The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-01-07
The Opposition to Him Seems
to Be Very Feeble.
MR.. EWING MAKES A BIG STIR.
Unless Something Unforeseen Happens
One Ballot Will Suffice.
Restriction, But the Western Section
is Unconcerned-Gosssip About Legis-
Iative Candidates and Their Chances.

OLYMPIA, Jan. Especial. senator Squire
arrived from Washington City this morning to
find the senatorial fight all one way. If the
election were to occur tomorrow there is no
manner of doubt that he would be chosen in
open session on the first ballot The election,
however, does not occur In two weeks, and the
Calkfns faction has outlined a vigorous CAM
paign Tor the interim in hopes of making in
roads into the Squire lines. The fight of the
Squire men is simply to maintain their strong
position, and ii they do the result will undoubt-
edly be the reelection of Squire The
support OF Squire is solid and tangible.
There Is no wayering or weakness.
The number of members hitherto doubt
full who pronounce themselves unequivoeally
for Squire is increasing with every arrival. A
significant instance of accession to his forces is
that OF Collins, af Thurston, who will vote for
Squire. 1t had hitherto been supposed that
Collins was elected in the Caikins interest
Cushman, Of Lincoln, claimed by the Calkins
men, declares for Squire, and the chances are
that squire will secure the united support from
east of the mountains. CaIkins has the solid
Fierce county delegation, and probably eight
more votes, making twenty in all. There are
not very many members, perhaps ten,
whose standing is not pretty clearly
known. The Calkins people bitterly
say that Squire s.claims everything" and
declare that his sweeping assertions are for ef-
feet, and are in line with the historic style of
liking county politics" Squire cannot we'll
avoid claiming everything, because everything
SO obviously points to his reelection. The inGi-
cations in his favor are much more pronounced
than they were previous to his election year
ago. There were more doubtful votes then than
now, and interest was divided between the can
didacy of the two senators. Now only one is to
be elected, and after the speakersbip contest is
settled there will be no other election to COM
plicate matters.
Interest in the senatorial fight is temporarily
overshadowed by the contest over the organiza-
ton OF the House. The senatorial question has
been complicated in rather curious manner
with the election of speaker, for which position
three aspirants, Candy, shaw and Plummer, are
more than anxious to secure the Endorsement of
the Squire men. Gandy's anxiety has led him
into lndiscreet threats against Senator Squire If
he fails to secure the speakershfp. Plummer is
hirtlng with the Squire men, and Shaw is indif-
ferent as to what is done, expressing his will
1ngness to withdraw from the race whenever it
is evident that his candidacy 10 hurtful to
Squire's chances ALI three candidates realize
that the support of the King county delegation
Is almost equivalent to election, inasmuch as
the other Squire members are likely to
be guided by the action of that delegation.
Candy confidently expects the support OF King
coun y, aud claims that he has four votes to
spare. The fact is that the Seattle men are in
clined to be friendly to shaw. Plummer is sup
posed TO be for Calkins and 1t is not likely that
the Squire mencan be induced oIvote for him
Shaw makes no specific claim of support, but is
quietly awaiting the outcome. The fight Is vet
nobodys, and any turn of the wheel may cause
things to go his way. Shaw and Plummer had a
conference this afternoon, but arrived at no sat-
isfactory conclusion. If the balloting is pro-
longed Plummer is likely to withdraw and the
contest will thus narrow down to Shaw and
Candy, and in that case Shaw will be elected.
Summed up in a few words, Candy is now in
lead, Shaw second, Pummer third, but a COM
blnation OF the two Western candidates will de-
feat the man from Spokane and elect Shaw.
1t is iettled that T. G. Nicklin, of whatcom,
will be chief clerk of the House. w. Z. Chandler
assistant clerk, and Fred H. Lysons journal
clerk. These three were candidates for chief
clerk. Mr.. Nickin had long lead and a COM
promise was sought, with the above result.
Opposition TO Eugene Wilson as president of
the Senate has been practically withdrawn, and
he wlil probably be chosen by large majority,
ii not unanimously. Senator Parkinson says he
Is not a candidate against Mr.. " iison, and this
leaves the field clear unless Senators HYDE or
Thompson, of Pierce, should enter the lists
against him. NJ. D. Smith, of spokane is a can
diaate for sergeant-at-arms of the Senate and
viii probably be elected c. W. Hobart of Ia
coma, is against him. T. H. Friedlander. of
Lincoln, candidate for sergeant-at-arrns OF the
House, has withdrawn, and D. E. Lesh, of Va
kima, will probably be chosen.
The Democrats held caucus tonight and
Jailed to agree upon policy. Some OF the
members want to take part in the speakership
contest, and others want to maintain indie
pendent organization. They meet again at $50
In the morning.
Thomas Ewing, of West Seattle, has openly
enlisted with the Caikins forces, and now poses
as the Tacoma mans chief striker He declares
III the most ornamental language that Squire is
dead duck, and Calkins is sure OF election
Mr. Ewing is characteristic for keeping up a
bold front under the most gloomy circum-
stances, is so well understood by all who know
him that his assertions carry no weight. In
deed they are somewhat assuring.
Senator Squire has been conspicuous figure
at the hotel since his arrival early this morning,
and is kept busy meeting new members and ac-
ceptlng the good wishes of old friends In con-
versation with PosT-ISrELLT6EEcER reporter
the senator said: II have derived more than
enough pleasure today from minglng socially
among old friends, not to notice the fatigue and
worry consequent on my six days journey. 1t
has been so long since have been in position
TO learn directly the views of my constituents
upon important legislation in congress that the
object lessons have drawn today give some
thing TO work upon. / have heard questions
regarding the silver question, elections bill and
other important bills that clearly give me
insight into the wants OF the people | repre-
sent. The members here unauestionably know
what the different sections of the state they rep-
resent need, and can give me better idea of the
work ! should do" When questioned regarding
the outlook for reelection, Senator Squire re-
piled that from information received since his
arrival he was confident his strength was grow
ing. "We calculated" said he, "early in the
fall that my election was assured, and relied
thoroughly upon the steadfastness of the mem
bers favorable to my candidacy. In fact I
found in many instances today members
favorable 20 me who were heretofore
non-eommittsl and consequently con-
sidered doubtful. l think that / have
every reason 70 feel confident Of election I ind
my opponents are Offering the most absurd. gro.
tesque and ridiculous things imagins ble
against me, which show positively that they are
making hopeless fight and entertain but little
confidence in ultimate victory. You may say 70
my friends in King county and elsewhere that
whether elected or not shall always remember
warmly the expressions of good viii and conf.
denee in my congressional duties" Mrs. squire
accompanies the senator.
Senator Squire today received the following
digpateh from Washington City:
WASHINGTON CITY, JAM g.
The silver question is before the Senate Do
yen desire to be paired for or against tree coin
age " NJ sTEwAET
The senator replied II desire 10 be paired in
favor Of free coinage" Senator Squire is uaireti
on all political questions with Daniel, of yir.
gtuia.