The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-11-17
SENATOR PIERCE'S FIGHT.
The Coming Contest Before tho North
Dakota Legislature.

Tho Coming Contest Before the North
Dakota Legislature.
GLENDALE, N. D., Nov. 16.-The election
has not cleared the senatorial situation to
any appreoiable extent. Senator Pierce
certainly has more of the members of the
incoming legislature pledged to him than
are committed to any other candidate, but
the field is strong in the sense that some of
the ablest political organizers in the state
are against the senator. Pierce's friends
claim between thirty and forty votes, but
there are not over half that many legisla-
tors instructed for him. The instructions
were neglected in several counties where
his forces were strong enough to do as they
pleased.
Pierce's enemies will devote the next two
months to the work of winning votes from
nentlv into view as his leading opponent.
Alexander Mckenzie is pushing Ball. Nc
Kennels independent ticket in Burleigh
county was defeated, but as all close OBJ
servers had anticipated this result, it does
not affect the calculations. It simply
Senator Pierce's favor that he has been
able to divide the Red river valley delega-
tiOn. He has votes in Richland, Trail,
Grand Forks, Walsh and possibly Cass and
Pembina counties. At the same time the
James river valley, from Stutsman county
north, presents many uncertainties.
Senator La Moure, Representative Hans
brough and Gov. Miller are frequently men.
toned as possessing some strength in this
canvass. It is not expected, however,
that the Mckenzie forces would ever &c
either TO Hansbrough or Miller. If the
organization 10 strong enough to elect
either Ball or La Moure, Pierce will be de-
feated, but otherwise he will be returned
for HansbrouRh could never surmount tn,
opposition he would meet, and Gov. Mille
is 80 tied down to business interests
that he could hardly be considere.
son. of Grand Forks. would be
suitable candidate, but he will not enter tn
race unless Pierce is defeated at the frs
opening Of the legislature. The bite
rivalry which is always shown between
Fargo and Grand Forks also operates il
Pierce's favor. Senator La Moure, as chair
man of the republican state central com
mittee during the recent successful canvass
has strengthened himself with all element
Of the party. He has shown himself broade
than tbs ordinary faction leader, H
organized the party with the skill AM
saoacity which always characterize his poll
tical movements, harmonizing the element
and bringing to the service of the part
the best talent of all the factions. Mayo
Ball is hampered by the fact that Cas-
COuuby 0A1coAy ud0 tuc governor OF TN
state, supreme court judge, and the com
missioner Of insurance. Otherwise it woul
be impossible to show any weakness in MI
Ball as candidate. He is to-day the fore
mest lawyer in the state, and an accom-
plished man in all respects. He is of fin
appearance and shows decided talent il
discussing the questions of the day. II j
certainly to Mckenzie's credit that
champions SO able a candidate.
Senator Pierce is no novice in the art 9
wire-pullinR. Many of his followers 60 I
the extent of believing that he could Civ
the willy Mckenzie points in political Ia.
tics. It is very reasonable that he shout
ask q re-election, having served but or
year in congress. He has greatly added I
his reputation for ability in dealing Wit
public questions, particularly those affectin
North Dakota's interests. He has notAonl
taken prominent position in the nationl
debates, but is in line with the advance
thought of the country. He has the pre-
tige of enjoying the confidence and suppo
of the administration. It is we'll unde
stood that Senator Pierce il in position
bestow great deal in the way of feder
patronage.