The Washington herald., 1908-01-26

resentatives, was the last president of the
Indiana Republican Club. For a long
time the officers Of the organization had
been under the watchful surveillance of
the Civil Service Commission. The COM
mission succeeded in getting a half-Nels0n
hold on the club when L. c. Roots. its
secretary, prepared a circular statement
TO Indiana oficehOldeTs of the Republican
faith, notifying them that campaign con-
tributions were in order. He took tile
precaution To send a copy Of the circular
10 William Dudley Foulke. then a mem
Der Of the Civil Service Commission. and
with it an inquiry as 10 whether the COM
mission would raise an objection if Mr.
Roots mailed the circular to the various
HOOsiers holding Office. Mr.. Foulke sent
"a reply to Mr. Roots that still rings in
his memory. It was a warning, C0uched
in language that had barbs ON it, The
letter was never mailed
This happened about five years ago
Capt. Mckee, who was a politician Of the
old school, decided the club had fallen
upon evil and effemiu8tV times, and he
was SO thoroughly disguised that he
threw up the presidency of the club.
The last prop had been knocked from
under the club as political organization.
strictly Social Basis.
About three years ago a handful of the
prominent HoosieTs here got together, and
decided the club could perform a useful
service, if reorganized on a strictly social
basis, politics being entirely eliminated.
A meeting was held, and Jerry A.
Mathews was elected president of the new
organization. which was auspiciously
launched with large membership, com
posed for the first time of both Re
pubHcans and Democrats, and their fam
lilies. In the last two years splendid en-.
tertainments have been given, and the
attendance has usually taxed the capacity
OF the meeting places.
It is doubtful whether any other State
society can boast Of as much musical
and literary talent, and the regular
meetings Of the society which are held
once a month at Carroll institute hall,
are enjoyable occasions. Among the many
who contribute regularly 10 the enter
tainment Of the society are Thomas L.
Jones. of ROCkpOrt, a tenor singer, and
Mrs. Jones, pianist; Mrs. Rose Maxwell
Dickey, formerly of Lafayette, a violin
ist: Miss Jessie Harnsberger, formerly of
Indianapolis, soprano; Miss Emma Hou-
chen, formerly of Fortville, alto; W. Z.
Hopkins. formerly of Newburg, barry
tone: Miss Bertha Wolfe, formerly of
Bedford, an el0cUtionist. and Mrs. r. ].
Fouts, formerly of Lafayette a reader
and elOcutiOnst.
II. W Weber, who halls from Yer
sailles. Ind. director Of the Rebew Or
chestra, is another talented member Of
the society. As for oratory, there is
never any lack of that
Among the well-known members of the
society. aside from the Congressional del
egation. may be mentioned Gen. W. W.
Dudley, Gen Lewis T. Michener. ex-at-
torney general of Indiana; Gen. John w.
Foster, ex-Secretary of State; L. p.
Mitchell, deputy Comptroller of the Treas
ury. and Col d. NJ. Ransdell. sergeant
alarms of the United States Senate.
Officers of the Society.
The officers Of the society, as now or
ganized. are as follows:
Presideut-A. L. Lawshe. Third Assistant Post
master General.
First vice president-Jesse Wilson. Assistant Sec.
TetaTy of Interior.
Second vice pTesideDt-O. r. Smith.
Third vice pTesident-A W Tracy.
Fourth vice presidsnt-Walter l. Penfeld
Secretar-William n. Bass.
Financial secTetaTy-ThOmas L. Jones
Treasurer-Col. J. T. Megrew
Directors-lames p Houaday Horace P De
Hart. and J. 3. Morton.
Press cummittee-LOIis Ludl0W, George II. Payne
and Z. J. FOuis.