New-York tribune., 1883-03-14
-------
SLICKu CANDIDATE.

Inc fratrlcldal tussle dinOhB tno Ohlo boihO-
Gratis which always precedes campaign in
that State is in progress again now. 1t has
been the custom of the brethren for many years
to fight one another before the nomination is
made even harder than they fight the Repnb-
lcans after the campaign opens. This adds
greatly 70 the interest of the struggle and usu-
ally helps to swell the Republican. majority.
The hostile factions this year are led by Con-
pressmau Geddes and our old friend Judge
Hoadly. The fight opened several weeks ago
and has been increasing steadily in heat ever
since. The general Democratic belief that the
success of the party in last years election IN
sures like success this year greatly stimulates
the contest. The rival candidates are confident
that "a nomination will be equivalent to an cleo
ton, and are making every effort TO win. vi
course the liquor question is the most important
of all, and the candidate who can secure the
anti-temperance interest is likely to be the most
favored In the convention. The attitude of the
rival claimants Oh this issue is extremely cdify-
ing
In order OF strength Mr. Geddes is believed
to stand first. 1t is said of him that he can COM
mand both the Methodist and the liquor vote
His house is the headquarters of the Methodist
and generous sympathy with the interests of
the Church's work are said to have made hln
very popular with It's members III all parts OF the
State At the same time, it is claimed that he
has never given offence to the hquor-dealers,
and they arc as fond of him as the Methodlsts
are. Surely this Is sly statesman, and we do
not wonder that the Democrats who are support
ing him chuckle with delight over his accom-
plishments. John G.. Thompson says OF him:
"Brother Geddes Is n slick one" aud he appears
to be right. 1t Is said that he has attained thus
double popularity by no underhand means.
lie is always dgnifed in his department"
That Is. he is dgnihed when he entertains his
Methodist brethren, and dignihcd when he takes
n drink with his Democratic brethren As the
two are never together when Mr.. Geddes meets
them he has no difficulty in making his de-
pertinent in both cases harnonizc.
Judge Hoadly, Oh the other hand, has only
one string to his bow. He was the chief legal
adviser of the liquor interests in their fight
against the Pond law, and il their rec
ognized champion. This is natural position
for the Jud ge. There is never any doubt about
which side OF an issue he is on. II 1t has bad
side he is pretty sure to be there. He attained
emnence in national politics as the only lawyer
in the country with sufficient impudcnce 10
write an opinion sustaining the Cronin attempt
TO steal the electoral vote of Oregon in 1876
If he runs for Governor of Ohio il will be as the
advocate and defender of unrestricted whlskcy.
His posltion has the merit OF frankness at any
rate. and in that respect Is vastly to bo preferred
to the hypocritlcal double-shuiling of Mr.
Geddes.
II is thought now that Mr.. Geddes has the
better chance for securing the nomination, and
We have no doubt the party sees much in his
attitude to admire. 1t is II peculiarity of Dom
ocrats everywhere that they are always trying
to WIN by trick. They always construct their
platforms on that principle, but are always 70
bungling about it that they get caught. II they
think MIR. Geddes is slick enough to slip
through the campaign and retain the support OF
both Methodsts and rum-selers they will nom
mate him. Anybody except Democrat can see
in advance that the experiment, if tried, will be
a ridiculous faildre The presumption that he
can hold beth classes of followers Is based on
the ground that tho Mcthodsts of Ohio are all
fools That does not appear to MS to be a wise
intmation for party to make which relies for
success ON Methodist votes