The Russellville Democrat., 1889-12-19
Arkansas Politics.


 Dispatch from Little Rock will be read with interest:
 Although the candidates for State officers on the Democratic ticket will not be nominated for many months, yet nevertheless there is no little speculation as to the men who will compose the ticket, and at this time 1t is evident that there will be an exciting contest over the nomina tion for nearly every office from gov ernor down to superintendent oi public schools. So far as concerns the Republicans it is immaterial whether or not they have ticket in the field. In hopeless minority in the State, with no hope of future as tendency, any ticket that party may name Is doomed to defeat, and will only be run (if run at all to further the ambition of Powell Clayton and tighten his grasp on the Federal patronage in the State, which is dls pensed through him. The Republi- can party Is not now and never will be factor in Arkansas politics. It is dead beyond hope of resurrection.
 THE POWERFUL WHEEL.
 The Wheel, an organization of farmers and planters, with a mem bership of more than 10000. would prove an important political element should it unite in support of ticket, but probably more than two thirds of the members are Dem ocrats who will not, and very wisely, permit it to be drawn into politics. It is true that in number of counties the of ficials are nearly all Wheelers who were chosen on local issues and in opposition to the regular Democrat ic nominees, but so far as concerns State affairs the Wheel has cut no figure. In the last gubernatorial contest, Dr. Norwood, the Union Labor candidate, received small percentage of the Wheel vote, but he was not endorsed as it's candidate, and the bulk of the members remain ed true to the Democracy and sup ported Hon. J. P. Eagle and the en tire Democratic State ticket. Hence today the Democratic party holds the key to the situation in this State, and will maintain political supre macy as long as the party makes fairly good nominations for the State offices, and meets the expectations of the masses in the way of wise and beneficial legislation.
 THE GUBERNAToRIAL CONTEST.
 The contest for the Governorship on the Democratic side presents a novel phase. Heretofore custom has ordained that Governor should serve at least two terms of two years each. James H. Berry served only one term declining renomination to become 8 candidate for the United States Sen ate, to which body he was chosen to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of A. H. Garland, who had accepted the Attorney Generals office under Cleveland. If custom is adhered to Gov. J. P. Eagle would be entitled to second term; but prior to his nomination in June, 1888, he is understood to have given cer- tain delegates to understand that he would hold the office one term only, leaving 8 free field to such candi- dates as might wish to offer for the position in 1890. It is on this ground that friends of various distinguished Democrats are canvasslng their chances for the succession. Among those mentioned in connection with the office, the correspondent has heard the names of Capt. John G. Fletcher, Maj. w. P. Campbell and Col. Jones Mitchell of Little Rock, Hon. w. M. Fishback of Fort Smith, Hon. E. w. Rector of Hot Springs, Hou. B. B. Hudgins of Harrison, Gen. D. H. Reynolds of Chicot coun ty, and Hon. D. E. Barker of Drew county.
 It may be said in justice to the above named Democrats, thet none of them are candidates; but each aud all have many enthusiastic friends, who are anxious to see them transformed into a Governor, and who would work most earnestly to secure the nomination for their par ticular favorite.
 OTHER STATE OFFICES.
 For office of Secretary of State there is, thus far, no opposition to Hon. B. B. Chism, present encum bent, who is serving his first term.
 Auditor Dunlop will probably be opposed by Hon. A. W. Files, who has held the office and who was de- feated at the last Democratic State Convention, when he was up tor the position. Both are strong, and should Mir. Files enter the field against MT. Dunlop the contest will be of unusual interest.
 Treasurer Woodruff will also have opposition in the event he decides to again stand for renomination. Friends of one of the most eminent Democrats in the State are canvass Ing his chances for the Treasurer ship, and say that the candidacy of their favorite is received with both favor and enthusiasm.
 For the office of Land Commis. sloner, now held by Capt. Paul Cobbs, there are several asplrants. Ex State Senator J. N. T. Jones would not decline nomination tor the place. It is not kuown whether or not Gen. J. F. Pagan, who in 1888 ran agalnst Capt. Cobbs for the Democratic nomination, will be q candidate.