The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1908-07-14
KERN To GET A
GREAT WELCOME
Republicans and Democrats Expect
to Make battle-ground Out Of the
Old State-One Party Is Well
Equipped-The Other Is Not How
ever.
Especial to THE TIMEs.)


indianapolis, Ind, July 14.-DOes the
nomination of John w. Kern for the
vice presidency on the democratic tick
ct mean that Tom TaGgart will go to
next winter If the democrats are sue
cessful in the coming campaign:
This question. frequently heard since
the Denver convention, is being an
swered in the affirmative by many poll
ticians. These think that Taggart
forced Kern on the ticket to get him
out of the way in the senatorial fight
that will develop if the republicans lose
the general assembly.
1t is a well known fact that Kern
did not seek or wish the honor that
came TO him. Personal reasons, in
volving matters of business and health,
to his language, prevented him
from being a candidate.
TAGGART PICKS HIM OUT.
The Indiana delegation did not push
Kern until after the leaders. Taggart
among others, had picked him for
winner. Not until Thursday evening
of convention week did the Hoosiers
at Denver get active in Kerns behalf
The nomination was made the next day.
1t is generally thought that Kern
would have been the unanimous choice
of his party in this state for the SEN
ate had he remained off the ticket AS
it is, he probably will be sidetracked
whether the national ticket wins or
loses.
Plans for the big nonpartisan well
come for Mr.. Kern are progressing
Committees have been appointed and
details are being worked out The
demonstration will probably be held
Wednesday night although it has not
been definitely determined when the
nominee will return home
MAYOR IS RESPONSIBLE.
Mayor Bookwalter is personally re
sponsible for the celebration. He holds
Kern in high regard and is urging all
citizens and organizations, regardless
of political affiliations, to participate.
Vice President Fairbanks will make
the address welcoming the nominee to
his home city. This recalls a bit of
interesting history. Four years ago
Fairbanks came marching home with a
nomination and Mr.. Kern, who was
president of the Commercial club, made
the principal address. In responding
to his gracious words, Mr.. Fairbanks
expressed the hope that he some dav
light have the honor and pleasure of
welcoming Mr.. Kern under similar cir
cumstances. This wish, viewed in light
of present conditions, seems to have
been prophetic.
PECULIAR COINCIDENCE.
Strangely enough Mayor Holtzma n.
democratic mayor, introduced Mr..
Kern to welcome Fairbanks and now
Mayor Bookwalter republican. will
introduce Mr.. Fairbanks to welcome
Mr.. Kern.
Citizens viii meet the nominee at
the Union station and escort him to the
courthouse lawn where the celebrate
will be held. The demonstration will
be strictly nonpolitical There are
more republicans than democrats on the
various committees and the principal
participants are practically all repub-
1icans.
Republicans rejoice that an Indian
ian was honored by the Denver con
vention. They do not fear the result
however. They insist that state pride
will not cut any ice and that Mr.. Kern.
while universally esteemed and loved.
will not draw any more than the regu-
lar party vote in the state
STATE 4 BATTLE-GROUND.
The republicans realize, however. that
Indiana is to be battle-ground and
they are preparing to wage an unprece-
denied fight. They probably will spend
more money, conduct more meetings
run more special trains and circulate
more literature than ever before.
The democrats. too. expect to fght
hard but they. are handicapped by lact
of money, lack of resources of othe1
kinds, and lack of competent organi.
cation.