The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1908-09-02
Not Called Upon to Answer
Many Questions, But En-
tered Quickly and Frankly
Into Explanations.
WAS AWAY WHEN BLAKElEY
SQUABBLE WAS FOUGHT.
Perkins Believes His Chances
Best With Democrats-Bry-
an Given Cold Shoulder in
Demands for Speakers
Especial Correspondence

Indianapolis, Sept. 2.-Since the ap-
uearance here of James E. Watson,
republican candidate for governor,
who last Saturday night stood before
a big gathering of labor leaders and
answered the accusations made
against him regarding his attitude to-
ward union labor. it is acknowledged
on every side that he has greatly
strengthened his case. To the sur
prise Of everybody. he was not called
upon to reply to many questions. MIR.
Watson took his place on the platform
and with full knowledge of the many
misatatements that have been put
agc est him, entered quickly and
frc lily into explanations and denials.
N spaper comment gathered from
owe the state, from Independent and
party organs, generally agree that he
made strong case and that If any
mistake was made in the appoint
ment, on his recommendation, of
Blakeley as state labor commissioner,
Mr.. Watson himself was not aware
that union labor was opposed to his
selection.
The fight on Blakeley was carried
on through the governor while Mr..
Watson was in Washington, and this
he made plain, and when he asserted
that not one protest against Blakeley's
selection had ever reached him, from
labor or other sources, there were eX-
pressions of surprise. 1t it agreed by
1oh "a Mr.
should have been appealed to person
ally in the matter, as it is known that
Gov. Hanly does not easily give
ground and is much inclined to use
his own judgment in matters that are
put up to him. This is where the err
ror was made, if there was any error,
and Mr.. Watson seems to be safely
outside the vale of criticism. 1t was
this particular point that scored SO
heavily for the gubernatorial candi-
date against his accusers, and fair
minded men believe that Mr.. Wat
sons position is safe.
1t will now be difficult for the demo
cratic labor leaders to make Roadway
in their fight on him, as it would be
case of barking up the wrong tree.
All told, the sixth district man has
squared himself nicely and, aside
from strengthening himself within his
own party, has won over many of the
opposite faith who believe in fair
play. 1t is also being commented up.
on favorable that Marshall. the demo
cratic candidate for governor, has
never permitted himself to be drawn
into the controversy, evidently prefer.
ring to wait until his opponent had a
fair hearing. There is now nothing
to stand on, for campaign purposes
at least
Turned Down Nomination.
Edgar A. Perkins, who is president
Of the State Federation of Labor, a
local labor leader of note and Bryan
democrat, 1t is learned. was offered
the nomination for congress in this
district by the Independence League
party. 1t is also said that the Offer
Included the payment of his campaign
expenses Perkins turned the PROPOSE
tfpn down fiat 1t now develops that
Perkins Is to be put at the head oil
the labor bureau of the democratic
state organization. This would NEAR
something better in case of democra
tic success In Marion county or in the
state. and Perkins evidently appreciat
ed this fact.
Demand for Speakers.
The democratic speakers bureau
has announced that the demand fol
assignment of speakers is overwhelm
ing. Requests are coming in from al
over the state. This Is not surprising
OF course. but it is surprising that two
men-Folk and Johnson-lead all 9th
ers. Even Bryan is forgotten in the
game. Heretofore the Nebraskan has
been popular above all others, but il
Is different In this campaign-anoth
er proof that the voters are weary Of
hearing him. All the stock that he
has In trade has long since been uset
up, II the requests pouring into the
speakers bureau mean anything, ans
now 1t is the live ones" that the dem
ocrats desire to hear. The demand:
Tor johnson and Folk lead others 81
far that there is no comparison. Foil
is to be heard in Wayne county, &C
cording to present plans, and it is jus
possible that johnson will lift hi.
voice In that district. The democrati,
managers have their eyes on Watson.
home district and they propose t.
make fight there with the hone O
cutting down the figures that it |.
admitted the republican candidate viii
have in his favor. The fact that sucl
speakers as these are to be turnet
loose in Indiana is another proof tina
the democrats believe this state to b,
debatable ground. At least they d,
not want kern's home state to make ;
poor showing in the fight.
MELISSA:
The only flour ever had any luck with