Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-12-25
The OHIO SENATORIAL FIGHT,
Some Interesting Features Added 10
ID by Ex-senator Thurman - No
Chance for Dark Horses.

CoLUNRUS, December 2i.-The i'm
mediate and interesting news feat
ure OF the Senatorial controversy
is tho sudden return to Colum-
bus of ex-senator Thurman from his con-
te q. plated winter trip South. 1t has given
rise to the rumor which finds general Gre
dence, that he Is TO become the compro-
mise candidate for the Senate. He is
stronger than Mr.. Pend e.on, but he is not
likely to measure swords with the inevita-
BILE, in attempting 20 change the aspect OF
the contest. His friends say that
his return here means that he has
been solicited to remain in Ohio dur
ing the battle to give advice to his
friends and do all in his power to unite all
the factions for the good OF the'party. AS
he hopes for the Presidency, this is doubt
less true, for he would hardly run the risk
of defeat at this late day, when the lines
are so well drawn and the disposition OF
the voting forces so apparent. Neverthe-
less, Mr.. Thurman's presence here will be
a mystery and may become an important
episode. 1t is probable had Mr.. Thurman
evinced desire some time ago to go to the
Senate, that he might have been selected
as the party's choice, instead OF Henry B.
Payne.
1t seems
Too Late Now 10 Change the Drift.
1t looks as though much more than ma
jcrity of the Democrats in the Legislature
were already pledged TO Mr.. Payne, anu
,h,, ~, do, ont faRf
too firmly laid and too well matured to be
changed in favor of even so strong man as
Mr. Thurman. Then too, he would not be
SO acceptable TO all interests as Mr.. Payne,
because the Mclean element, which virtu-
ally controls Hamilton county, has for
years been prodding ex-senator Thurman,
and would really be but little better salts.
fed with him than with Pendleton. Thur
man. before his sudden return home, had
been visiting for some days in Pennsylva-
mia, where he diued with Simon Cameron.
There is a good story here that he went
down to consult with that veteran pollt!-
clan as 10 his delicate situation in this
fight and that he returned with some good
points. Whether this be true or not, it is
certain that Mr.. Thurman has been keeping
my steriously quiet, and trusting TO no
lesky friends his present attitude.
The stake in this fight is so well defined
30 Likelihood of Compromise Candi-
dates
having a show to win. The issue is square
" ioined, and unless there is a political
miracle worked either Payne or Pendleton
will be elected. The latter evidently has
little chance, and his followers seem to feel
it, This is an element of weakness that,
t,o, is for him unfortunate. The man that
carries the meal tub always draws the
crowd. The talk which for some days has
been cons picuous that the Republican ma
iCIity in the Legislature would help Pen
dletOn's friends to re.elect him II the latter
would stay out of the Democratic caucus
means nothing. This hope has been enter.
ls;ned by some of Mr.. PendletOn's s friends,
They have urged that because he is to be
tt fealed ON account OF his championship
Of civil service reform the Republicans
could consistently support him as rebuke
10 the element which is making that an
issue against him. Whatever force there
may be in that view OF the case its power is
lost in the announcement that in no event
will the Republicans vote for Democrat
in this crisis. Governor Foster will receive
| The Complimentary Vote OF the Re-
publican Caucus,
although there ere some Republican mem
bers who will reluctantly yield their pref
erenCes But as the Republicans are as
earnest as the Democrats in their wish for
perfect party harmony, there will be no
chickering's this year especially az 1t is eX-
pectsd that Governor Foster will be Chair
man of the Republican State Committee
next year, and lead the Republican forces
in the greatest campaign Ohio has ever