Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-08-24
Special Dispatch to THE EVENING srAa

Special Dispatch to The EVENING SrAa
COLUMBUS, ONO, August a.
The contest between e1-Coagressman Camp
bell and Hon. L. T. Neal, the leading candi-
dates for the gubernatorial nomination on the
democratic ticket, has been decidedly active
during the past few days, and it is claimed that
Neal is now making q very successful fight,
with strong indications Of leading. It has been
conceded heretofore that Mr.. Campbell had a
sure thing on the nomination, but the tariff
reform democrats have been making what ap-
pears to be rally that may, before the assem-
bling Of the convention on the 26th, materially
change the conditions While the Campbellites
are confident Of the success of their favorite,
it is manifest that they we're not prepared for
the vigorous work that the friends of Neal
backed by the Thurmans have been doing dur
ing the past ten days. Mr.. Neal has been bust
ling about the state strengthening his forces,
and guarding against threatened breaks in the
various delegations that are inclined to be
friendly. Mr.. Campbell and his followers have
not been inactive during the past few days.
They are fully awake to the situation and ad-
mlt that the contest will be much closer than
they had reason to anticipate. Reports are be-
ing circulated by the friends OF both candi-
dates not at all complimentary. and which are
NOT CALCULATED TO PROMOTE HARMoN7
after the convention. One Of the leading work
ers in the interest Of Mr.. Campbell said today
that Meals friends were charging all the crimes
IN the calendar to their favorite. and held him
responsible for the Cincinnati riot OF several
years ago. It was also charged that Campbell
had been disbarred and prohibited from acting
as an attorney in pension cases.
On the other hand the Neal men say that
Campbelfs supporters are searching the rec
ords and claim to have found some very dam
aging evidence against him in connection with
in vh ha ,pta a
as member of the general assembly years ago.
Said MIR. Campbelrs friend: 81 have been in
correspondence with our fsvorite for several
months and in every letter he has
say sssd rival nAs sande dSes s' b, said sssa against
aim to discourage any personalities and
we have not indulged in them, but Mr..
Campbelrs opponents have seen At to open
their mud batteries upon him without any rea-
son whatever. If half we now hear is true, the
most infamous and disgraceful work is being
carried on ever known in Ohio politics. 1t is
quite as needless as uncalied for, and If mis-
take not will react with telling effect when the
people understand the situation and the ami
mus of the attacks"
EX-coNGREssMAN FRANK HpRD,
the great apostle of free trade, will take q
hand in the Dayton fight. He is emphatically
in favor Of the nomination of Mr. Neal, who is
a tariff reformer. The great majority of Ohio
tariff reform, and the national democracy is
pledged to it. For the Ohio conven-
ton to nominate protectionist as
its gubernatorial candidate will be regarded
elsewhere as withdrawal OF the Ohio demo-
cracy from the national party. The tariff is
the main issue and the question cannot be
ignored by the substitution Of state affairs.
Whether We want to or not, the republicans
will force the tariff question, and We might as
well make up our minds to meet them"
Other democrats express the opinion that
MIR. Campbell would appear in better form had
he not attempted the Irritation with the free
traders, but instead stood solid upon his pro-
lection record.
LIVELY CONVENTION ANTICIPATED.
1t is now generally conceded that the Dayton
convention will be a hummer from the start
and the crowd large. Mr.. Campbell is very
popular in southern Ohio and if outside pres
sure will have anything to do with the dele
gates the statesman from Butler will have a
great advantage over his opponent. Mr.. Neal.
The party machinery is unquestionably in
the hands of Mr.. Campbell's friends and it
goes without the saying that they are experts
in the management Of it.
am strongly of the opinion that Mr.. Camp
bell will be nominated, but it will be after
stubborn, il not malignant, fight After which
genuine love feast will be in order, when the
contending factions will bury past differences
In, tho int roof ~ har