New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-07-27
SOUTH DAKOTA POLITICS.
THE FIGHT FOR OFFICIAL HoNoRs In THE
NEW STATE.
TALKS WITH DELEGATE MATTHEW'S AND GOV.
ERNoR NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. PRE-,
PAIRING FOR THE ORDEAL.
[Br TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIDUsE.l

[Br TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUsE
Washington. July 26-During the past week the
Territory OF Dakota has been represented In Wash
ington by her Territorial Delegate and also by her
last Territorial Governor. George A. Matthews, OF
Brookings, Is a young man. unpretentIous but poli
caly shrcwd the latter fact having been evidenced
by his nomination last year when opposed by the
veteran Clifford and his able lieutenant. Concerning
the probabilities I'm South Dakota, Mr. Matthews says
ut is cvcrybodys fight for official honors. For
a while IL seemed TO be conceded on all hands that
l had a right expect a nomination and election to
Congress as a Representative from the new state by
reason OF the fact that made successful fight for
the Delccaeship but have never been permitted TO
take nv seat because of the creation Of new States.
But that idea has dropped out of sight There is no
gratitude in politics, and every man looks out for
himself; therefore the prairies fun of good men
and able who want TO come
to Congress- and they arc scheming
to capture the convention. OF course am one of
the candidates, and expect TO win, but am not
oversanguine about It,"
"who arc your strongest opponentsl7
"They have not all announced themselves. see
by the recent newspapers that ex-Delegate Clifford
has declared himself 10 be In the fight. He is a
strong man, has many friends and will not be without
q good following In the convention Then there is
Charlie Mccoy, of Aberdeen. He was one OF the
3o6 who voted for Grant at Chicago In 80. He Is
a good Republican, able man and one OF my best
friends His candidacy was not unexpected by me-
although somo of my friends did not think that Mr.
Mccoy would enter the field this year. He will
make a strong fight for the nomination, and Will be
backed by many delegates from the northern portion
of South Dakota There is newspaper talk
about the candidacy of John II. Gamble, Of Yankton
but l have no positive information concerning his
intentions There will be other candidates, too
A. C. Mellette Governor Of Dakota, is also resident
OF the incoming South state. He is strong man,
conservative and experienced. He says: The state
Convention will meet and conclude its business by
the last of August Therefore the time is near when
the hopes and desires of the aspirans will reach
ftuition. or be npped untimey and rudely we are
10 have two Representatives in the next House, but
they will be elected at large Hence the State Con-
yention will nominate candidates for Congress, as
we'll as for State officers"
"Who will be the Congressional candidatesP
alt Is rather too soon to answer that question
either for me or any else. No one can tell But
there is an argument being used which seems to be
having its effect upon the people, and It Is this;
They say that it is practically conceded that The
e two ns ensor. They are likely to be Judge
Moody, OF Deadwood, and either Judge ngcrion, OF
Mitchell or r. pets gt1T OF o. 5o State ans TO haTc
both Senator's the PEOPLE feel that The northern YG nam can
favor Of Mr. Matthews of Brookngs. and Mr.. Mccoy,
of Aberdeen. BrOokings Is on the eastern DOluF
and I'm the northern half OF South Dakota. while
Aberdeen Is I'm the western part OF the same state
Is there much Of contest over the senatoishlpS
"Of course there l.. Everybody seems 10 be con
testing everything. No tell what will happen;
The Farmers Alliance Is powerful organization, ana
will have considerable 10 say about all thing'-poi'-
cal. constitu ional and individual: They can make
and unmaks men and affairs, for they stand toeetner
most admirably. However, 1t seems to be almost
settled that Judge Moody will be elected to inc
senate while there is strong and bitter hight gong
on between ex-senator Fdgcrton and ex-Deiegate
Pettigrcw for the other Senatorial toga- They are
both able men, and each Of them possesses strong
Characteristics which mako them popular with differ
cnt classes OF minds -
Arc either or both OF them men OF means :"
al have no means Of knowing except by general
reputation. II Is stated that Mr.. Pctngrew has haf
million and has accumulated his properly during Ms
long residence in Dakota: while Judge Ehgerton II
com paratively a poor / do not, however, DC
llcve that the financial standing OF either OF these
gentlemen will cut any figure in the contest. They
are before the people on their merits"
How about your own chances Tor tho Governor
Ship" ,,-, - A.. .,h
ject. 1t would afford me great pleasure TO be aDie
TO answer that question. But know nothing save
that am candidate and to get the nomination
If can. My present Office as Governor
Of all Dakota occupies so much time and attention
that II am nominated 10 be Governor OF South DakOta
It will be done wholly by my friends In the new s'ae