The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1891-12-03
Preparing to Jump to Mills. Who Is Now Con-
ceded to Be First in the Race, with Crisp
Almost at the Heels of the Texan.
LycurguS Dalton Retires from a Vain
Struggle for the House Clerkship.
Pauncefotes "Seven Good Reasons" Why the
British West Indies Should Not Have Reci-
prGcitY Knocked Out by General Foster.
sPRINGER'S CHANCES WANING.
His Supporters DESERVING Him for Mills
Who Is Leading in the Speakership Race.

as though the speakership contest would,
within few hours, narrow down to be-
tween Mills and Crisp. Springer's Illinois
delegation are about to desert him. His
State followers, after looking the field over.
have come to the conclusion that it is a for
lorn hope to support him further. and at
least four members of the Illinois delega-
tion-Fithian, Wike, Newberry and For
man-are ready to support Mills at any
time it appears that Crisp is getting un-
comfortably near O majority. The four
members named will, it is stated, vote for
Mills on the first ballot if the Texan says
the word. With O home delegation in this
sort of mood Springer should see that he
might as we'll throw up the sponge. Sew
eral members of the Iowa delegation who
are for Springer on the first ballot have
stated that they will gladly vote for Mills
If necessary to elect him. and will do so
on the first ballot. They prefer Mills to
any other man, except Springer. and. rather
than hazard the Texans chancess and see
Crisp come up, they Will vote Tor the leXan
at the outset.
Strenuous efforts are being made now to
drive all the candidates Off the field except
Mills and Crisp, and let them have short,
decisive battle. With the Illinois delega-
tween Crisp and Mills. One can get as
many bets as he wishes, even money, on
Mills against the field. Nearly every one
believes Mills will be elected. anu that he
will be an easy winner. Crisp however,
has q lot of determined followers and per-
sonally. he is the cleverest and most popu-
lar of ali the aspirants. but ne is charged
with being ont of line on the tariff ques-
ton. and II the West or Northwest, as re-
ported, favor sweeping reductions of the
tariff, If not absolute free trade. as Mills
and Cleveland say, it is strange how
any one can support Crisp, whom
OF the Samuel j. Randall school of pr0tec-
ton Democrats. Crisp is backed by Gov.
David b. Hill and Mills by ex-President
Cleveland. Crisp is for free coinage and
Mills opposes it. and possibly some may see
their way clear to desert their tariff princi-
pies for free silver and therefore vote for
Crisp instead of Mills.
MR. HATCH'S GAME.
Hatch never had any show for the speak
ership and his delegation is coming to the
conclusion that he is playing them for q
cbairm anship of committee. 1t is custom
ary to give a candidate for speaker a COM
mittee chalrmanshlp if he controls his State
del legation. Most of the weak aspIrants
hold their local delegations just long enough
to trade for committee position. Most OF
them have no other object In view in run
ming for the sDeakership.
To night the Journal correspondent made
the rounds of the various candidates head
quarters and this ID what he learned from
Mr.. Crisp's friends: Some of the GeOrgian's
ardent supporters place Crlsp's lead on the
first ballot at more than thirty votes over
Mills, but more conservative adherents
give him from twenty to twenty-five votes
in the lead. The Crisp people firmly be-
lieve that their candidate cannot De beaten
unless some prearranged combination is
effected, and they fear that some such ar
rangement will be attempted by the Nc
Millin and Hatch factions. If Mr.. McMillin
finds he cannot win he will give his vote to
Mr.. Mills and enGeavor to carry his own
support with him. This. the Crisp men say.
is impossible, because many of Mr. McMll-
Inns supporters will naturally favor Crisp.
The Mills people profess to believe
that nearly every supporter of Hatch
will come into the Mills range after the
first ballot How Mr. Springer supporters
will 90 in the event of the withdrawal of
their candidate is involved in too much
uncertainty to be predicted with any accu-
racy. but if a combination of Illinois. Iowa
and Michigan, which was hinted at to-
night. is effected. the Mills boom will be
inflated to a degree that VIII. In all proba-
biity, bring to the Texans aid many sup
pOrters of other candidates who are unde-
cided as to a second choice 1t is asserted.
however. on very good authority, that at
least half of the Missouri delegation will
90 to Crisp if Hatch Is withdrawn. In Mr.
Crisp's strength on the first ballot lies his
greatest danger. and unless he has large
plurality over Mills there Is reason to be-
lieve that the Western and Southern men
Will combine to defeat him. But specula-
tion is not certainty. and the nearest estl-
mate has been given in these dispatches.
HoosIERs FOR SPRINGER.
The Illinois delegation held meeting of
several hours duration this evening. 1t
was simply for the purpose, as stated by
Mr.. Sprinser's friends after it was over,
of organizing more effective plan of cam
paign for the future than has heretofore
characterized their efforts. During the
progress of the meeting cheers were fire.
Quently heard from the room whore the
meeting was held. Mr.. Springers friends
late tonight say that he is in the race first,
last. and all the time, and that be has fifty
| seven votes sure, with more in sight
The candidacy of Mr.. Springer received
an impetus late tonight 10y the action of
the northern Indiana delegation. There
who would receive the support of
| the Indiana Congressman now that
Mr.. Bynum has formally Withdrawn.
| To-night's meeting. which did not adjourn
gressmen Patton, Mcclellan. Martin and
| Shiveiey. Three of these gentlemen
arrived tonight. After the confer
Colonel Patton OF The Tenth 18th
Mr.. Springer for Speaker. since Mr. Bynum
| has withdrawn from the contest. Judge
| Mcclellan. of the Twelfth or Fort Wayne
| district, said: ''Since Mr.. Bynum has with
| drawn from the contest i. too, shall
support the candidacy of Mr..
| Springer" Mr.. Martin. of the Elev-
| enth district, said: In accordance with
| the unauestionable sentiment OF the Elev-
] enth district shall. since the withdraw al
I of Mr. Bynum. earnestly support the can
didacy of Mr. Springer" Mr. II. +.
| Shiveley of the Thirteenth district
| says: "Since the withdrawal OF my friend,
| Mr.. Bynum, from the speakership contest.
the cold, practical, mathematical politics
of the situation uEquestionably suggests
| the election OF Mr.. Springer TO the speaker
ship. and shall most cheerfully support
| his candidacy.
The Indiana Democratic members have
been caucusine and conferrine for some
days a vain effort to reach a conclusion
as to whether they will solidly support
| Lycurgus Dalton. of Bedford. for the clerk
| ship of the House some other position.
They have practically agreed TO disagree.
| If Mr.. Dalton had asked for his old posi-
tion. that of postmaster, he probably could
have gotten his State delegation for him
and secured the place. but he now appears
TO be out of the range of anything.
Tonight Mr. Dalton withdrew from the
race for the clerkship. leaving the contest