The Indianapolis journal., 1890-01-19
PHASES OF LOCAL POLITICS
The Republican County Committee Re-
Gently Chosen Meets TO Elect Officers.
Dr. Theo. Wagner Is Selected as Chairman. but
He Finds it impossible to Serye-The
Strife Between Democratic Clubs.

A large number of Republicans met in the
Criminal Court room yesterday afternoon,
where the county committee, selected at
the primaries of a week ago. met to organ
ize. w. n. Harding, who was selected as
temporary chairman. announced an official
roll-call in order to make the records per-
feet. and in the call notices of three con-
tested positions were filed with
the secretary. Royal Hammer dis
puted the right of Benno Mitchell
to represent the first precinct of the Ninth
ward. b: II. Burton opposed the recogni-
tlon OF j. ri. Lehr as committeeman from
the first precinct of the Nineteenth ward,
and Daniel Shehan contested the election of
hank McPeek in the second precinct of the
latter ward. Several plans were proposed
but 1T was finally decided to appoint a
committee of five to hear statements from
both sides in each case and to report to the
convention. John Pearson, A A. Young.
p. J; Conway. Captain Carson and
j. L. Greer were named as that
committee but after an hours conference
they asked to be given until next Saturday
to reach decision, which request was
granted.
The matter of selecting a permanent
chairman was then taken up, j. C.. Adams.
j; w. Hess and DR.. Theo. Wagner being
placed in nomination. Mr.. Hess declined
the honor, because, he said, the work neces-
sary to manage county campaign is such
as TO demand close attention. and he would
not be able to devote as much to it as would
beexpected or required. Mr.. Adams also de-
cllned. on similar ground and DR.. Wagner
was unanimously elected. A committee
was appointed, OF which Merrill MOores was
at the head. to notify the Doctor of his
election, but they reported his declinatioD.
have just come from DR.. Wagner's Office"
Mr.. Moores said, in making his report, land
he has instructed ME to say TO the commit
tee that while he appreciates the honor
conferred upon him, he Is sincere when he
says that his work will prevent him from
taking such prominent position in the
coming county campaign. He desired me
to say. when l thanked you on his behalf,
that his loyal support to the party and its
ticket can be relied upon"
Dr. Wagners resignation was accepted.
and on motion it was decided to postpone
the election of a permanent chairman until
the next meeting For secretary Charles
w kMlisey., OF the Eighth Ward. was elected
vice-chairman. and Henry Z. Bennett of
the Sixth ward. treasurer. Before the
committee adjourned Merrill MOores Moses
q. McLain. Charles III. Walcott, J. w.
Leathers and Austin +. Prather were ap-
pointed a committee to consider and recon-
mend persons from whom chairman can
be chosen.
The general feeling among Republicans
at the meeting of the committee was that
the party is getting into better shape every
day. There Is especial stress laid upon the
necessity Of having a strong man for chair
man OF the county committee. Our party
throughout the county is in good con-
ditlOn nOw," remarked Alderman Breurig
yesterday. "and if we can get the right
man for our county chairman think we
need have no fear of defeat this year.
There IS more depending on chair
man than some think. for he can have
chosen. he must be man of fine executive
ability and who is we'll known in his
party" The Republican district conven-
tiOn for selecting member for representa-
ton on the State central committee will
be held in the Criminal Court room next
Thursday afternoon, at O'Clock.
The Hendricks Against the Gray Club.
The Democrats have another factional
fight on their hands. which prom-
ises to result in unfriendly feeling.
if not in a loss of votes. George
Wulf, member of the Hendricks
club. is q candidate for township assessor,
and until very recently he has been enjoy
ing that honor in single blessedness. JO-
seph Turk, however, decided to announce
himself as Mr.. Wulfs opponent in the race.
and the fight between them is being based
not upon the ability of the two men, but
upon their club affiliations Turk is presi-
dent of the Gray Club. and the hostility
that exists and has existed between it and
the Hendricks Club is not being moderated
to any great extent by Mr.. Turks candi-
dacy