Durangoans found no relief from the hard times in the fall of 1894. Gov. Davis Waite was known as “Bloody Bridles” for this comment he made: “It is infinitely better that blood should flow to the horses’ bridles rather than our national liberties should be destroyed.” He served only one term. The People’s Party, or Populists, emerged in the 1890s in opposition to the two older parties.
Durango Evening Herald Sept. 30, l894
The next session of the Legislature should pass a new primary law as the present one is sadly deficient.
Every hayseed should vote the People’s party ticket. Republican legislation has never benefited the farmer. La Plata county Populists want to be of good cheer. Do not get scared at what the politicians tell you. The state is going for Waite and this country should head the list with majorities for the successful ticket.
The cry that Waite is losing strength is a Republican yarn for the purpose of detracting attention from the defeats of their candidate and opposition which is springing up all over the state. The people are onto all such games.
The Baptist people had a very nice time at their picnic at Brookside yesterday.
T. E. Bowman received two elegant Pease pianos yesterday. It might not be out of place to remark that Mr. Bowman is selling quite a number of these instruments, an indication of their merit and also that Durango people have some money.
Oct. 2, 1894
Gov. Waite is making votes for the People’s party ticket every place he goes. He is the man the Republican gold bug press cannot drown.
Herald Oct. 16, 1894
The seeds of populism are being sown all over the land and will soon bear fruit – and the fruit will not be gold bugs either.
For a clean smooth shave go to Frank Canha’s.
Oct. 19
The Herald has confidence in the voters of this district, and we do not expect to see this confidence abused by the election of someone district attorney who never had any law practice and does not know the difference between criminal and condition (?) law.
The K.P. ball next week promises to be well attended and an enjoyable time is assured.
If you want to vote you must be registered. If you are not registered you only have two days which to do so today and tomorrow.
Attention is called to the card of Miss Evelyn Carrington who will give to all lessons in vocal music. Miss Carrington is a thorough musical scholar and the Herald recommends anyone desiring to cultivate their voice.
The fine weather caught cold yesterday.
Oct. 20
If the ladies of his district could hear Tarsney talk once and get off some of his obscene stories, very few would vote for him.
Beginners dancing tonight.
You are respectfully reminded of the song service tomorrow night at the North Side Methodist church.
Seal proposals will be received in the office of county commissioners for providing material and constructing to bridge across Animas river at a designated point above Smith’s dam.
Mrs. H. H. Shawban will take a limited number of pupils in vocal music Mrs. H studies with Charles H. Adams of Boston, recently from Vienna and an experienced teacher terms made known on application.
Drs. Betts and Betts cure all form of nervous, chronic and private Diseases, Denver Colorado call upon or address with stamp.
Duane Smith is a Fort Lewis College history professor. Reach him at 247-2589.
