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Story
January 16, 1872
The Spirit Of Democracy
Woodsfield, Monroe County, Ohio
What is this article about?
The re-election of Senator Sherman in Ohio's legislature was achieved through intense pressure and manipulation by President Grant's administration, forcing reluctant Republican members to vote against their constituents, humiliating the state.
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The spectacle exhibited in the Hall of the Ohio House of Representatives when Sherman was re-elected Senator was certainly very humiliating. No true Ohioan can reflect upon that scene and the discreditable means which led to it, without feeling his State pride sensibly humble.
SHERMAN is one of GRANT'S most useful tools, and Grant determined, whatever the people of Ohio might prefer, to have him re-elected. As a consequence the revenue officers and post-masters were busy among the conventions which nominated members of the legislature and secured a majority of the Republicans in favor of the pet of their master, as Stewart, of Nevada, appropriately called him.
Notwithstanding the interference of Grant's tools, a majority of all the members were avowedly opposed to Sherman. Seven or eight Republicans not only openly declared their opposition to him, but were elected chiefly because of that opposition. No doubt they were honest in this, and honestly intended to carry out their convictions and the will of their constituents. But the time arrived for the election, and the State capitol swarmed with the satellites of Grant. Post offices and revenue offices were allowed to run themselves until the personal interests of Grant were attended to. The would-be independent members were badgered and harassed and caucussed, and the party lash was snapped about their ears with such vigor that they began to weaken. Thereupon the hounding was redoubled, and finally they gave way.
There was no excuse for these honest but feeble members that they had to choose between Sherman and a Democrat; for they were offered, if they would not betray their consciences and constituents, a candidate in perfect harmony with their own convictions. But the power brought to bear upon them by Grant's drilled and disciplined cohorts broke them down. They cringed under the federal scourge, and cravenly voted for SHERMAN.
The result is, that our Legislators have selected a Senator, not to represent the State of Ohio, but to serve the personal fortunes of Ulysses S. GRANT.
This may fairly be set down as "another victory for the administration"- a victory, this time, over the people of the State of Ohio.
SHERMAN is one of GRANT'S most useful tools, and Grant determined, whatever the people of Ohio might prefer, to have him re-elected. As a consequence the revenue officers and post-masters were busy among the conventions which nominated members of the legislature and secured a majority of the Republicans in favor of the pet of their master, as Stewart, of Nevada, appropriately called him.
Notwithstanding the interference of Grant's tools, a majority of all the members were avowedly opposed to Sherman. Seven or eight Republicans not only openly declared their opposition to him, but were elected chiefly because of that opposition. No doubt they were honest in this, and honestly intended to carry out their convictions and the will of their constituents. But the time arrived for the election, and the State capitol swarmed with the satellites of Grant. Post offices and revenue offices were allowed to run themselves until the personal interests of Grant were attended to. The would-be independent members were badgered and harassed and caucussed, and the party lash was snapped about their ears with such vigor that they began to weaken. Thereupon the hounding was redoubled, and finally they gave way.
There was no excuse for these honest but feeble members that they had to choose between Sherman and a Democrat; for they were offered, if they would not betray their consciences and constituents, a candidate in perfect harmony with their own convictions. But the power brought to bear upon them by Grant's drilled and disciplined cohorts broke them down. They cringed under the federal scourge, and cravenly voted for SHERMAN.
The result is, that our Legislators have selected a Senator, not to represent the State of Ohio, but to serve the personal fortunes of Ulysses S. GRANT.
This may fairly be set down as "another victory for the administration"- a victory, this time, over the people of the State of Ohio.
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
Deception Fraud
What themes does it cover?
Deception
Betrayal
What keywords are associated?
Sherman Re Election
Grant Interference
Ohio Legislature
Political Pressure
Republican Betrayal
What entities or persons were involved?
Sherman
Grant
Stewart Of Nevada
Where did it happen?
Ohio House Of Representatives, State Capitol
Story Details
Key Persons
Sherman
Grant
Stewart Of Nevada
Location
Ohio House Of Representatives, State Capitol
Story Details
President Grant's administration used federal officials to pressure Republican legislators in Ohio to re-elect Senator Sherman against the majority's opposition and constituents' will, resulting in a humiliating victory over state pride.