Centerburg, Ohio, Oct 13, 1897
Senator F.A. Hodge,
Francestown, N.H.
Dear Senator:
I have been hustling over Ohio so fast since coming here that I have neglected my correspondence, and haven’t got hold of the local papers where I speak. But the Columbus State Journal has given me several very complimentary notices through the local correspondents, of which I enclose one. I am busy all the time, but the committee is holding me in readiness to follow Towne if he comes back to the state. He has already missed some of his engagements. I have got into the pond with the big fish here, and am having a happy time.
(Page 2)
I was sent to fill one appointment for Foraker when he was called to New York, once to supply a vacancy for Senator Wellington of Maryland, and am billed with congressmen all the time, as they generally send two speakers to each meeting here. Tomorrow night I am with Lt. Gov. Jones, the next day with Tama Jim Wilson of Iowa, now secretary of Agriculture at Washington. Next Monday I am with Ex-U.S. Senator B.K. Bruce (colonel) of Mississippi. One night I was with Congressman Hull of Iowa, and was to be with Knute Nelson last Monday night but family affairs called him suddenly hom. At my first date I was with Hauna, Congressman Kerr, and ex.Cong.Watson both of this state. Most of my appointments have been in County seat towns of 5000 to 10,000 population, and are have jolly good times. There is considerable apathy on both sides, however, and the total vote will fall off 100,000 or so from last year.
(Page 3)
The Silver question is very much observed, and the democrats seem afraid of it, their fight being made against Mark Hauna. There is also much rivalry between the big folks here, and much soreness and jealousy in places. Only an election can demonstrate the extent of these influences, but if the republicans turn out and vote their own ticket they are lasy winners by 100,000.
I am writing this at a little country hotel while waiting for railroad connections, so excuse stationary, and, in the words of the runaway pig, my bad pen.
Remember me with kindly regards to Mrs. Hodge, and to your people if this finds you still in New England.
The weather is very warm here and very dry. A light shower Monday was the first in six weeks. The Sciota river is entirely dry at Columbus. In haste,
Ever Sincerely,
J. Adam Bede
Hauna told me he would make it rain if he didn’t need a good deal of dust for campaign purposes.
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NOTES:
Historical names – J. Adam Bede
Senator Wellington of Maryland
Lt. Gov. Jones
Tama Jim Wilson (Tama distinguishes him from another congressman named Jim F. Wilson, also from Iowa)
Ex-U.S. Senator Bruce (colonel) of Mississippi.
Congressman Hall of Iowa
Knute Nelson
Mark Hauna
Congressman Kerr (of Ohio)
Ex. Cong.Watson (of Ohio)
On the actual letter –
The stationary is plain and faintly lined on both sides. The envelope used is from the National Life Insurance Co of Vermont but that address has been crossed out by the writer. The handwriting is very elegant and surprisingly easy to read!
Here is the text of the enclosed article (no date was referenced on the clipping)
GREAT CONTRAST
The Sovereign Meeting Was the Big Republican Gathering at Nelsonville
Nelsonville, O., Oct.7 – (Special.) – A rousing republican mass meeting was held here in Stuarts opera house last night. It was a marked contrast to the Democratic opening a few days since, when only a handful gathered to hear Master Workman Sovereign. The speeches delivered last night were also a marked contrast, inasmuch as they were not tirades of abuse but logical arguments.
Hon. John P. Green of Cleveland first addressed the meeting. He spoke for the most part to the colored citizens, who were assembled, and was given close attention. He made an eloquent appeal and his oratory was frequently applauded. No colored people here will be deluded into voting for the McLean side show. Mr. Green was followed by Hon. J. Adam Bede of Minnesota, who held the audience spell-bound by his matchless address. They were often provoked to laughter, but his arguments came home with telling effect. He said he had heard Master Workman Sovereign make a speech a few days ago in which he referred to the fact that he had worked in the tombstone business for 15 years. Mr. Bede said it seemed to him eminently fitting that a party which was running on so many dead issues should have a man who would be able to prepare a suitable monument.
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