Grand Rapids herald. [volume] (Grand Rapids, Mich.) 1892-1959, 1892-06-27
WHO WILL BE cHAIRMANp
A Lively Contest On for the National
Committee Honor.

Committee Honor.
WASHINGTON. June 26.-About thirty
members of the national republican
committee, winch is called to meet for
organization in this city tomorrow, are
already on the ground, and lively
contest Is being waged for the chair
manship. After the nomination had
been made at Minneapolis it was sug-
gested that the committee should or
ganize by the selection of Mr.. Clark
son az chairman and the appointment
of an xe utlve committee, to have I'M
mediate charge of the campaign, under
another head. This was a suggestion,
merely, however, and it was thought
that the members of the committee
would meet at Washington and after
comforting with representatives of the
president, effect an organization that
would be satisfactory and harmonious
oil around. In the term, since the
adjournment of the convention, state
n,ents have been published as coming
from Mr.. ClarksOn to the effect that he
did not desre to serve another term as
chairman, but these apparently were
without authority from Mm. 1t was
announced that Mr.. Clarkson had
stated 10 his friends that If they desired
him to serve as chairman of the com.
mittee, and they elected him, he would
accept the position. The selection of
Mr.. Clarkson as chairman of the
committee, however, will be opposed
by the friends OF the administration.
But who will oppose hlm has not yet
been definitely determined upon, the
probabilities tonight being that George
Y. Massey of Delaware, who seconded
the nomination Of President Harrison
at Minneapolis will be selected.
y Both sides Confident.
In the event that straight contest
shall ensue between Mr. Clarkson and
an administration representative, it
cannot be stated tonight what the re-
suit will be. Both parties claim 10 be
able to hold . majority for the control
of the committees. On one point it
is said they agreed and that is
that the administration has twenty
one members of the committee who
can be depended upon in any exigency.
The oppontion claim the same num-
ber whiie the friends of administration
concede them but nineteen leaving six
or eight members in doubt. Because
of this uncertainty, efforts are being
made tonight to harmonic the differ
ences in the committee and various
schemes are under consideration. One
Is that in view of tile fact that the work
of the committee must he done IN New
York City, New York business should
be chosen TO conduct its operations. III
it be found that this can be done, and it
is determined to be done, the name of
Cornelius N. Bliss Will probably be pre-
sented TO the committee for considera-
ton in that connection. 1t is under
stood that Mr.. Bliss has intmated his
willingness to undertake the difficult
work Of the place. Another PROPOSE
ton il that the suggestion made at
Minneapolis shall be carried out. viz:
Roth or Neither.
That Mr.. Ciarkson be elected chair
man of the national committee, and
another person be chosen 40 chairman
of the executive committee. But this
does not seem to be the wishes OF
either side. Mr.. Clarkson 10 reported
. to have said that he would be
chairman of the national committee and
chairman Of the executive committee
or neither. On the other hant il is
eaid by friends OF the administration
that there 10 no precedent in the party
organization for division of these two
Offices, and there Is sone reluctance
manifested in departing from that line.
| should this arrangement be carried
| out the name of l.. II. Michner will
probably be csnvassed in connection
/ with the chaifmsnshlp OF the executive
committee. Mr.. Mlchener vas ia
charge of the Hasrlson forces a,
Minneapolis, and hs work there
was much praised from all wbo
witnessed il. lie does not desire 10 en-.
gage 10 the work of the campaign. bni
II elected by the committee will doubt.
less lay aside HE personal feelings aud
except the duty asvoived upon him.
The situation tonlgnt IL one of doab,
and anceftainty ADD the solution may
4 ~.