The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-03-08
TRYING TO DEFEAT GRAY
A Democratic Politicians Reasons for
Opposing the Governors Aspirations.
Congressman MatsOn Comes to the Capital to
Look After His Interests as Candidate
for the Gubernatorfal Nomination.

The Democratic State central committee will
meet this afternoon. at its rooms IN the building
once occupied by the Auditor of State. to con-
I slider conditions and prepare the way for an
opening of the campaign The principal ques-
ton to decide is the time for holding the State
convention. Some of the committeeman think
It ought to be held as late possible before the
national convention. while few would like to
have it occur after that event. The purposes
to be accomplished by selecting late
date are not made known, but il
is suggestive that one two Democrats who
are close to w. Fl. English were talking. last
night. about Governor Gray's candidacy for the
vce-presidency as being a drawback to success.
II have been travelling considerably the past
few weeks in the West" said one of them. ''and
find that the Irish are FESTIVE. The least blum
der on our part would send them By the thou
sands to the Republican party. Governor
Gray's nomination would be the worst mistake
the convention could make"
"What is the trouble between you and the
Governor7" he was asked.
"There is no trouble. like Gray, and per-
sonally could support him. but learn from the
Irish leaders both East and West that they have
heard of the old charge of KDow-nothingism
against the Governor. Many OF them asked me
about it, and I had to tell them
the truth. Such charge has been
made and used against him effectively
in certain quarters Whether true or not does
not matter. for when the Irish OF this country
learn that Gray has even been suspected of having
acted with the Know-Nothing element. his doom
is sealed. Cleveland viii be renomlnated. but
he will not be reelected if Gray is the
ticket I, with others, intend to fight him to
the bitter end. for We desire the success Of
Al.
''N hom do you favor for the vice presidencyT
IF We get Indiana man other than
Gray. will support any good man. When
speak for myself | EXPRESS the views OF many
Others who think as do"
This may account to some extent for the claim
that Is being urged for late convention. but
those who willing to let Gray. without out
side assistance. LOOK after his yice-presidential
chances are manenvering for an early date. on
the plea that the delegates at large ought to be
selected at least two weeks before
the national convention. They If
this is not done two State conventions
must be held and the majority of the committee,
II is supposed. does not favor any proposition OF
that kind. However. the SUPPORT given an
early convention TO nomnate a ticket comes
from the Matson men. Colonel Matson reached
the city last night. from Washington. but had
nothing to say in regard to his candidacy. 1t is
understood. though, that he will announce to
the committee to-day through his friends in
that body that he does not intend to srek the
congressional nomination again, as he wants
assurances to George Cooper, of G. olumbus that
he can go to Congress from the Fifth district
with his assistance, but he does not tell what
might occur If early convention is called.
and he fails SECURE the nomination for Gov
ernor. The Matsou men wish TO have the
State ticket selected on the 20tn of April. They
not inclined TO accept willingly any date
beyond the 18th of May.
fwhy do you prefer these da tes or any be-
tween theml" was asked of of Congress
man Mstson's friends last night.
necessity l delaying
convention We have platform already writ
ten IN Cevelands message. We are deter
mined to make aggressive fight and the
quicker it begins the better l have no fear of
Matson not being nominated. outside of the
strength W. Myers has developed. am for
Myers, but would rather have Matson
s placed on the ticket ticket. The Union. La
they have not nominated Bynum VS. feel COM
paratively easy as to the result of the conven
ton. Had they taken Bynum for Governor,
to nominate him. As they did not, he is to
be brought before theIconvention He will be nom
mated FOR Congress by reclamation. Con-
gresham Shivelv thinks ne carries the
labor vote in his pocket He
is coming INTO the convention a candidate for
Governor but there is no chance for him. One
of his constituents told me. not ten minutes
since, that while he would have to suppors |
ShIveIy for Congress again. he would oppose |
him bitterly a candidate for Governor. Our |
nominee at the head of the ticket will be either
Myers, Matson or Green Smith"
In regard to the remainder of the ticket the |
nominations to 60 to those who were defeat |
ed in 1856 All are avowed candidates for re- |
nomination except Tom Byrnes. who. George /
Shanklin reports. has not decided whether to |
make the race again or not. Byrnes is now in |
New York business and his candidacy de- |
pends upon what he accompishes there. He has |
been offered position in that city. and il he
cepts it the Democrats must look for another /
candidate. If not. he will ask the convention /
TO put him on the ticket