Mansfield mirror. (Mansfield, Wright County, Mo.) 1908-1957, 1916-06-08
COL. GARDENERS DEMOCRACY

Col. John l. Martin in the 81. Louis Republic.
My attention has been called to an article now appearing in the
press dispatches, concerning a sketch Of Col. Gardner appearing in
the Book Of Prominent 81. Louisans"
1t is a matter of common knowledge that sketches of this char
acteT frequently contain Inaccuracies and are not regarded as official.
l know The Republic would not Intentionally make an inaccurate
statement concerning Col Gardner o II any other man, but in this in
stance doubt if the proof was ever submitted to Col. Gardner. The
sketch does. not give his correct age, being inaccurate as to month
and year Of his birth, nor are his business affiliations correctly
stated. The sketch printed in 1912 also gives his politics as indie
autho1tatively.
was seryeantat-arms of the Democratic national convention at
Roberts twho is a delegate to the Democratic national convention to
be held in st. Louis in June) was asked By high authorities to take
up collections for the Wilson campaign fund during that year. MT.
Roberts asked Col Gardner to assist. in this work, and think Mr.
Roberts can testify as to whether or not Mr.. Gardner himself con-
tributed and also secured contributions from others for the campaign
of Woodrow Wilson and the Democratic party in this state. This is
the year which these gentlemen would have the Democratic voters in
Missouri believe that MIR. Gardner was not a loyal Democrat.
Few men have been in a position to know a mans political record
better man l know Mr. Gardner's. In the first place. he was born in
Kentucky. His father, William H. Gardner. was reared on a good
in Virginia' His father is also an e1confederate soldier and . com
panion in arms Of Maj. John 8 Hill of Marble HILL Mo, who il now
81 years old These two Old soldiers tramDed four years together.
barefooted and in rags, loyal to the cause.
1t 20 happened that my law offices and those of Judge s. 9. Bass.
my partner, were located at Twelfth and Clark avenue, opposite the
-Four Courts. Mr. Gardners place Of business at that time was Just
M. K|Der ate lunch together for 10 years at Ebers old restaurant
MIR Gardner was at this time q struggling young fellow trying to make
During the campaign in 1896. when Bryan was a candidate. he
came to St Louis. And, aDDreeia'tns young oard1ers staunch Deuoe
In my presence MI. Gardner promised Mr. Bryan his unqualified sup
dead; but Frank M. Kleiber. q. 8 Bass. Or. A. c. Robinson are still
living ana can TOuch for these atemen
/ nave been sergsantatarms Of the Democratic national commit
tee for 20 years. During Brysn's three campaigns it frequently hap
peneu that funds were short and that on my visits to st. Louis l per
requests be- always unhesitatinrly responded As to bis Democracy.
it might also be a good idea to ask the last three candidates for mayor
of st Louis on the Democratic tcket-Judse Ed. Noonan, Mayor
Rola Wells and DR.. John H. Simon. 1t might also be a good idea to
ask Col. Nicholas N. Bell, who lives two or three doors from Mr.
Gardner in this city. and ha. been a neishoor Of bis for almost 20 years
am gneved, indeed, that Democrats would resort to such meth
DDS Of Misrepresentation. Democracy was born in this man Gardner.
1t was a part Of his Inheritance from his good old southern father
and mother am in a position to know that there never was a more
loyal Democrat than Fred Gardner. 1 knew him before he was II
years old and have been associated with him in every campaign for
over 70 years-since have been sergeantatarms Of the Democratic
national committee. Ali this time his heart and soul has been In
perfect sympathy with the ambition OF the great mass Of Our people.