Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1895-07-17
ELKINS' s PLANS.
H. Clay Evans, Of Tennessee, Is Very
Much In His Way.
Talk Of a Combination With Nc
Kinley by Which a Southern Man
Will Have Second Place on the
Presidential Ticket, With Protec-
ton as the Leading Issue.

Washington, July ia prominent
Republican, whose course is attracting
the attention of Republican politicians
at this time and who is being watched
pretty closely is Mr.. Stephen B. Elkins
of West Virginia
Witnin the last few weeks, and espec-
tally since the meeting of the National
League of Republican Clubs at Cleve-
land the impression has gradually gain
ed ground among the politicians that
Senator Elkins is setting his pis to win
second place on the Republican Nation
al ticket An Elkins boom for the presi-
dency was started at Cleveland but it
was well understood by those interested
in analyzing incipient presidential booms
that the dash for the first place on the
ticket will be merely a bluff on the part
of Senator Elkins, ard will be made
without the slightest idea on his part
that it could be successful. His friends
believe, it is said, that he could stand a
good chance to get second place and the
break for the head of the ticket, if it
is made, will be for the purpose Of
giving him something to trade upon.
1t is claimed by Senator Elkins'
friends that he will go into the national
convention with three state delegatiOs
solid for him, West Virgiia, Maryland
and Virginia. His own state he would
naturally have, Maryland he would eX-
pect to get, though his business rela-
tions with the political leaders Of that
state and Virginia would be claimed up
on the ground of neighbOrliness and OF
his being a Southern Republican. With
these delegations at his back Senator
Elkins friends claim he would be en-
abled to make some very profitable
trades in the convention that might fin
ally enable him TO land the nomination
for the vice presidency. 1t is said that
Senator Elkins would regard this Of
fee as satisfaction to his ambition for
some time TO come, as it would be OF
There is one obstacle, and a serious
one. in the path of Senator Elkin's am
bition. however, and that is Mr. H. Clay
Evans. of Tennessee. He is working up
very lively vice presidential booom.
He was at the Cleveland convention in
person, and Is now in the Northwest
making himself acquainted with politi-
cal maagers. As everyone knows Mr..
Evans claims to be governor Of Ten
nessee, deprived of his Office by the
Democratic managers.
This fact is expected to carry Ten
nessee for the Republicans at the presi-
Dental elections. Mr.. Evans friends
are managing his campaign upon
this line, and are making this argu-
ment to Republicans all over the cOun-
| try. He is pointed out as the one man
who could start stampede in the solid
South that might extend TO other states
beside Tennessee. Ii is explained that
If he is given second place on the tickec
il will stimulate Republicans In every
State south Of Mason and DiXon's line
ITO reewed efforts.
There is also talk of a combination be-
| tween Evans and Mckinley in the
Southern States. At this time there are
indications that Mckinley has the
Southern delegations pretty we'll in
hand. Some very clever work has been
going on in that section of the country.
and prospects are that unless a break
is made the Southerners will go into the
National convention shouting for Nc
nley and protection 1t is believed that
deal is likely to be made by which
Evans will throw his influence in the
South to Mckinley for first place upon
the condition that Mcinley will swing
his Northern friends into line for
Evans for the vice presidency. If this
combination Is carried out it may make
things very lively for Senator Elkins