Evening star., 1936-07-19

such . vigorous campaign-again, an
omen?-and it never has since. The
second term he won in walk, serving
four years as probate judge In a county
of more than 5000 people.
Married Many Couples.
While in this ONCE he functioned
well in q marrying capacity, perform
ing the ceremony for nearly 5000 cou-
pies, and frequently in his travels peo-
pie whom he has married pop up to
talk to him about 1t. He can still re-
peat the marriage ceremony he used
then.
Also while judge-a part-time job
he formed a law partnership with
Ralph O'Neil, later to become a ma
tional commander of the American
Legion.
The Ku Klux Klan, not by its sup
port, but by its opposition, was in a
way responsible for Hamilton's con-
tinuing in public life. When he was
probate judge Klan officials asked him
to state his position on the organiza-
ton. He did so in such violent Ian
guage that Klansmen threatened his
political career. They told him he was
through.
That was enough for Fighting
John" He decided to run for the
legislature The Klan opposed him,
and he made as driving a campaign
as he had for probate judge. He easily
won the election, and became the Re-
publican floor leader in the House of
Representatives.
During this first term the Ku Klux
Klan sought q State charter. but it
was denied by the secretary of State.
A bill was introduced to make char
ter possible for the Klan. Hamilton
buried the measure. Klansmen in
the Legislature held up administra-
ton bills in retaliation. 1t became
an open fight. but in the end the ad-
ministration bills we're adopted and
the Klan measure was defeated.
Elected Speaker of House.
The election for a second term was
a walkaway. and during it Hamilton
was elected Speaker of the House.
During this time many constructive
measures were passed. Hamilton then
set the governorship as his goal. wag-
ing relentless campaign for the
nomination. But here fate took her
turn at the wheel. eventually launch
ing him as Republican State chair
man, national committeeman and
finally as chairman Of the national
committee and manager of the Lam
don campaign.
Chosen in 1882 as a member Of the
Republican National Committee.
Hamilton was elected general counsel
in 1884, and in 1885 he became at
tached to the headquarters staff at
Washington. He was actively con-
cerned with executive and organiza-
tion responsibilities until he relin-
quished these duties on April 20 Of
this year to promote the candidacy OF
Gov. Landon. His separation from
the national committee was brief.
however, because he was elected its
chairman on June II.
As a member of the committee,
Hamilton was one of the leading or
ganizers of the now historic Grass
Roots Convention" at .Lincoln's home
city. Springfield, Ill, a year or so ago.
Under his Craftsmanship it brought
forth virtually the rebirth of the Re
publican party at the time of the
greatest need for 1t since the Civil
War.
Battle with Brinkley.
One of the memories over which
Hamilton exults is his battle with DR..
]. r. Brinkley, goat-gland specialist.
Brinkley had a radio station and made
extravagant claims Of cures. Finally
he tried to cut in on the political fes-
tivities. In 1880 ''Old Doc" polled
183, 900 write-in votes, and in 1882 he
got almost third of all the ballots.
In 1884 he tried to win the Repub-
Hart