
from this precinct.
'.He violated a square promise as to
who would be selected from this pre-
cinct, made before witnesses, and made
on two different occasions.
HE violated a square promise as to
the number Of delegates he would Sc
lect from this precinct.
1.-The first promise was made before
two witnesses whose affidavits can be
necessity of them.
Ihe second PROMISE, WHICH WAS tuo
same as the first, was also made in the
presence of witnesses who state that
they are ready 10 make afficavit ITO 1t.
''The third promise as to the number
of delegates was made In the presence
of the writer and another both Of
whom are ready to make affidavit to it.
IF Captain RathbuF viii violate a
promise on so small matter as this
he is scarcely the man for governor;
or if he is 80 senile as to be forgetful
of such promises, made in the presence
OF so many witnesses. he Is scarcely At
to hold Office Of any kind"