Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1885-03-12
skRAToRIAL sossfs.
The Political Situation fn tnis State
as Viewed Through Outside spec

aRoies.
philadelphia Record Special
WILMINGTON, DEL, March 5.-The
Delaware Legislature came back from the
inauguration this evening, bringing with
1t Ssnstor Baysrd's resignation, and the
biggest political fight the State has
Witnessed since the days when John N
Clayton fought his last battle for seat
in the United States Senate. Mi. .Bsyard's
senatorial seat will continue TO be vacant
for 20 days in any event, as the Lesisla.
ture cannot ballot for q successor until
two weeks from next Tuesday. The
BAyard letter will Re read on Monday
afternoon next, to which time
the Legislature stands adjourned,
and there will then follow two
weeks Of fierce political warfsre at
Dover. Senator Bayard will absolutely
take no part In the contest. This is we'll
understood now, but 1t is 30 thoroughly
well known that he hopes to see Attorney
General Gray elected to the Vacancy.
There was disposition on the part OF
Senator Baysrd's friends In this county
some weeks ago, when the vacancy was
only In contemplation, to support Con.
gressmsn Chssles B. Lore, and to aoosde
TO Mr.. Grsy's wishes that he be oonsid.
cred ont Of the rAos. Since then Mr..
Gray has become q candidate, much
agsinst his own wishes. II is
openly charged here to-day that Mr.. Lore
has failed to give bis support to the coI-
stitutionsl amendment now pending be.
for. the Legislature which gives New
Castle county an increase in its lsgisla-
tive representation. This change, to-
gether with the fact that the oongrsssm an
voted against the administration policy
on the silver question the other day,
has seriously damaged that gentle
mans chances in his owl
county. Furthermore, the opposition il
Kent county to nes sleutiop, whiol
would bs necessary should Mr.. Lore b.
successful, will probably render IL im
possible for him to get single vote from
shat section. Kent county must event
uslly settle the contest which has mar
rowed down between ex-Congressman Z
L. Martin from Sussex and Messrs. Gray
and Lore from New Castle.
Mr.. Gray is the closest personal friend
Of the new Secretary Of State in Delaware
Colonel Martin is fighting Mr.. Gray be.
cause he very naturally preferts to 20 to
the Senate himself, but he has always
been q friend and supporter Of Mr..
BAyard. Mr.. Lore has undoubtedly
great popularity in the State, greater
indeed than that Of any other Democrat,
except Senator Bayard himself or Judge
William G.. Whiteley.
a very careful oonvass Of the Lesisla.
ture shows that 90 the contest starts Col.
Martin will have eight votes from his
own county, Sussex, and three from Kent,
making II in all. Mr.. Gray will have
four from New Castle county, seven from
Kent county, and certainly one and DOS
sibly two from Sussex, say IL In all. Mr.
Lore will have FIVE from New Castle.
Should Mr.. Gray bs elected 1t Ia prob.
able that James L. Woloott, ex-seorstsry
of state, will be made attorney general.
The best judgement Of shrewd politicians
here is tnst Mr.. Gray has decided nd
vantage, that Mr.. Lore cannot win, and
that Colonel Martin is very close after
MIR. Gray.
In view Of the probable defeat Of
the constitutional amendments, which
will very likely give New Castle county
to the Republicans at the .xt election,
the Democrats are alarmed at the pros
peot OF the contest In Sussex county
which will take place next year, for mem
bers Of the Legislature who are to
select United States senator for full
six-year term, the one now to be filled
being but two year fraction Of . term.
They fear that the Republicans may
sweep the State, get q governor, con.
gresham and United States senator &s
= result OF Democratic quarrels. Senator
Bsyard may bs compelled to leave the
Cabinet and become candidate for sena-
tor himself TO save the State.