The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1908-06-26
THE OWOSSO TIMES
EDMUND O. DEWEY. EDITOR.
OWOSSO, FRIDAY, JUNE 26 1908
All for Sloculn.

Under the heading Fred Slocum' S
Primary Reform League" the Caro-
Advertiser, published by A. d. Gal
lery, has some pointed things to say
about the former publisher of the
Advertiser and former postmaster OF
Caro-. The Advertiser says:
THE fact of the matter is Fred
Slocum is and has been from its in>
eeption the Tuscola County Primary
Reform League. He conceived the
idea when he became convinced that
he could not retain the support of
Congressman Fordney for re-appoint-
ment as postmaster, and Immediately
set about the work of erecting a ma
chine with which 10 fight the organ
ization which, up 10 that time, he
had supported with his whole
strength.
The suddenness Of the change is
seen by referring TO the files of the
Advertiser. In it's issue Of January
"a, 1908, there appeared an editorial
copied from the Saginaw Courier
Herald at the personal request of
Mr.. Slocum, explaining the action of
the Owosso convention regarding the
candidacy of Speaker Cannon; a con-
vention which Mr.. Slocum attended
filled vacant place on the delega-
ton and voted for Mr. Fordney and
Mr.. Dewey"
Again the Advertiser says:
"A calm and dispsssionate survey
of the list of active members" re-
siding in Caro-, must lead all ac-
quainted with their political activ-
tiles in the past, to the conclusion
that they were actuated, in the for
nation of the league" by motives
of personal profitSor personal revenge
Men in other parts of the county
were naturally deceived by the loud
claims of interest the league" took
in securing "the greatest good to the
greatest number" and a number of
them are still labor!ng under the de-
fusion that there is large central
organization working for the general
welfare of the county, while in fact
no regular meetings are held, there
are no headquarters" other than
the private Office Of Mr.. Slocum, and
nobody outside OF the chosen few, is
consulted concerning the real work
Of the league
When the editor Of the Advertis-
er refused to follow the lead of its
brilliant but erratic former owner
the latter promptly transferred his
affections to the opposition sheet, a
paper which has never supported a
single Republican principle, or
single person now holding office in
the county; (this is the same paper
from which the Argus recently quot
ed an article against Cong. Fordney
and booming his opponent
Times.) promoted a deal whereby
half-interest changed hands, figure
head editor was imported, and a We
hicle was secured from which walls of
wrath, vituperation and abuse have
been discharged.
But, Oh! the pity Of it ALL After
somewhat stormy but successful
career of a quarter OF a century as
publisher of the Advertiser, being
honored by eight years incumbency
Of the Caro- postoffice, one Of the best
political berths in the county, Mr..
Slocum turned his back on many Of
his friends, who had worked with and
for him for many years, and in ap-
parent spirit of rule or ruin" has
been engaged in an effort strongly |
tending to disrupt The Republican |
party in Tuscola county.
"In no other place has an or
ganization been thought necessary to |
instruct the people how to choose |
for Office under the pri-
mary system. Yet the system is |
said to be generally satisfactory |
wherever in use and since its adop-
ton in this county no other senti-
ment has been heard than desire
to have the next legislature enact a
state wide law compelling its use by
all parties. Where, then, is the
necessity for as'League" in Tuscola
For Mr.. Slocum personally, The
has only pity. The loss
If the postoffice has taken away a
income, he has stated
hat all of his property in Caro- is for
iale, and It, is subject of common re-
,ort that Immediately after election