Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-06-04
TERMS OF THE DISPATCH.
PITTsBURG. WEDNESDAY. JUNE 4, 1890
ATThe BUSINESS OFFICE Of THE DIS
PATCH has been removed TO Corner Of
Smithield and Diamond Streets.
THE SURPRISES OF THE CONVENTIONS

No Republican convention in Allegheny
county for many years was so prolific o!
surprises, of temporary disruption and of
heated discussion as yesterday, when the
events of the Northside turned out so widely
different from the expected programme.
After the active canvass of the previous
fortnight, Colonel Bayne's course in de-
clining the nomination he had won by a
sweeping majority was of course wholly un-
expected, and the bestowal of the honor
upon Colonel Stone, who had not been a
candidate, was a sequel equally unlocked
for.
On the mere score of ability and fitness
there are few, even among hostile critics,
who could object to Colonel Stone. Mr..
Stone is an undoubtedly capable man. A
trained lawyer, a man of affairs, and one
who possesses the SudUiter IN nodo, as well
as the fortiter in re- which helps to give
weight to the counsels of a sitter in Con-
gress, it is not to be doubted that he would
make an efficient successor to Colonel
Bayne. But that is not at all the point OF
controversy. 1t is contended-and The DIS
PATCH is of the opinion, justly-that he was
ineligible under the party rules which re-
uuired previous notice of candidacy; that
the action did not express the purpose of the
primaries, which was to secure popular
choice; and, finally, that it was unjust to
Shiras, who after an arduous struggle to the
finish against a powerful opponent, was
beaten off by votes not won from him by
Colonel Stone, but by the prestige and per-
sonal effort of Colonel Bayne, for whose
candidacy they were distinctly cast at the
primaries. Looking at the manner in which
tie contest was waged, as we'll as at the ex-
press language of the party rules, it is i'm
possible to ignore the force of these objec-
tions. The Allegheny district is thoroughly
Republican. 1t is of great Importance
that the substantial interests involved
should nave an able representative
in Congress; but acceptable as a can
didate though Colonel Stone would
ordinarily be, it will require no little tact
and missionary labor to remove the dissatis-
faction which was expressed yesterday as to
the mode of the proceedings.
OF course, Mr.. Stones admitted ability
and his skill as canvasser may have an in
fuence in healing the breach. What, how
ever, seems most in his favor is the posses
sion, which is nine points of the law, and
the scorching weather, which we suppose
will be urged as putting veto on the other
wise obviously fair suggestion that the
Colonel and Mr.. Shiras, and any other
aspirants that choose, be permitted to run a |
new race with fair field and no favor on
either side. There is for the time strained |
situation, the outcome of which remains to |
be seen. The refusal of Colonel Bayne to |
go back to Congress is in itself not the least |
surprise of the season.
Ii Ifanything further were needed to super
heat public interest in Northside politics it
was the split in the Forty-second Senatorial
contest. The withdrawal Of the Rutan dele
gates left still majority among the follow
ers OF Neeb and HARRISON to nominate the
former; but the action of the seceders in de-
termining to go on and put up the ex-Sena-
tor in opposition shows how 6ery was the |
temper of the day. If the matter be COM
posed, Neeb's election will ensue, just as in |
other cases where such splits have occurred |
and been forgotten. Bat if Mr.. Rutan also |
stays in the field, Democrat will have a |
fair fighting chance. The likelihood is |
that, as in the Congressional matter, the |
party leaders will exert themselves to the |
utmost to bring about some sort of truce |
and an acceptance by the ex-senator of the |
results, with Neeb as the candidate.