1873 Articles on
Early Iowa Politics


Cedar Falls Gazette (Cedar Falls, Iowa) Fri, Apr 25, 1873, page 2

Mr. Dysart, of Tama county, writes to the Vinton Eagle, modestly announcing himself as a candidate for Lieutenant Governor. We have heard from Mr. Dysart; now let us hear from the people.

The Centerville Citizen (Centerville, Iowa) Fri, Jun 6, 1873, page 2

The contest for Lieutenant Governor now seems to be mainly between Hon. Joseph Dysart and Mr. Adams, Master of the State Grange. Mr. Dysart is only a high private but would preside over the Senate with ability and honor. The papers also speak highly of the fitness of Mr. Adams.

The Davenport Daily Gazette (Davenport, Iowa) Sun, Jun 15, 1873, page 2

TIMIDITY vs. BOLDNESS

    Those who oppose Mr. Adams for Lieutenant Governor persist in misunderstanding the GAZETTE, as they ignore the urgency of the case. Thus the Belle Plaine Union imagines that when we spoke of "accepting a name, however worthy and respectable, that will possess no significance," it was an unjust reflection upon Senator Dysart. This is a mistake. Personally we want no better man than Dysart, and he is extensively known to leading men in all parts of the State. But "leading men" are not the kind who are in danger of being misled in the coming contest. It is the rank and file of the Granges to whom Mr. Dysart is unknown—the men who read little and who are liable to be swept along in the undertow of a new movement. But every Granger, however meager his opportunities, knows that Mr. Adams is the head of the Order, and if the Republican party will accept him, they will not be apt to break their connection with it. Does this make the "significance" of a name sufficiently clear?

    The chief reason urged against Mr. Adams is the fact that he stands at the head of the Grange. The Gate City struck this keynote; and the Belle Plaine Union has not ceased to play upon it. Even Gen. Wilson has been pleased to turn upon it the leverage of his Homestead. All profess to be shocked at the idea of seeming to court the Grange, for fear of hurting it, and because the Democrats in the Order may take offence!

    Yet every day and hour the Democrats are working with might and main to turn the Grange into a political machine, for the sole purpose of breaking down the Republican party. In some counties the dodge of "farmers" conventions is resorted to, which are secretly run by Grangers; and in others the Grange itself is being wrested to the use of desperate wire-pullers who are determined to climb into office on the backs of the farmers. The Henry County Council, P. of H., by a vote of 70 to 40 has decided to nominate a full ticket of county officers. Other counties will follow this example. Right or wrong, wise or unwise, in accord with the principles of the Order, or diametrically opposed to them, these Grange lodges are to be dragged into the coming canvass in some form. The Democrats are seeking to produce this state of things, and to further their purpose will omit to make the nominations, or will endorse whatever nominations are made against the Republican organization. This is the situation, and it is idle for Republicans to shut their eyes to the fact.We may refuse to nominate Mr. Adams, for fear it will look like a concession to the Grange, but the Democrats will only laugh at the delicacy which leaves them a clearer field for operations. We shall be playing a timid game against a bold one; and as the elements are situated the latter will have more advantage than we care to see it enjoy.

[Note: I think the Grange referred to in this article is The National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry.]

The Centerville Citizen (Centerville, Iowa) Fri, Jul 11, 1873, page 2

The Centerville Citizen.

CENTERVILLE, JULY 11, 1873.

Republican State Ticket.
For Governor,
C.C. CARPENTER,
Of Webster.

Lieut-Governor,
JOSEPH DYSART,
Of Tama.

Judge of Supreme Court,
J.M. BECK,
Of Lee.

Superintendant of Public Instruction,
ALONZO ABERNETHY,
Of Crawford.

Cedar Falls Gazette (Cedar Falls, Iowa) Fri, Jul 11, 1873, page 2

The Davenport Democrat puts in a good word for Dysart, candidate for Lieut. Governor. It don't like Dysart, because he is a temperance man and voted for a bill to prohibit the sale of intoxicating drinks within three miles of the State University and of the Soldier's Orphan's Home.


This page was last revised on 5 Sep 2015 by William Haloupek.

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