New-York tribune., 1906-08-25
TAGGART POKER CHIPS.
Sporting implements TO BE Used IN
Political Campaign.

Indianapolis Aug. % CSpeciaD.-F1ve hun
dred poker chips bearing the we'll known trade
mark OF Tom Taggart's pluto" springs water arc
in the hands of the Republican county chairman
Of Indiana and will be distributed 60 tho speakers
this fall. OF course, they TO be exhibited as
evidence that Taggart was interested IN the gam
bling that has been so long openly carried on at
French Lick. for. es proprietor of the hotel ana
chief owner of the stock of the company he has
had entire control of all business matters. and
the advertisement OF the Pluto spring has been
depended upon for attracting people to the resort
By putting the trademark the poker chips.
which the Republican orators expected 10 ex-
hbit at their meetings. Taggart is assumed to have
admitted a right to do so, and therein shown to
the world that he financially interested I'm the
gambling for which they were used at the resort.
The Democrats do not intend TO make any de-
fence of Taggart's connection with the French
Lick gambling rooms. but seem disposed TO ignore
the fact that the casino was raided and the gam
bling paraphernalia conflscated by the state. In
fact in view Of the report OF State Auditor Bgler
who notified Taggart Of the violations of law at
the resort, It would be folly enter any denial.
but it will be attempted 20 show that admitting
that gambling was going on, Taggart took steps
to stop it as soon as he was apprised Of the fact.
AS a counter attack upon the Republicans the
Democrats are preparing to charge that Governor
Hanly knew that ejectment proceedings had been
instituted, and fearing that the gamblers would be
dspossessed before political capital could be made
out OF the existing conditions, he and Attorney
ously instituted the proceedings which sought to
annul the charter of the company
But whatever may be the attitude of The two
parties toward the question OF gambling at French
Lick, there can be doubt that the Democrats
feel that they have lost greatly on account of the
exposure, In every county IN the state there are
men who have been ranked as the supporters Of
Taggart who are now demanding that he refrain
from any active participation in the campaign
Many Of these believe that It would be to the ad-
or7+o % A1,.
tional craftsmanship: but they admit that such a
step would be terribly humllatng. and they do rot
Join their voices to the few who are demanding
The sentiment that is now so antagonistic to
identified with the moral reforms that are in prog
mind m regadng the eT q at ead are npon of hs
GT 5pneT connection with the party but outside OF
who would be glad If Taggart would step down and
OUT, our, ana give the party a chance to select ma
now is
democratic sentiment regarding Taggart in the
last six months. there has been quite as remark
able change In respect 70 the point Of view from
which the campaign in Indiana is seen. Before
the raid on the French Lick and West Baden
We're full Of condence It was beeTed that G gains s
would be made IN the Congressional delegation, thai
that the lower house OF the Legislature would GER
the Republican majority in the State Senate
Doubt has succeeded to this confidence. and even
among the sanguine II is having the effect of
dampening their ardor, and TO some extent curbing
their effort.
In the counties where there are pronounced ma
JorIes the leaders do not expect any marked effect
upon the party, but in the Republican counties the
Democrats seem to have gone to pieces over the
Iaggart developments. and It is there that the
sentiment against him IS most pronounced.
Both parties will take the sixty-day poll on Sep
tember l. and the Democratic leaders are looking
forward with much interest to its showing Two
years ago the first poll showed Republican ma
Jority Of 5000 in the state. and in November 1t
substantial return Of Democrats to The fold this
year and the Republican ma aiority In the state Is
cut TO 2O00O or 5000 the leaders will feel that there
Is at least a show for carrying the state with a
popular Presidential candidate in 1908. All work
Is now really preliminary to the campaign of two
years hence, and the Republicans and Democrats
both are 70 make the fight this year with their eyes
anxiously fixed the future.