St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1892-08-08
Hennepin Democrats WoulS
Like to Know Just How
He Stands.
Whether He Would Be Con-
~ -
gresham or Mayor a Dis
quieting Problem.
Rev. G. L. Morrill, Attacks the
POpe's Late Encyelical
on Columbus.
Rev. William wilkinson on
Plate the Politician--Tray-
lor's Bad Money.

The most interesting as we'll as the
most battling figure in Minneapolis,
Hennepin county. and Fifth district
ston. Unquestionably Mayor Winston
stands at the head Of the Hennepin
Democracy. No matter how he has
attained his position, no matter how
stubbornly some of the strong men of
the party bow to his domination; he has
the position. And position is every
thing, even in politics. Standing. as he
does, at the head of the Hennepin county
Democracy. Mayor Winston should be
the man to effect consolidation, organic
alton in the party. Anomalous though
it be, the fact remains that in this case
the leader is the most disquieting factor
in the party. Why? Because one
never knows where he stands.
Mayor Winston is largely respons-
IDLE for the disagreeable situation in
which the Hennepin delegation was
placed In the recent state convention.
Ever since early last spring it had been
understood that by the rank and file of
Hennepin Democracy that Mr.. Winston
would be candidate for the guberna-
torial nomination. He never openly
avowed his candidacy, to be sure,
but his friends. his closest friends,
he would accept. Well, he wouldn't
consent to allow his name to be men,
toned. Not all of the Hennepin dele
CATION, not even majority, understood
how the wind was blowing until a couple
of days before the convention. What
was the result? The Hennepin delega-
ton was put in the dangerous position
of being forced to make fight for one
man without being able to retallate and
command respect for its candidate by
making telling fight on some other
delegations candidate. Uncertainty as
to MIR. WinStOn's position left the Hen
nepin delegation without guberna-
tOrial choice until too late to secure one.
Right now the lack of understanding
of Mr.. Winston's position is delaying
the game of politics. 1t is universally
believed that Mr.. Winston will be
candidate before the people this fall.
But for what? That's the question. He
wouldn't run for governor. 1t has been
said that he has congressional aSpira-
tons. But he won't admit it. When
asked about it he always says
that he is not seeking the nomi-
nation; that ~ am not seeking
the nomination" is Winstonian char
acteristic. He seldom puts himself in
such position that he cannot accept
with "Well, if you insist" The Dem
OcratS are not afraid of Loren Fletcher.
In fact, of all the men mentioned be-
fore the convention as Republican can
didates for the congressional nominal
ton, the Democrats rather prefer Loren
as an opponent. His only claim
on the election is that he is an old resi-
dent of Minneapolis. In the Hennepin
Democracy are many men who would
make strong congressional candidates
against Loren Fletcher. Some of them
tacitl yaSk for the nOmination-that is,
they would if they we're certain of Mr.
Winston's attitude. But they're not.
Until he has definitely stated his posi-
ton they will harbor the instructive
feeling that Mr.. Winston wants the
nomination. II he wants it he
want it; if he won't take it, he can re-
lieve the minds of possible candidates
by declaring himself. Not only would
such action relieve their minds, but it
would put the people who are for Win
ston, if he be candidate, in position
to decide who should be nominated. A
thorough understanding of Mr.. Win
stOn'S position now would enable
the pulse of the party to be
felt and strong candidate
picked. Should Mr.. Winston remain
supposedly, though not actually. in the
field until close to the date of the con-
gresSiOnal convention, the effect will be
to make the convention scramble for
the nomination and make possible the
nomination. through combinations of
minor candidates supporters. OF man
not really the strongest before the peo-
Pile. Were Mr.. Winston assuredly out
of the field now. these minor candidates
would he eliminated before nominating
day.
While a good many people believe
that Mr.. Winston seeks congressional
honors, still others are of the opinion
that his ambition is to be reelected
mayor. Here again is the situation
complicated by the Misunderstanding
of his position. Many things point
to the correctness of the theory
that he is mayoralty aspirant.
by peculiar conditions and circum-
stances. He was elected to conduct the
municipal administration on broad
guage principles, and has done SO, in
spite of the upturned eyes of goody-
gOOdy retrogresSioniSts. He has been a
good mayOr-one of the best Minneapo-
lis ever had. 1t is but natural that he
should desire a reelection. Evidence
that he does desire reelection is strong.
But no man can be sure that he does.
The same objections attach to ignorance
of his position here as attend his posi-
ton in the congressional field.
Whatever Mr.. Winston wants at the
hands of the HeInepin, or Minneapolis.
Democracy, he can have. On the other
hand, the Hennepin and Minneapolis
Democracy have right to know what
he wants or will take. Soldiers rush
into battle with more spirit when they
see where their general is leading the
charge, not concealing his plans.