Prohibition Party
The Prohibition Party (1869-present) historically had been relatively active in Lansingburgh.
The Encyclopedia of New York State, listing “Third Parties in New York State, 1900-2002,” noted the Prohibitionists to have ballot access for 1900-1922, 1926, and 1940.
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H. Clay Bascom, of Troy, Named for Governor—The Platform.
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SYRACUSE, Sept. 9.—At the second day’s session of the Prohibition state convention county delegations each reported the name of a state committeeman. A. A. Wheeler, of Albany, was continued as chairman of the committee at a salary of $1,000. The financial committee’s report showed a deficiency of $500 and need of $5,500 to conduct the state campaign.
A platform was adopted as follows:
The Prohibition party of the state of New York, grateful to God for the success already attained, and devoutly seeking his aid to all our future efforts, through its representatives sets forth the following declaration of principles.
First—We affirm that an essentially wrong principle remains eternally wrong whether the business it permits be protected by law or not. That the license system, either low or high, as applied to the traffic in intoxicating liquors to be used as beverages, is utterly wrong and vicious in principle and aa crime against God and man; that low license, after full and fair trial under the most favorable conditions, has proved itself to be ineffective, inexpedient and indefensible; that high license, while creating a monopoly in iniquity, does not permanently or appreciably lessen the traffic or lessen its evils. It is, therefore, a delusion and a snare, and an attempt to bribe the conscious by money extorted from an immoral and corrupting business.
Second—Experience with local prohibition has shown that state prohibition is the grandest and most effective form of local prohibition but it has been demonstrated that prohibitory enactments, to be completely effective, must be national in scope, directed against the manufacture and importation, as well as the sale of intoxicating liquors as beverages; that those entrusted with the enforcement of prohibitory laws must not only be in sympathy with the principles, but sustained by a party unconditionally committed to the doctrine of prohibition, and whose dominance depends upon its faithful enforcement. Prohibitory enactments forced upon an unwilling party, is prohibition in the hands of its enemies.
Third—Both of the old parties having publicly and notoriously failed to commit themselves to prohibition and having notoriously courted the favor of the liquor interests, men of all parties who seek prohibition must seek it elsewhere. A separate party, untrammelled by fear and asking no favor of the saloon, is an imperative necessity;
Fourth—We affirm the constitutionality of the principle of prohibition: that the state has the absolute right to prohibit whatever traffic works ruin to its citizens, destroys its prosperity or is contrary to public policy; that the principle has been in every instance upheld by the highest courts of both state and nation, and hence that all attempt to create a counter impression are due either to gross ignorance or to a deliberate purpose to mislead and deceive the people.
Fifth—We insist upon a faithful enforcement in every public school in the state, in letter and in spirit, of the law requiring instruction to regard to the effects of alcoholic and other narcotics upon the human system.
Sixth—We declare that the bitter persecutions, the malignant misrepresentations, the burnings in effigy and the petty annoyances and injuries to which many Prohibitionists were subjected after the last presidential campaign were an outrage upon our free institutions, a shame and disgrace to all who engaged in or sympathized with them, and a manifestation of a spirit of intolerance and bigotry which calls for the severest condemnation of all good citizens.
Seventh—We gratefully recognize the signal service to the common cause by the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union of the state and nation. We hold that justice and equity alike demand that the ballot should be given to woman who suffers most from the evils of intemperance. But while affirming this we do not make it in any sense a test of party fealty. And we do most cordially invite the co-operation of all, irrespective of the question of woman suffrage who seek prohibition as the chief end.
Eighth—We affirm that the placing of our civil service, national, state and municipal, on the basis of merit by tests on competent examination rather than of fealty to man or parties; the radical change in our assessment laws; the settlement of the prison labor question; the securing of municipal reform; the establishment of harmony between labor and capital! In short, every great interest, state or national, moral or economical, will be far safer in the hands of a party drawing its support from that sober, industrious, intelligent class which is surely the bone and sinew of a distinctively temperance organization, than in the hands of any party controlled by or allied with the liquor power, which is politically the most unscrupulous and morally and economically the most destructive in the country.
After the resolutions Evans, of Niagara, offered a set of resolutions for the promotion of harmonious relations between North and South and denouncing the desecration of Christian Sabbath by the liquor traffic. The phrase Christian Sabbath raised a protest, and the resolutions were referred to a committee.
Four thousand dollars were reported raised for expenses of the campaign. Recess.
After recess the following ticket was nominated by acclamation; For governor, H. Clay Bascom, a manufacturer of Troy, N. Y.; for lieutenant-governor, W. Jennings Demorest, of New York city (proprietor of Demorest’s Fashion Magazine); for secretary of state, Edward E. Evans, of Tonawanda; for attorney-general, W. M. Jones, of Monroe; for controller, Fred Sheldon, of Horneilsville; for treasurer, Hiram Vandenburgh, of Fulton; for state engineer and surveyor, George A. Dudley, of Ellenville. After speeches by the candidates the convention adjourned.
