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Indiana University 
the next governor. The Whigs elected all but 1 of the 7 Con- 
gressmen and the state legislature as well. In 1840 the Demo- 
crats ran General Tilghman Howard, who stood for classifica- 
tion and contraction of internal improvements projects until 
the financial conditions of the state improved. The hold of 
the internal improvements idea proved stronger than the fear 
of hard times, however, and in the August election Samuel 
Bigger, the Whig candidate, was elected by a plurality of over 
8,000 votes. 
The Illinois Whigs had not yet consolidated into a coherent 
party by 1838, nor had they achieved real party organization 
or come around to the convention system. Clear-cut principles 
were still lacking, but in general they believed that the legisla- 
tive power was above the executive, ‘Vent for” a United 
States Bank and tariff, and were generally prejudiced against 
foreigners especially if Roman Catholics. Many foreign 
laborers were working on the canals and affiliating with the 
Democratic party. Thomas Carlin, the Democratic candidate, 
an honest but ignorant man, defeated Cyrus Edwards, who 
lost votes because of his activity in the Love joy disturbances. 
The Whigs of Michigan, an almost hopeless minority in 
1836, made important gains in the next few years. A period 
of hard times had brought many of the more prosperous 
Democrats over into the Whig ranks, and by 1839 the Whigs 
were able to elect Judge Woodbridge to the governorship and 
secure the legislature as well. 
With an even chance for victories in Ohio, Indiana, and 
Michigan, the Whigs of the Northwest eagerly awaited the 
presidential campaign in 1840. The campaign of 1840 was 
no doubt the most enjoyable political battle ever staged in 
the Northwest. It began as a movement against Van 
Burenism but developed into a frenzy of hero-worship and 
social jollification. Newspapers had never been so prolific 
of interesting political articles nor stump orators quite so 
entrancing, nor had audiences possessed quite so much endur- 
ance. For the first time special campaign newspapers were 
printed in numbers and wood-cut cartoons widely used ; hand- 
bills were scattered in profusion, and the talents of the poet 
and songmaster recruited for all occasions. Tippecanoe clubs 
with their log cabin raisings and free service, barbecues, torch 
