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Newspaper
Washington Gazette
Location
Washington, Indiana, United States of America
Date
Aug 21, 1909
Page
4
The Washington Gazette is issued as the weekly edition of The Gazette and Merald, published by The Gazette and Beralé company.
Bernard Sauer writes from Indianapolis alleging The Herald condemns the direct primary law and cites the city election as proof of its failure. The piece argues the primary draws the bum element and that business leaders abstain, leaving two unfit mayoral candidates. The Star echoes dissatisfaction, calling primaries a step toward mob rule and noting widespread contempt for the process.
The piece defends teachers enjoying dancing and card playing in moderation while condemning excessive devotion to religion or any single pastime. It argues amusements are harmless if not overly indulged and not against personal conscience or social norms.
A discussion contrasts dancing and card games with personal and public morality. It argues that opinion shapes what is considered proper amusement, and that individuals including Senator Mattingly may differ on dancing while respecting others' practices. The piece defends personal choice and cautions against banning neighborly recreation.
Locally and generally, signs of rising prosperity appear as broad shops resume full time and pay. Influences of good crops boost real estate and trade, with increased activity and cash investors showing interest. The coming year is expected to bring wide employment and improved economic conditions.
A long editorial notes the Republican primary produced weak turnout with about half the city’s Republicans failing to vote. It compares results for mayoral and county tickets to Democratic figures, calling turnout perfunctory and the state disappointing while predicting the next convention will reflect similar voter apathy.
The primary is almost certain to yield an ill balanced ticket compared with a deliberative convention. Mr McCarty and Mr Slimp were each nominated with about one third of the votes in their parties, receiving fewer than 400 votes.
The newspaper lauds the Republican city primary ticket, praising mayoral candidate Thomas D. Slimp Samp and the council nominees as citizens of good repute. It argues the slate is capable and trustworthy, urging vigorous campaigning to win in a closely divided city.
The piece argues beer clubs in dry areas pose little threat if run within legal rules. It states county option bans retail sale, not individual possession, and praises enforcement by officers. It notes clubs may fade under strict rules and that public sentiment may affect their fate.
In a county option discussion, proponents argued eliminating saloons removes temptation for the poor and protects families, while opponents warned against extending beyond the law’s scope. The editorial urges restraint and patience, noting the statutes suffice if community support remains strong. It predicts the outcome will reveal the law’s impact on retail liquor and social habits.
The motor car meet at the Indianapolis Speedway this week proved a great success though two men were instantly fatally hurt on the first day. The event drew large crowds and highlighted racing excitement.
A Friday editorial echoes Senator Mattingly urging one consolidated board for Indiana state education. Moving the three large schools to a central location is seen as ideal but financially daunting. If not, unifying boards could reduce rivalry between Indiana and Purdue and cut duplication. A Shelburne beer club is criticized as a nuisance, with calls to act.
The South Bend Times calls the street carnival a miniature wandering copy of the worst Midway features. It condemns it as low buffoonery that demoralizes and degrades, attracting rabble to doggeries and evil resorts, while not supporting legitimate merchants.
The Indianapolis independent argues direct primaries could work in small cities and country communities but country voters oppose. They deem the plan expensive and damaging to party organization, especially for the minority party, with country members resisting strongly.
The piece argues that despite popular pressure, a compulsory primary failed in cities and likely will not return in Indiana. It contends populism wanes, and as influence falls, old parties will revert to traditional methods of selecting candidates in a deliberative, representative system.
The South Bend Times ridicules long range weather prophecies. It explains forecasts rely on telegraphic data from the Weather Bureau, tracking barometric pressure, temperature, wind, and atmospheric waves to predict 12 to 36 hours ahead, and labels over forty eight hour forecasts as frauds.
The article warns that soon laws may abolish all railroad and traction lines grade crossings in the state due to deadly accidents. It cites twenty deaths and twice as many injuries in the past three months, highlighting the grave danger at crossings.
The article argues Thaw is confined not as punishment but to protect the public from a dangerous maniac. It notes his mental state relieves him of criminal responsibility, and that limited comforts within the institution should not disrupt security or discipline. The piece emphasizes his status is the same as before the homicide.
Three union veterans were nominated by Republicans George Bright and James Ramsey for council and Philip Hart for clerk. A Prohibition state committee secretary criticizes the Anti-saloon league and churches while accusing prohibitionists of hindering temperance efforts. The piece paints the Prohibition party leaders as corrupt and untruthful, more political than principled on liquor.
Mystery surrounds Peter R. McCarty sudden withdrawal from Vincennes Democratic primaries. Reports indicate he hinted at making a statement, leaving the race and party balance unclear amid local political tension.
The text suggests Mr. Mac may wait a long time to act after cooling off, citing John W. Kern's exemplary pledge from last winter as a reference. The remark implies skepticism about timely fulfillment of promises.
A vivid note from Vincennes ponders police tents and snirt sleeves while noting Halley’s Comet races toward Earth at over 2 million miles daily. The piece reassures there is no need for alarm as the comet returns roughly every 75 years, a long-standing pattern.
The piece notes Hall’s potential demand as a chautauqua lecturer and his inability to pose a proper question as senate president. It references a scuffle between rail brakeman Stites and a Downbog boy, stirring excitement and court avoidance. A revival of spelling bees is discussed alongside a state supreme court brief on county option law, with an October date for the issue.
The piece notes policies to combat fever in Vincennes and predicts the Democratic primary on September will raise temperatures and spark political intensity.
Indiana fruit growers will gain from Purdue Universitys department of horticulture and the Indiana Agricultural Experiment Station through a new program of neighborhood demonstrations. The meetings show up to date orchard care including spraying pruning San Jose scale remedies and practical spray equipment in action. Organizers invite interested individuals to contact C G Woodbury associate terist Purdue Experiment Station Lafayette Ind.
Washington Senator Mattingly issues a letter advocating abolition of three school boards and a major reorganization of state education. He argues plans would streamline control, but faces strong opposition due to potential job losses among many officials.
Report notes migratory birds assembling sooner than usual signaling an early southward flight. Local observers believe the changing pattern may foreshadow an earlier than normal autumn season for the region.
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