At the evening ratification meeting, speeches were made by Rev. James W. Heaney, of Illinois, Rev. C. H. Mead, of Horneilsville, Mrs. Ruth Russell Warren, of Michigan, and George R. Scott, of the New York Witness. This forenoon, ex-Governor St. John addressed a large meeting of Seventh Day Adventists.
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. September 10, 1883: 2 col 5.
—The Prohibitionists of the village held a meeting at the Odd Fellows hall Monday evening and resolved upon a meeting at the M. E. church Thursday evening, and a committee was appointed consisting of Rev. Mr. Townsend, Rev. Mr. Stanley and Wm. Webster, to arrange for a mass meeting at Concert hall next week. Warren Kellogg contributed funds for the printing and attribution of 1,000 copies of the declaration of principles of the party. The meeting was largely attended.
Lansingburgh Courier. September 27, 1884: 4 col 3.
—At the prohibition meeting Monday night at Concert hall the Rev. N. B. Remick of Troy, the Rev. Messrs. Stanley and Townsend and Thomas Moss and Calvin E. Keach of Lansingburgh explained to the audience why the speakers were Prohibitionists. Their hearers were mostly ladies and Democrats.
“Village Notes.” Lansingburgh Courier. October 18, 1884: 3 col 2.
—The Prohibition meeting at Concert hall Tuesday evening was largely attended. The speakers were Rev. Joel K. Wager of Cohoes, Rev. Charles Townsend of this village and Rev. Charles Stanley.
“Village Notes.” Lansingburgh Courier. November 1, 1884: 3 col 2.
—There was a Prohibition meeting at Concert Hall Tuesday evening. Frank B. Reed was the speaker. There was no prohibition against admission, but the audience was small and of a chilly, cold-water nature.
“Village Notes.” Lansingburgh Courier. October 31, 1885: 3 col 2.
—A prominent Lansingburgh real estate and insurance broker is threatened with the boycott by members of the Prohibition party, because he is fortunate enough to be favored with the trade of a large Lansingburgh brewing establishment.
“Political Paragraphs.” Troy Daily Times. October 19, 1886: 3 col 5. (Fourth Edition)
The prohibition mass meeting at Concert hall Wednesday evening was attended by a large and interested audience.
“Notes About Town.” Lansingburgh Courier. October 29, 1887: 3 col 2.
—The Lansingburgh Prohibitionists are alive and active this fall. Weekly meetings are held, at which addresses are made by prominent speakers. Rev. H. O. Hiscox, of Troy, was the speaker this week Thursday, and he handled his subject, “The Liquor Question in Politics,” in a masterly manner. There was a good attendance and considerable interest manifested.
—The Prohibition meeting at Concert Hall next Thursday evening will be addressed by Rev. L. A. Dibble of West Troy.
“Notes About Town.” Lansingburgh Courier. October 26, 1889: 3 cols 1, 3.
The Young People’s Prohibition club met in Concert Hall Monday evening and listened to an interesting debate on the question: “Resolved, That the use of alcohol as a beverage is a greater evil than cigarette smoking.” Prof. C. T. R. Smith argued for the affirmative and Rev. C. F. Stanley for the negative. The debate was decided in favor of the affirmative. An entertaining program of vocal and instrumental music was rendered during the evening, and the large audience present enjoyed the occasion heartily. The debate for next month will be: “Resolved, That the Prohibition party would best further its interests by joining one of the other parties.” The affirmative end of the argument will be supported by J. C. Knudson and P. Dater while C. F. Stanley and Geo. Shoemaker will look after the interests of the negative. The club is in a very prosperous condition although it has been in existence but a very short time.
Lansingburgh Courier. August 13, 1891: 3 col 2.
The congregation of Millis Memorial church, the Lansingburgh Baptist society, adopted last evening resolutions directing the treasurer of the society to return to S. Bolton’s Sons, brewers, $90, which had been indirectly contributed to the church by the firm, although Messrs. Bolton are not identified with the society. This action originated from the statement made at a temperance meeting Friday evening that funds for the support of the church were received from S. Bolton’s Sons, although officers of the church are prominently identified with the Prohibition party. Messrs. Bolton have always been large contributors to religious and benevolent societies in Lansingburgh.
Troy Daily Times. October 15, 1891: 3 col 3. (Fourth Edition)
FREEPORT, Ill., Jan. 7.—Samuel Dickie, chairman of the National Prohibition Committee, last night said that the South was making most progress in the Prohibition movement, and that Minnesota led the Northern States. The man who would be the first choice of the Prohibition Convention for President was Governor John P. St. John. Other names mentioned for the position were those of H. Clay Bascom of Troy, N. Y.; John Bidwell of Chico, Cal.; J. H. Hobbs of Chicago, and W. Jennings Demorest and W. T. Wardwell of New York. The choice would probably fall to the West, as the East named the man for the last contest. The plan of campaign would be the same as four years ago. The party would put a great many speakers in the field and scatter lots of literature.
Buffalo Courier. January 8, 1892: 1 col 4.
—The Prohibition party in the ‘Burgh has decided to open war on the liquor traffic here, and for the next few months meetings will be held in Concert Hall Monday evenings.
“Local News and Seasonable Jottings.” Lansingburgh Courier. February 4, 1892: 2 col 1.
