The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1938-05-12
| Weues Boosts
Old Rival in
Comeback Try.
JULIUS A. SCHMAHL IN
RACE; WELLES TELLS
OF BITTER FEUDS

RACE; WELLES TELLS
OF BITTER FEUDS
Back in the running as a candi-
date for state treasurer, the job
which he lost to c. A. Halverson
of Revere two years ago, Julius
A. Schmahl received the unqual-
fled Endorsement of a former
business and political rival, A. M.
Welles, who is now retired but
once published the Redwood Re-
vile while Mr.. Schmahl was
writing scorching Gazette editor
ials.
Mr.. Welles writes as follows of
Mr.. Schmahl, his newspaper and
political career:
''The self-made man (there are
many specimens in evidence,
especially in politics) is prone to
botst of his handiwork. Never
theless, there are exceptions, the
most notable has come under my
observation being my staunch
friend, Julius A. Schmahl. He
did a good job, but he doesn't
blow about it.
81 have known Julius for many
years; have seen him work his
way up from a poor boy through
the printshop, letting slip no legi-
innate opportunity to store his
mind with useful knowledge,
making good as reporter on
daily newspapers and later as a
country publisher, branching out
in politics until he became Secre-
tary of State and State Treasurer,
doing well in every place be I'LL
ed until his name became a house
hold word in Minnesota for abil-
ity, honesty and efficiency in the
public interests committed to his
charge.
For several years Julius and I
were contemporaries in the week
ly newspaper field in Redwood
Falls. We did not always agree,
and neither of us hesitated to "tell
the world about it. Julius had
the courthouse gang" behind
him and his position was pretty
secure. I represented the "kick-
ers," otherwise those who refus-
ed to ''trot NIT de machine" And,
let me confess, here and now, that
the ''kicks" that appeared in
print in my newspaper woke the
echoes all over Redwood county.
But, when it came to elections,
the crowd for which I was pubG-
city promoter generally Though
not always) carried the day.
Those newspaper fights were not
in the best of taste, but they af-
forded considerable amusement
for the populace.
Staged Comeback"
ellis first entrance into state
politics landed Julius in the job
of chief clerk of the House of
Representatives in the Minneso-
ia legislature during the regime
of the late Michael J. Bowling as
speaker of that body. After two
more terms as clerk, the last one,
under Frank Clague as speaker,
Julius took a f1ier into the higher
regions and was elected secretary
of state, holding that office ii
consecutive years. Following six
years as a private citizen in st.
Paul, he re-entered politics by
fling for the office of state treas
urer. In that campaign he made
one of the most spectacular
"comebacks" in Minnesota by
rolling up a larger vote than that
received by any other candidate
for state office (and majorities
were big in those days.. He serv-
ed as state treasurer for ten years,
during his last year of service be-
ing stricken with an illness that
nearly cost him his life. He filed
for reelection but was unable to
make campaign, and was de-
feated by a political unknown"
who had administration backing.
During the two years follow
ing his retirement, Julius recup-
Grated physically and is now as
good as ever. In response to
numerous requests by friends and
acquaintance, he has filed for
the nomination of state treasurer
in the June primaries. It is
foregone conclusion that he will
make vigorous campaign. His
wide acquaintance Exceeding
that of any other Minnesotan in
public life) will stand him in
good stead. Many shrewd politic-
al observers look for him to re-
sumo his old place in the state
capitol as result of next No
vember's polling.
Keeps His Promises
"The success attained by Ju-
Illus Schmahl in political life is
due largely to the fact that he
keeps his promises and stands by
his friends. These two charact-
eristics, combined with his ability,
efficiency and experience in pub
lie life, have made him practical
ly unbeatable.
Permit me in closing to relate,
briefly, how after fighting fur
iously for six years as rival Re-
publican publishers Julius has
always been Republican, we are
now the closest of friends. Backed
by my ''bunch" in Redwood coun-.
ty, / extended myself to prevent
his election, in 1906, to the office
of secretary of state. But-Julius
won. After a few days spent
"sulking in my tent" I saw the
light and realized how unwise it
would be for me to continue nv
opposition to my successful fell
low townsman. So the first thing
/ did after Julius assumed his Of
flee of secretary of state was to
go to st. Paul and tender my
congratulations. We both grim
ned, called off the dogs of war,
shook hands, and then and there