New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-05-22
THE EVE OF BATTLE.

THE LEADERS ACTIVELY AT wORK-MR. DILL THE
STRONGEST CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR on FIRST
BALLoT-MR JENKs's CHANCES AS A COMPRo-
MISE CANDIDATE-MR. RANDALIs NEW ISSUE
REMAINDER OF THE TICKET.
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRBrsE.l
PITTsBURG. Penn, May 21.-The Democratic State
Convention which meets here tomorrow will be sim
ply the of struggle between two men for pO-
litcal supremacy in Pennsylvania. Senator Wallace
and Speaker Randall are the two leaders in
contest tho result of which nobody
tonight seems able to foretell. What
the action of the convention will be involved in
great uncertainty. Andrew H. Dill, Senator Wal
lace's candidate, has led in the contest by consd-
cradle distance for week past. and will probably
have 100 votes at least on the first ballot, l26
being necessary for choice. Beyond that all is
in doubt. Mr.. Randall has made, it ia
claimed many nroads upon his strength. 1t has
been day of unceasing activity az the head
quarters of all candidates The fight is
vigorous-as only Democratic fights in con-
vention can be. There is no doubt that
Mr.. Dls friends more anxious tonight than
at any previous time. while his opponents more
assured of their strength it is formidable oppO-
stiOn that he must overcome, and he must do it
early in the convention he is lost. If not nomn-
ated on the second ballot he cannot. as matters now
look be nominated at ALL
After Mr.. Dill James Ii. Hopkins leads his strength
being reckoned at 60 votes; but Mr.. Hopkins is the
second choice OF a smaller number of men than is
George A. jerks, though Mr.. jerks tho
first ballot will scarcely command 20 votes. His
strength, as it Will be shown on the second ballot,
will be great and should Mr.. Dill be defeated Mr..
jerks will probably be nominated. Mr.. Randall
expresses no preference as to candidates but he
would beyond question prefer Mr.. Hopkins to any
other did he think the opposition could be united in
Mr.. Hopkins's support.
Mr. Randall said to-day that Mr.. Dill is the weak
est man that has been named his nomination would
invite defeat rather than insure success. The con-
test is Dill and anti-Dl; corporations and antl-cor
porations Mr. Randall says monopoly is the real issue
in the party He made speech tonight at serenade
in which strong ground was taken against the rail-
roads. 1t is this issue-that has been forced into
the canvass t0-day-whch will defeat Mr.. Dill if he
is defeated.
The National Observation-Disclosures State Committee
to-day submitted the name of Judge Agnew, whom
the Philadelphia Convention refused to nominate,
for that of Judge Bentley for Supreme Judge.
Judge Agncw has a vigorous hold on the
| people and the bar of the State, and will
receive heavy VOTE 1t is not at all likely that
the Democrats will now take him up. Their candi-
! date will be Henry p. Ross; though,
in certain contingencies not now probable,
Furman Sheppard will be nominated For Secretary
of Internal Affairs, J. Simpson Africa is far ahead,
and is likely to remain there. There are half dozen
candidates for MISUNDERSTANDING but John Fer
tig leads for second choice No one is much ahead
for first.
There are indications that Mr. Tden's hand is
upon the convention. His friend w. L. Scott, of
Erie, member Of the National Democratic Com
mittce, is here, and has been active all day. On
several occasions he has been closeted with Mr..
Randall There other men here who are known
to have been prominently connected with Mr..
Tilden's campaign.