The 'Anti-McGraw' Brawl

During the past week, joint discussions took place at Ball-Ballard between I. J. Humes and W. O. Wood, on behalf of the Republican party, and James Rochester and I. P. Bush, on behalf of the Wing-Cochran wing of the People's party. During the course of the debate, a dialogue occurred which illustrates the manner in which the Wing-Cochran campaign has degenerated into a mere personal fight against Mr. McGraw. Humes, in his opening speech, had paid a glowing tribute to the Republican party and to its past achievements. In his reply, Rochester remarked that he did not desire to dispute the good things which Mr. Humes had said of the Republican party. Humes, when he again took the floor, demanded in forcible language that Rochester plainly state his politics. 'I am not a Republican,' finally admitted Rochester. 'No,' thundered Humes, 'all know you are not a Republican, but what are you, then, Rochester? Are you a Democrat, or what are you?' After some hesitation the answer came, 'I am an anti-McGraw man.' And he told the truth. The course pursued by Rochester and his crowd is nothing more than an attack upon Sheriff McGraw. One sentence describes their political views and indicates their hope for their ambition—they are 'anti-McGraw men,' and nothing else.