South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1913-07-09
COST OF FIGHT RAN
INTO The THOUSANDS
Beveridge and Fairbanks Be-
hind Scenes in Spectacular
Campaign for Nomination
and Control.
Special to News-Times.


INDIANAPOLIS, July 9.-The Null
hall expose and Jim Watson's part
therein has set politicians to reminis-
cling over that historic gubernatorial
campaign of Watson VS.. Marshall in
1908. which split in the republican
party in the state wide open.
The split first came about through
the publication in the indianapolis
Journal of an article telling why ].
Frank Hanly should not be elected to
the L. S. senate from Indiana. 1t was
thought that Hanly had the election
seWed up until this, and then, much
to the surprise of everyone, Albert J.
Beveridge was elected.
This created two factions lin the
party, which came TO be known as
the Fairbanks and the Beveridge
wings. The standpatters all remained
with Fairbanks, while the progress
sives fiocked TO BeVeridge.
Then came the nomination of Fair
banks for vice president and his res
ignation from the senate. There were
number of candidates TO succeed
him, among whom were James A.
Hemingway, Harry s. New, Edward
Dean Crumpacsler. Chas. Il. Lands,
and Charles w. Miller. Hemingway
was regarded as the Fairbanks candi-
date, while Miller stood closest TO the
Beveridge faction.
The night before election a meeting
was held at the Claypool hotel. parti-
cipated In by leaders from the op-
posing forces, and il was agreed that
lighting should cease and that Hem
ingway should be chosen as Fair
banks successor. while all opposition
to Beveridge for reelection should
be kept down. And as further con-
sideration it was expressly understood
that Charles w. Miller was to be the
republican nominee for governor in
1908.
Promises Broken.
Promises are easily made and easily
broken, particularly political prom
ises When the time came to select
a candidate for governor. Charles Mill
Ter got into the running as per agree
ment. Then came w. l.. Taylor. OF
course, Mr. Taylor. not being a party
TO the senatorial deal. was violating no
pledges when he entered the race.
Later it was observed that the Cd
Fairbanks machine. headed by Joseph
B. Healing, James A Hemingway
(then L. S. senator), James T.. Wat
son, and a number of others who had
pledged neutrality, began scouting for
a gubernatorial candidate. State
Chairman Goodrich was approached,
time, Sen. Beveridge had shown a
good deal Of activity and aroused pow
erful jealOusies in Washington.
1t was the plan TO clip his wings,
and il would not do to permit Charles
w. Miller, his chief henchman, to be-
come governor. So after a consulta-
ton it was decided TO put James K.
Watson into the running.
That precipitated battle the like
Of before Witnessed
in Indiana Thousands of dollars
were spent in the fight for delegates
In fact. il was frequently remarked
that interest in selecting delegates to
the state convention from the differ
ent counties was greater than shown
in the selection of candidates for
the county officers.
The result was what might have
been anticipated All the trained
politicians of the state were drawn
into the contest, and Mr.. Watson had
the assistance OF many from the out
side. 1t has been estimated that $75,-
600 was spent 10 secure the nomina-
ton for Mr.. Watson. while Mr.. Mil
lers campaign cost $50. 600. Indeed,
these figures are not far amiSs of the
facts.
The result of that contest left the
so-called Beveridge faction very sore,
and when WatsOn's defeat followed
the disaster was accredited TO the Bev-
eridge and Miller followers. This left
such a feeling OF bitterness that moth
ing remained but defeat all down the
line. and as a consequence the re-
publicans have been swept from ofti-
cial place in Indiana.
Beveridge himself went down TO de-
feat for reelection TO the senate a
little later as a natural consequence
and the rout Of the party was COM
plete.