New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-07-24
EX-GOVERNOR GRAY's AMBITION.
PROSPECTS ON WHICH BE IS BUILDING HOPES

PROSPECTS ON WHICH BE rs BUILDING HOPES
OF THE vICE-PREaDENCY.
indianapolis July % Special 1t IS the opinion Of
Indiana politicians that recent political developments
are 50 favorable to Ex-Governor Isaac ?. Gray that
there is now something more than likelihood Of
his nomination as the Democratic candidate for the
Presidency next year. II has been severe strain
upon human faith in the doctrine of selection 20 give
serious consideration to the candidacy Of Mr. Gray
but there are some indications that the lightning OF
political luck which has unaccOuntably been At
tracted to him throughout his rather strange career
Is likely again to strike him. He is remarkable cX-
ample Of the kind OF that attain extraordi-
nary success in the Democratic party. He has ability
OF certain kind but IL Is chiefly of the order Of low
cunning lie is in all things, enthusiastically foxy
He even looks il from side-rear view at distance OF
forty or fifty feet He is shTewd In politics, but he
has little knowledge Of any thing else. With the pos
sble exception of Blue Jeans" Williams, Indiana was
never embarrassed by having a more initerate man
at the head of her state Government but he has
managed by hook and crook TO work his way 70 the
front In politics Fifteen years ago he was ke-
publican. lie found, however, that there was no
higher place for him in that party than seat IN uAe
State senate and, though he had bitterly denounced
Democrats everything detestable he Hoped over
into the Democratic ranks without excuse plea OF
justification, after he huud that there was nothing
ahead for him as a Republican Office seeker. lie had
hardly got himself identified as Democratic recruits
before he became Democratic candidate and returned
again TO the state Senate. His ambition brought him
TO the front before the close of his term, as success
ful seeker OF the small honor of president pro TEN OF
the senate. BY luck he succeeded 10 the Lieutenant
GOvernorship and again by luck, be became Governor
of the state for SIX weeks the successor Of Blue
Jeans Williams who died during his term.
lie has ever since been candidate for something,
and in 1855 worked hard for the nomination for Wee
President on the ticket with Cleveland. lie has since
beca WORKING for the same place IN 1892 until few
months ago. James II. Rice shTewd Indiana pOlitl-
can gave him hint that candidates for Vice President
never succeed. and that the best way get the Vice
Presidency was 10 20 into the fight for first place
since then be has been a Presidential candidate. The
late senator Mcdonald characterized him fou years ago
as the oliver Twist Of tie Democratic parry. Nc
Donald was bitterly opposed 10 him. and had he lived
would have openly Tough. him to the last While
his death-bed he asked IL was trne az had been
reported that he had ceased to oppose the political
aspirations of Gray, he replied with much emphasis
that II was not true that his 20 Gray enter
tanned for many years had not changed. When the
statesman passed away the greatest obstacle IN
Gray's path removed
Along with this clearing Of the way for him have
come other things 10 favor his political advancement
I .et winter he mt qnietus the probable oppos
ZION from Voorhees, By getting the Democratic majority
In the Legislature under his coptro 70 make i
necessary for VOORHEES, 20 make terms with him in
order 10 secure his own reelection as Senator, tbs
stimulated agreement al the time being that Voorhees,
sl,ould not himself become "A candidate before the
National Democratic Convention. aud that he should.
with ali his power work 10 advance the interests OF
Gray a. an aspiFant for VicePresdent A. long ago
ss the fall Of 1898 he had understanding With Gov
ernor HILL OF SewYork. that be ana The Governor