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Bidwell Seems Likely to be Nominated for President.
CINCINNATI, June 28.—The national committee of the Prohibition party went into session at noon today at the headquarters at the Grand hotel, with Chairman Dickie presiding, for the purpose of selecting the temporary and permanent chairmen, arranging the program of the convention and revising the list of delegates. It looks as though Bidwell would get the presidential nomination.
Of course there must be dark horses, and the woods are full of them. The latest talked about this morning is Henry Clay Bascom, of New York, a strong man and a great favorite in circles outside of the Prohibition circle. There are only a few instructed delegations and these are for Demorest. Bidwell has made no campaign, and the movement in his behalf gathers strength from its very spontaneity.
Duluth Evening Herald. June 28, 1892: 1 col 4.
The Lansingburgh Prohibition club met last evening at the office of Calvin E. Keach. The club will hold public meetings at Concert hall October 20 and 27 and November 3. W. H. Berry of Hoosick Falls and Rev. W. H. Groat of Waterford will speak.
“Lansingburgh.” Troy Daily Times. October 5, 1892: 3 col 3.
The Prohibition congressional convention of the nineteenth congressional district was held in Good Templars’ hall, Chatham, Saturday afternoon. The convention was called to order by J. Wesley Jones of Chatham, who nominated Justus Miller of Troy for permanent chairman. Mr. Miller was elected and Alexander Meekin of Troy was chosen secretary.
The following was presented by Mr. Jones and unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That the delegates to be chosen to represent the nineteenth congressional district at the national convention to be held at Pittsburg, Penn., May 27-29, be hereby instructed to give their support, influence and vote to Hon. H. Clay Bascom of Troy, N. Y., for presidential candidate. We all know him to be a true and loyal Prohibitionist, a man of great ability, sterling integrity and unbounded perseverance. He has been our standard bearer in the state, at which time he polled the largest vote for governor of any candidate of the Prohibition party, and we believe there is no man to be found who will poll in the presidential contest of 1896 as large a vote as H. Clay Bascom of Troy, N. Y.”
For delegates to the national convention J. Wesley Jones of Chatham and Levi Hoag and Justus Miller, of Troy, were elected, with James McNeill of Hudson, N. B. Powers of Lansingburgh and Smith F. Phillips of East Chatham as alternates.
J. Wesley Jones and H. Clay Bascom were elected a congressional committee, with power to fill vacancies. The delegates to the convention from Troy were Justus Miller, H. C. Bascom, Levi Hoag, James Farrell, Nathaniel Reynolds, George W. DeLong, George Hanlon, Amasa R. Moore and Alexander Meekin, with N. B. Powers of Lansingburgh.
Troy Daily Times. April 27, 1896: 3 col 1.
H. CLAY BASCOM… Elector of President and Vice-President… 150 Second Ave., Lansingburgh, N. Y. … River and Hoosick St., Troy, N. Y.
Dobbs Ferry Register. October 30, 1896: Supplement A-2.
Name of candidate, Nathaniel B. Powers; title of office, county treasurer; place of residence of candidate, Lansingburgh, N. Y.; place of business of candidate, Lansingburgh, N. Y.
Troy Daily Times. November 1, 1899: 6 col 2.
NAME OF CANDIDATE. | TITLE OF OFFICE. | PLACE OF RESIDENCE OF CANDIDATE. | PLACE OF BUSINESS OF CANDIDATE.
Nathaniel B. Powers | [Elector of President and Vice-President] | Lansingburgh | Lansingburgh
Glens Falls Morning Star. November 1, 1900: 7.
Name of Candidate Title of Office Place of Residence of Candidate Place of Business of Candidate
[Rev.] JOEL K. WAGER … Senator … 220 Fourth Ave., Upper Troy, N. Y. … 220 Fourth Ave., Upper Troy, N. Y.
Troy Times. November 1, 1904: 11.
Name of Candidate Place of Residence of Candidate Place of Business of Candidate Title of Office
[Rev.] F. [Friend] J. M. APPLEMAN … Upper Troy, N. Y. … 671 5th Ave., Upper Troy, N. Y. … Member of Assembly, 1st Dist. […]
WRIGHT S. OSBORNE … 805 7th Ave., Troy, N. Y. … 589 2d Ave., Upper Troy, N.Y. … Assessor
Troy Times. November 6, 1911: 11.
NAME OF CANDIDATE. Title of Office. Address. […]
JOHN Y. KENYON … Coroner … 671 Third Ave, No. Troy
Troy Times. November 2, 1914: 12.
NAME OF CANDIDATE. Office to be Filled. Residence. Place of Business. […]
HUGH C. MORRISSEY … Member of Assembly, 1st Dist. … 686 2nd Ave., Troy … 817 5th Ave., Troy. […]
CHARLES B. SPRAGUE … Coroner … 600 5th Ave., Troy … 600 5th Ave., Troy.
BLAKEMAN FORD … Supervisor, 15th Ward … 172 6th Ave. … Cluett, Peabody & Co.
RICHARD H. BIBB … Alderman, 15th Ward … 226 6th Ave. … Ludlow Valve Mfg. Co.
Troy Times. October 29, 1921: 7.