Typed as spelled and written
Lena Stone Criswell

THE MARLIN DEMOCRAT
Thirteenth Year - Number 20
Marlin, Texas, Thursday, July 17, 1902
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UGLY MAN'S CONVENTION.
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Much Enthusiasm and a Bitter Contest.
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       The convention to select the ugliest man in Marlin met Monday night at the Court House and was attended by several hundred people each of whom were enthusiastic for his or her favorite, and that enthusiasm did not lag at any time during the convention notwithstanding the fierce fight which as on from the first.
       On motion of J. G. Oltorf Mayor Shelton was elected Chairman and on taking the gavel observed that he was glad to see so much interest manifested in the contest and hoped that all would ultimately end for the expansion of Marlin.
       Hardly had the Chairman finished his introductory remarks when the friends of the various candidates began to call for them.  All of them but Chesley Coleman accepted the "call" without delay.  His delay caused a storm of calls and cheers, hence he was finally induced to take his seat along with the rest of the candidates.
       Opportunity was given the various candidates to have their claims presented by friends or themselves be heard.

       Capt. Geo. Carter spoke for Mr. Thad Clark.
       E. T. Johnson for G. Eppstein.
       Judge Rice for Mr. Cheeves.
       Mr. Harrison for William Fife.
       Walter Dupree for himself.
       Mr. Lewellyn for Capt. Debareleven.
      
       The friends of Mr. Coleman were sure that he needed no one to appear in his behalf for he was too well known to need any advocate.
       At 10:30, after a fruitless effort to select a candidate, the convention adjourned to meet Friday night.

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