Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-11-20
TAKING THEIR TIME.
A. W, Thurman and General Powell
Join Myers, but Assemblymen
ENOTCOMMITTING THEMSELVES.
They Won't Express Their Preference for
United States Senator
UNTIL THEY KNOW WHAT is In 1T.
.RENOTCOMMITTING THEMSELVES.
UNTIL THEY KNOW WHAT is IN 1T.
ESPECIAL TELEGRAM TO THE D1sPArcu.l


COLUMBUS, O., November 19.-one of
the strange features of the Senatorial con-
test is the Indifference, the non-committal
tactics of the members of the Legislature.
So far as learned there is not a man of whom
anyone has been able to secure a statement
as to his preference among the large number
Of candidates who have been announced for
the high honor. 1t is well-known that the
leading candidates, and especially those
who are able 10 do so, have been improving
the time for the past week or ten days in
visiting the Democratic members of the
Legislature, in the hope of learning their
preferences. Some of the Senatorial candl-
dates, notably Mr.. Brice and Mr.. Thomas,
are making personal canvass, as well as
by means of lieutenants, and all EaYe men
engaged and are doing everything they can
in the way of correspondence to create sentl-
ment and interest in their special favor.
TAKING THEIR TIME.
It is evident that the Democratic mem
bers will not betray their intention until
they have thoroughly looked over the
ground with view to the most productive
market The paucity OF information which
any of them possesses on the Senatorial
question is simply remarkable. They are
holding themselves in readiness Tor any ad-
vances which may be made, and so as not TO
be embarrassed by any unnecessary talk
which may work to their disadvantage De-
fore the date comes for making selection.
Experience on this point is a good teacher
When Senator Payne was selected for the
Senate it is a notorious fact that some few
members who were inclined to talk too
much and commit themselves received only
5000 or $500 Tor their votes, while others
discreet received as many thousands. In
select legislative circles the short members
we're the butt of ridicule by their more for
tunate colleagues, and yet they were placed
in a position in which they were unable to
open their mouths.
Although there may be some mistake and
the character of the Legislature may be mis-
judged in the main, yet the impression pre-
walls among the best informed that one OF
the three millionaire candidates-Brice,
Thomas or .McLean-will draw the prize.
The lesser lights for the position have their
friends and favorites among the leading can
didates, but aside from this they are
GAMBLING ON PUBLIC SENTIMENT
and doing everything in their power to Gre
ate prejudice against the monied candl-
dates Those who are basing their prospects
on their competency, ability and past ser
vices to the party, really have some conf
dence in the good judgment of the Legisla-
ture, and entertain hopes that the lucky
number in the drawing may come their
way.
The feeling against the rich man is grow
ing. Among the many foolish and bad
things said by Allen o. Myers he is yet
gaining a respectable following in the stand
he has taken that poor man shall be
elected to the Senate. Were it not for the
assumption on the part of Myers which led
manv to believe that he is candidate him
self, his position on the Senatorial question
would command much greater attention
than it does. The idea, however, is original
With him, and in fact there have already
come to his support such men as Allen W.
Thurman, who was prominent in the camp
paign and General T. E Powell, who was
the Democratic candidate for Governor two
wears ago and who is an aVowed candidate
for the Senate. They have both expressed
themselves against a millionaire Senator,
and have both given reasons quite at length
why the Democratic party at this time can
not afford to ignore merit and party service
tor a moneyed candidate.
BRICE FOR HIMSELF.
1t has been definitely learned that Calvin
S. Brice is a candidate from his own per-
sonal action, and not because of any under
standing or trade between him and Mr.. Nc
Lean. 1t is true they had consultation in
New York, but no understanding was
reached between them IN regard to the
Senatorship. Immediately atterward Brice
rushed to Ohio and announced himself Be-
cause of this prompt action his friends now
claim that be has some Is or 16 members
from the northwest part of the State who
will support him, as against Mr.. Mclean s
II members from Hamilton county.
The balance of the State is field for both
candidates, with Mr.. Thomas ranging at
large. Each of the three candidates named
will know before they 60 into the caucus
whether he can secure the nomination, and
unless it is assured in advance,
the probabilities are the candi-
date will not be announced While
Mr.. Mclean processes not to be candi-
date the politicians believe that if the can
vass indicates, before the caucus is held,
that he can be nominated, he will be in the
fight He had, it is claimed, nearly $780,
900 in the legislative contest when Sherman
was selected by two votes, and, if so, it is
not likely that he will allow this invest
menr to go for nothing, when the chances
are much better now for his selection than
they were in 1885.
The uncertainty of the average Ohio
statesman is the only uncertainty in the
coming contest. With the element of con-
trarinesS to govern them, there is little
doubt that in the final windup, the largest
purse will pull the prize.