Typed as spelled and written
Lena Stone Criswell

THE MARLIN DEMOCRAT
Thirteenth Year - Number 21
Marlin, Texas, Thursday, July 24, 1902
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CLARK WINS THE
TROPHY.
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The Ugliest Man In Town Has
Been Found.
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       The final meeting of the Ugly Man's convention Friday was a success from every standpoint.  Large numbers were present, enthusiasm prevailed.  The oratory was good, the music all right and the voting was fast and furious.  Jno. Oltorf president as chairman and he did it like an old timer.
       The only point made was by Hon. Tom Connally from the Coon Hollow precinct, who advocated the election of the Hon. Chessly Coleman from Cheevesville county.  Mr. Connally's speech was a fiery effort of an enthusiastic partisan and it was a good one, eloquent enough to throw the convention into confusion.  The fact is that it was only by hard work that the friends of all the other candidates prevented a stampede to Coleman.  It may also be observed that Coleman was only defeated by a combination between the friends of all the other candidates who pooled issues and voted towards the last for Clark.  The Coleman adherents made a hard fight against these odds but it was a useless expenditure of energy and we would say money, but for the libel law.
       At the conclusion of the count and the announcement of the vote the Clark delegates made the welkin ring while the Coleman delegates looked wild and thought things.
       Mr. Clark was literally carried to the platform by his supporters.  He thanked his friends for the honor of being distinguished as the ugliest man in town, and he assured them that he would do his best to wear the honors gracefully.
       The prize, a beautiful locket watch charm set with emeralds, pearls and diamonds, was presented by Mayor Shelton.  Mr. Spivey, in a few well chosen words, responded on behalf of Mr. Clark.
       The vote in detail was as follows:
      
       Coleman 2200, Clark 2405, Fife 1603.  Epstein 693, Carter 10, Cheeves 153, Curtis 74, Carter 30, Louis 10, De Berdelba 19, Dupree 38, Martin 38, Dr Reeves 5, Patrick 2, Herron 2, Hornsia 1.

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Copyright permission granted to Theresa Carhart and her volunteers for printing
by The Democrat, Marlin, Falls Co., Texas