Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Weekly Star, August 9, 1919, p. 1. Note: The remainder of this item was cut off in copying as indicated by ellipsis. TOWN TALK News and Views of the Community "THE BIG FOUR" The Bloomington correspondent of an Indianapolis paper was recently instructed to interview several prominent Republicans of this city as to their preference for president, but somehow the real, genuine, dyed-in-the wool standpat Republicans didn't get into print. The space allotted to the interview was largely filled by Col. Rolla F. Morgan, city attorney, ex-Democrat, ex-Bull Mooser, and now a full-fledged Republican, who got off some eloquent propaganda for Hiram Johnson, of California, the state that elected Wilson in 1916. George Thornton, Claude Malott, William Graham and Walter Bradfute, the Big Four of the g. o. p. in this locality, were taking their vacations, or looking after their oil stock in Indiana, Kentucky and Oklahoma, and enjoying the prosperity of a Democratic administration. While the views of the Big Four have not been expressed, it may well be depended upon that this quartette will not favor any Bull Moose comeback, as they were among the boys in the political trenches during the onslaught of the great Rooseveltian army in 1912. But political conditions are different now, and "thereby hangs a tale." It is now whispered about that although the Big Four are working together, each will be a candidate for postmaster should some unforeseen power place the executive branch of the federal government into Republican hands again. "Wat" Bradfute was postmaster under Taft; George Thornton has had no official pap since he was sheriff years ago; Claude Malott is an ex-mayor of Bloomington and now a state oil inspector, while Bill Graham has been satisfied to nibble on the little city council plum. All these boys are very fond of Jim Watson, as he is one of their kind. Like James G. Blaine, he is "cheeky Jim, full of sass and pluck and vim." However, no political situation is likely to occur that will disrupt the united brethren, and they will probably con-.. Constance T. Shotts, Ed.D., CG(SM) CG and Certified Genealogist are Service Marks of the Board for Certification of Genealogists, used under license by board certificants after periodic evaluations by the Board and the board name is a trademark registered in the US Patent and Trademark Office.