Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-12-30
A HUSTLE FOR VOTES
Now Engaging the Attention of
Politicians at Harrisburg.
THOMPSON'S FIGHT FOR SPEAKER
Apparently Well Won, Though There Are
More Candidates Out.
THE RACE FOR THE OTHER OFFICES
ESPECIAL TELEGRAM TO THE p1spArcBI

HARRISBURG, Dec 29 9-Three candi-
dates for Speaker of the House are on the
ground, and all of them have hopes of reach
ing the goal, if talk means anything. The
most serenely confident man here is Speaker
Thompson, who modestly predicts that he
will be his successor. He presents no figures
to confirm the faith that appears to be in
him, but says the situation gives him no
uneasiness
In reply to the declaration of one of the
candidates for Speaker that very few
pledges had been made by members of the
House in the interest of any of the aspirants
he stated that many were pledged, but he
was too modest to say that they were
registered in his favor.
Speaker Thompson starts out in his fight
under the most auspicious surroundings.
The room which he has selected for his
headquarters was the scene of wedding
to-day, and when he occupied it this after
noon the chandelier suspended from the
ceiling was beautifed with rich green vines
The number of members of the House in
the city is small, but those here either paid
their,respects to him in his room or in other
places in the Lochiel Hotel.
Mr.. Bliss and His Prospects.
Representative Bliss, of Delaware, is not
very formidable physically, but his talk to-
night indicates that he thinks himself big
enough to creditebly fill the Speakers
chair. Representative Bliss chances do
not appear to be bright, but he trusts the
support Representative Walton will re-
ceive in Philadelphia will complicate the
| Speakership situation sufficiently to make
Mr.. Bliss says he has authentic informa-
tion to show that the Quaker City delega-
ton will stand firmly by their favorite
Representative Cochrane, of Armstrong,
another candidute for Speaker, who arrived
here to-day, has put himself on record
| as believing that the contest for that
| Office has just begun in real earn
est. He claims that very few MEM
bers have given pledges to any
candidate, and that pretty fight is impend-
ing. Mr.. Cochrane SAYS the Republican
members in his Congressional district will
support him, and expects many others to
emulate their example. Representative
Walton was expected to open his head
quarters at the Commonwealth Hotel TO-
night, but at a late hour he had not made
his appearance.
Another Candidate for Speaker.
Representative Farr, of Scranton, the
author of the vetoed compulsory education
bill, Is another candidate for Speaker He
is expected to swing into the city with his
boom during the week, unless the frigid
atmosphere should cover its premature
collapse. Although he is not indulging in
any boastful prediction, Speaker Thompson
seems to have decided advantage over his
competitors in the race to preside over the
destinies of the House, but the appearance
of Representative Walton and his friends
may change the outlook.
Candidates for other offices in the gift of
the House are not slow to canvass their
claims in the presence of members here.
The Lochiel Hotel tonight had large rep
resentation of these people. Resident
Clerk Voorhees,, of Philadelphia, an ex-
Journal Clerk Fetter, of Montgomery
county, both of whom think they have pre-
eminent qualifications and claims for the
chief clerkship of the House, were among
the Office seekers at the hotel l. D Patter-
son, of this city, candidate for Resident
Clerk, was also there to see that his canvass
for the position was not neglected. Mr..
Fetter recognizes that he has strong COM
petitor in MIR Voorhees,, but he saws he is
in the fight to stay, and that he cannot be
placated by the offer of any other position
than that to which he is aspiring. Mr..
Patterson is certain of being chosen Resi-
dent Clerk if Thompson and VOORHEES,
should capture the prizes they are after. If
voorhees, should fail in his ambition he
would not be too high strung to take his
old place.
Among other men who have not tired of
holding Office is Major Huddell, of Della
ware county, who expects to fill his old
place in the Senate.