The Election One of the Hottest Ever Held in Lyons 

– Two Rousing Meetings Mark the Close of the Campaign

– Consolidationists Hold Forth in Murphy’s Hall, and Antis at the Armory

– The Speeches – Notes of the Battle of Ballots.

 
From: The Clinton Daily Herald; Tuesday Evening, April 30, 1895, P. 4
Transcribed by a Clinton County IaGenWeb volunteer.

RED HOT CONTEST.
Looks as Though Consolidation is Assured.
C. L. ROOT VIRTUALLY CONCEDES IT.

There is every indication that the election to-day on the question of consolidation will result in a victory for those in favor of it. Up to noon a fairly large vote had been polled in the different wards, and the workers in favor of consolidation are very confident. C. L. Root, one of those opposed to the move at this time, admitted about noon that it looked as though the consolidationists would carry the day, although he thought the vote would be close. W. C. Grohe was of the opinion that the majority in favor of it would be from 175 to 200, according to the size of the vote polled.

The polls are open until 7 o’clock this evening.

FOR CONSOLIDATION.
Whichever way the question of consolidation is settled, it cannot be said that the subject was not thoroughly elucidated. The closing hours of the campaign were the hottest of any election held here for many years. Lyons streets were thronged with people last night, bands were playing and enthusiasm was at a high pitch. Two meetings were held, but that of the consolidations outnumbered the antis’ nearly 10 to 1. Murphy’s hall, where the former held forth, was packed to the very doors, and standing room was at a premium. Hon. W. C. Grohe called the meeting to order, and M. H. Westbrook was chosen chairman. The venerable John Garton was the first to speak, and he was followed by the equally venerable Robert Spear. Then followed by W. E. Buell, Virtus Lund, Hon. S.W. Gardiner, and D. J. Batchelder. Mr. Lund spoke at length, and was vociferously applauded. W. C. Grohe made an able speech, and was followed by “Tommie” Tolson, who kept the audience in excellent humor for about 30 minutes, meantime making some telling points. Then followed a sort of an experience meeting, at which L. E. Fay, Dennis Whitney, D. B. Snyder, Prof. W. H. Gibbs, M. C. Michelsen, J. R. Adams, M. J. Godfrey, and W. R. Baker made short speeches.

THE ANTIS.
The antis held their meeting in Co. L’s Armory, but the hall was not crowded to suffocation, although there was a good attendance. Mr. William Holmes called the meeting to order, and Ira Stockwell was chosen chairman. Short speeches were made by John Lee, C. L. Root, Fred Lindloff (in German), W. E. Russell and G. M. Davis.

NOTES OF THE FIGHT.
One of the unique features of the fight was Mayor Whitney, Alds. Parker, Duncan, et. al., working to cut off their official heads.
The coup of consolidationists in springing a long list of those in favor of it, proved a stunner.
It is reported that “Doc” Davis went home early in the day and went to bed.
It was the hottest election Lyons has seen for many moons.
Lots of dodgers were scattered – making the printers happy.

The Clinton Daily Herald; Wednesday Evening, May 1, 1895, P. 2
WE ARE ONE.
Clinton and Lyons are united at last. The wooing has been long and disheartening, but perseverance and patient waiting have at last resulted in the speaking of the small but sufficient word “yes”.

It came, when it did finally come, with more willingness than was generally expected. Two-thirds of the votes cast in Lyons were “yes.” Sanguine advocates of consolidation expected a close result in that city. It is far more satisfactory that the vote should be so strongly affirmative than if it were nearly a tie, as was generally expected. As the case now stands, there can be only a minimum of dissatisfaction with the result, and no chance is given for dispute or contest.

Consolidation will prove the most fortunate and profitable event that ever occurred in the history of the two cities. The rank of the enlarged city is advanced on-half way up the scale of cities in Iowa and in the United States. Incident thereto will come a prestige and a multitude of advantages and opportunities that could not be acquired in a score of years in the ordinary course of things.

Now let us all join together in the fifth city of Iowa to put it second if not first by the time it shall figure in another National census.

The Clinton Daily Herald; Wednesday Evening, May 1, 1895, P. 4
TWO TO ONE FOR IT.
Consolidation Carries by a Big Majority.
BIG CELEBRATION IN THE EVENING.
The Vote Stands: For 717, Against 361 – The Announcement of the Result in Both Towns Starts a Demonstration Which Assumes Immense Proportions – More Noise than the Town has Heard for Years – Echoes of the Election.

The hatchet is buried.

Seven hundred and seventeen voters north of the big tree went to the polls yesterday and assisted in interring the ax which has done so much to keep the two towns as far away as possible; while only 356 votes were cast against the proposition to consolidate. As a result there is good feeling on all sides. What makes the relations all the more cordial is the fact that every ward in the city gave a substantial majority in favor of consolidation.

Following is the vote:
First ward For 268 Against 76 Maj. 192
Second ward For 142 Against 81 Maj. 61
Third ward For 117 Against 60 Maj. 57
Fourth ward For 190 Against 139 Maj. 51
Totals For 717 Against 356 Maj. 361

The announcement of the result here was known before 8 o’clock, and when the word came up from below that there was a majority of 1,400 for consolidation the enthusiasm knew no bounds. The fire screecher at the brewery sounded the keynote and the people flocked out on Main street. Soon the State Electric brought up several cars of people from the south end of the greater city who came up to rejoice with the rejoicers. Tin horns, screechers, whistles and bells were brought into play and before 10 o’clock the racket on Main street sounded like a hundred boiler factories in chorus. A little later the patrol wagon came dashing up, with a cannon, followed by the Central fire department and carriages containing Mayor Hughes, several aldermen and prominent citizens. All joined in one deafening demonstration over the result of the election.

When Mayor Hughes’ carriage rolled down the street the crowd called for a speech. The mayor responded with a brief talk, which was punctuated with terrific applause. He said it had always been his ambition to see the two cities united, and he was only too glad that it had at last been accomplished. He promised that during the remainder of his administration the people of this section would be treated in the fairest and most liberal manner. He was followed by Hon. W. C. Grohe, who made a very brief speech.

It was nearly midnight before the lungs gave out and the crowd dispersed from sheer exhaustion.

ECHOES OF THE FRAY.
There is a difference of opinion in regard to the copious shower of rain. Some think the cannonading caused it, while others are of the opinion that old probs was holding off until this vexed question was settled.

Mayor Whitney is busily engaged in arranging the legal details for the consolidation of the two cities. It will be consummated probably within the next few weeks.
Let the Mirror scrape the moss off its spine, roll up its sleeves, spit on its hands and pull together with the majority to make this the metropolis of eastern Iowa.