Lexington weekly intelligencer. (Lexington, Mo.) 1871-1887, 1876-04-22
ST, LOUIS LETTER
ST.. LOUIS, April 18th, 1876.

"a. AOSA l
EDITOR INTELLIGENcER:-Fo some
time past our city has peer the resort
of numerous prominent political lead
ers. Deeming it a favorable opportunity,
/ have e~ndeayored to sound the driftings
Of the approaching state contest, and if
possible, learn the comparative merits
and probable strength of the various as
pirants for the offices of governor and
secretary of state. The success OF the
present administration, under the able
leadership of Gov. Hardin, has not only
largely advanced II material interests,
but tho sound, able and honest man.
| agement of the state, has convinced the
people that men may and can be found
in the democratic party, who are proof
against the %corrupting and damning
influences and tendencies of American
politics, and into whose hands their
rights and liberties may be safely in
trusted. When an administration has
been as pure and honest as that of Gov.
Hardin's, it is the duty of the party to
which belongs the credit and merit of
the administration, to profit by its sue
cess, and demonstrate its .worthiness of
further confidence and trust by succeed
ing our present trustworthy officials by
men Of known ability and answering
integrity. who will continue to protect
and guard the prosperity and honor Of
the state. Among the aspirants for the
positions named are men in every re-
spect worthy and qualified for the faith
full and proper execution of the impor-
tant duties connected with the offices
to which they aspire. The prominent
aspirants for gubernatorial honors are
John 8. Phelps, George T. Vest and M.
v. L.. McClelland. The former will en-
ter the field with his legion of ''forty
counties" the south west, solid, as his
support. Col. Vest will carry the south
east and considerable strength from
central and northeast Missouri. Col,
McClelland, should he decide to contend
for the honor, will find a large and pop
ular support in western, central and
eastern Missouri. None of his CON-
petitors stand more favorably before
the people, and no n car present a
record more honorable and acceptable
than he.. His course in the last legisla-
ture ~stambed.him a man Of fine execu-
tive abilitys and rendered him exceed
ingly popular, not only with his con-
~stituents in Lafayette, but also gave him
favorable prominence throughout the
Estate. His connection, for several years,
with one OF our largest and most enter
Uprising mercantile firms, has given
him an extensive and popular. acquaint-
ancs with the citizens Of st. Louis, to-
whom he would be very acceptable as
our chief magistrate. With the granger
element he stands united heart and
hand. He is with them and of them;
and where Lafayette's gallant son leads,
the honest granger will, and can with
safety follow. There is q prevalent ru-
NOR that Col. Reid, the able chairman
Of the democratic state committee, will
present, his claims for the suoeessorship
OF Gov. Hardin, but as yet I have not
ascertained anything definite in regard
to his intentions. Judg &c Norton and
Gen. Hockaday are also mentioned as
probable candidates. but from present
developments it would appear that the
contest will be between Col. Vest and
Col. McClelland. If the latter enters
the convention with his delegation well
organized, he will, when the OBJECTIONS
begin among the delegates of opposing
candidates, gain largely, and will in all
probability secure the nomination of the
convention.
The names mentioned for secretary
Of state are DR.. d. H. Shields, of Marion,
NJ. McGrath, of St. Louis, Sloan, of Cass,
and Rucker, of Boone. As far as 1 can
ascertain the race will be confined TO
Shields and McGrath, with the pros
poets largely in favor of the former.
Mr.: Al cGrath is w%ell-known throughout
the state, but his political strength is
confined principally to st. Louis. DIR.
Shields is a young man of liberal culture
and education, thoroughly acquainted
with the history and practice of our
state, possessed of fine business quail
tications, and is in every respect fitted
and qualified for the duties of the office.
His efforts in behalf of Gen, Ceckrell
in the late senatorial contest, will give
him the support of the Generals friends
all over the state. His personal popu-
larity in north east Missouri, will give
him that section solid, and his acquaint-
ance in u city being extensive and his
friends Influential workers, will very
likely enable him to divide the St. Louis
delegation with Mr.. McGrath, who APP
pears to be the next strongest candidate.
But my article is becoming too lengthy.
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