Report of a Democratic meeting in Switzerland County, Indiana appeared in:
The Weekly Reveille – 12 September 1855 – Page 2, Column 2.
“Democratic Mass Meeting.”
On Saturday, the first day of September, 1855, the leaders of the old-line party met at Centre Square and nominated candidates to be defeated at the ensuing October election. About one hundred persons were present, one-third of whom were members of the American party. No enthusiasm prevailed, and but little interest was manifested in the proceedings. “Sam’s” strength in this county is a damper to all old-line countenances. They remember last October, with tears in their eyes. Mr. Case, Bishop of the Patriot Clique of Sag Nichts, and Mr. Dufour, Bishop of the Vevay Clique, had some sharp words at each other, but not blood was spilt. The former thought whisky was one of the principles of the party, while the latter thought the party should have nothing to say on the subject.
The following ticket was the choice of the Vevay Clique, which is certainly better and stronger than the one selected:
- For Clerk, George. H. Kyle.
- For Auditor, Benjamin L. Simmons.
- For Recorder, Chauncy Aldrich.
- For Commissioner, Thos. A. Haskell.
But the Vevayites couldn’t quite come it, so after caueusing and wire-working awhile, the following “cut-and dried” ticket was “put through,” and declared the choice of the “mass meeting” of less than six dozen old liners:
- For Clerk, George H. Kyle.
- For Auditor, John J. Jack.
- For Recorder, James H. Patterson.
- For Commissioner, Samuel Butler.
At a future time, when we have more time, we may have something to say of these office-seekers.