Montpelier examiner. [volume] (Montpelier, Idaho) 1895-1937, 1912-11-08

xnd the republicans of B,ar Lake
county have emerged from the con-
test in good condition, considering
the division that existed within the
party.
Notwithstanding the disagr cable
weather and bad roads, about 1850
votes were polled in the county last
Tuesday, Ne against s4s5 at the last
presidential election and a37s two
years ago. The largest increase
was in Montpelier. In the west
precinct there were $40 votes cast
and 2s2 in the east precinct, making
a.total Of sO9, or nearly one-third
the vote Of the county. Two years
ago only es5 votes were cast in the
city.
While the result indicates that
Bear Lake is still safely republican,
the majorities Of two years ago on
the state ticket were reduced on an
average of about 100. With the
democrats united and The sentiment
among the republicans divided, the
result 10 not 1t all surprising. The
Roosevelt electors polled about 909
votes in the county and it is safe to
say that three-fourths of them were
cast by republicans.
On the county ticket the republi-
cans elected all but the probate
Judge and the three commissioners.
This is loss of one as compared
with two years ago. While the re-
publicans hardly expected to make
a clean sweep on the county ticket,
J vet the defeat of three commission
ers was great surprise, especially
when the excellent standing and
ability of the three republican candi-
dates was considered.
The only reason we can assign
for their defeat is, sentiment
seemed TO prevail 10 some sections
of the county that the present board
has been extravagant TO some extent.
Whatever foundation there was for
such charge, the Examiner will not
attempt TO discuss at this time.
While we have confidence in the
men who have been elected COM
missioners, we sincerely regret the
defeat of Messrs. Spongberg, Nor
gan and Brewer, and John Grimmett
for probate Judge. The latter has
certainly made Q good officer and
was entitled to reelection. As to
the candidates for commissioner, no
man can truthfully say but what
they we're the equal in every res
pect TO their democratic opponents,
and we believe that their defeat was
due entirely 70 unwarranted reports
and prejudices against them. It il
said that some voted against MIR,
Spongberg simply because he own
ed an automobile and they were
afraid that he was going to build
boulevards throughout the county
Had he been elected and carried on
that policy, the Examiner is here 4
say that he could not have done any
thing which would have been |
greater blessing to the people o
this county, for if there is any on
thing that THE county needs II
better roads. But there was n
more likelihood of Mr., SpoDgberl
doing that than there is Of the com
m,ssioners-elect buying . fiyin
machine with The county funds
Then there is no doubt but whs
aome of those who voted agains
spongberg because he owns a
automobile, voted for Howell, th
democratic candidate, who il als
the owner of an auto.
While the republicans regret u
defeat of four of their candidate
there is rejoicing over the fact th'
the elected their entire lesislati'
ticket for the first time IN ak year
J. r.. Shepherd. for senator Is cleo
ed by a majority of about 80
while Evans and Wright pull'
through with comfortable maio
,ties. The success of the ieRislatl
ticket u especially gratifying TO 9
republicans becanse of the hard fg
made against IL By the democra