10/15/2009:
A strange political ploy gone awry was reported from Courtenay on this day in 1908. The incident involved the local Democratic Party during the influential presidential race of William Jennings Bryan, and the Democrats feared an upset. This would be Bryan's third run for the White House, and his supporters hoped it would be the charm. In Courtenay, supporters had formed the Bryan-Burke Club to support both Bryan and North Dakota Governor John Burke, who was up for re-election.
Unfortunately, the area in question was largely Republican. After discussing their possible strategies, the Democrats came up with a plan they hoped would help sway voters to their side. Weeks before the election, the Bryan-Burke Club hoisted a large banner across Courtenay's main street. The banner featured two large paintings, one of Bryan, the other of his Vice-Presidential candidate, John Kern. In addition to its size, the banner also featured colored streamers and the words, "The People's Choice, Bryan and Kern." Overall, it looked as if its creators had spent quite a bit of time constructing it, which is just what the Democrats wanted people to think.
The same evening the banner was hoisted, a crime occurred in the small town of Courtenay: by morning's light, the banner was gone, apparently stolen by Republican supporters. Several undecided voters, feeling sympathy towards the victims of the crime, threw their support behind the Democrats. Unfortunately, one of the members of the Bryan-Burke Club had trouble keeping his mouth shut. Word got out that the entire incident was crafted by the club in order to secure sympathy and support. Apparently, one member of the club had suggested the ploy after witnessing a similar trick in his hometown of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. There, he told fellow members, Democrats ruled the elections. However, during the race of President Lincoln, the Republicans attempted to sway the electorate by hoisting a similar banner then stealing it under cover of darkness. In Oshkosh, this tactic worked perfectly, and the area voted Republican for a number of years since. Unfortunately for the Bryan-Burke Club, voters in Courtenay were not very impressed by the trick, and Bryan failed to win the district.
Dakota Datebook written by Jayme L. Job
Source:
The Fargo Forum and Daily Republican, Thursday (Evening ed.), Oct. 15, 1908: p.2.