The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-10-26
FROM THE Calls" EDITOR.
Charles NJ ShortTdge Interviewed in New
York city Regarding the Con-
uon}tcp

yention
NEW YORK, n. Y, Oct. pa United
Press reporter saw Charles NJ. Shortridge,
editor of the San Francisco CALL, at the
Grand Central depot and inquired with
reference to his labors here in the East to
induce National Republican committee
to hold the convention in San Francisco.
eyes, l start home this afternoon. Mr..
and Mrs. Claus Spreckels. John D.
Spreckels and Miss Emma Spreckels also
leave for home in private car. | have
been here three weeks endeavoring to con-
vince the committee that San Francisco is
the proper place to hold the convention.
have exhausted every argument with
them, presenting as clearly as / could our
great advantage of hotel and Geographic
facilities, and the comfort the delegates
would enjoy in our balmy yet invigorating
summer climate.
81 am satisfied that the fight stands to-
day between Pittsburg and San Francisco.
II Mr.. Quay could be induced to join with
the San Francisco forces OF course the
fight would be won. His great personal
influence being used On behalf OF Pitts
burg naturally makes the result as yet
doubtful. However, l am satisfied if he
finally is unable to locate the convention
in his own city that he will gladly throw
his power in favor of our City, and then,
of course, the fight is won. The main
forces which l relied upon here and am
now relying upon are General James S.
Clarkson of Iowa and Mr.. Fessenden of
Massachusetts,. have. of course, seen all
the committeeman possible, and all men
of large influence, and have urged upon
them San Francisco claims.
Eyes, | believe the pledges made four
years ago by many of the delegates will be
kept. This is one of the strong features of
San Franclsco's fight. / know great
many claim that political promises are of
but little consequence, but am satisfied
this does not hold good in all cases Many
of the honorable gentlemen of the Ma
tional Committee have assured me that
their promises were we'll remem bered, and
that they would vote first, last and all the
time for San Francisco. Among this num-
Der is Mr.. Fessenden. His great execu-
tive ability and his large experience in
public affairs make me feel quite confident
that San Francisco will be finally chosen.
The only argument presented against her
is the distance from the Atlantic seaboard,
but when the attention of the committee
men has been directed to the fact that the
great Middle West and Northern sections
are no farther from San Francisco
than from great many Eastern cities
the situation may change considerably.
Of course, l have pledged our people to
raise all'moneys necessary; in fact, it is
scarcely necessary to make any direct
pledges on the part of Californians, as her
iberality and patriotism are thoroughly
recognized here in the East. 1t has been
taken for granted that we would furnish
splendid hotel accommodations, and that
we would naturally take care of the con-
vention in the most up-to-date manner.
The question therefore, of funds has not
been seriously discussed by any of the
committeeman whom l have met. That is
a matter, as [ have explained, which af-
fects her people, and which they will prop
erly adjust, and quickly"
I'm your conference, Mr.. Shortridge,
with the various leaders of your party
have you discussed the probable .Presi-
Dental candidates."
"Well, yes. Naturally enough we have
looked over the field more or less and I
have heard views of various gentlemen;
but [ find the sentiment so thoroughly
divided that 1 would not like to give an
opinion as to what might be expected.
The only direct quotation which like to
give is one from Mr.. Clarkson. He is
openly for Allison of Iowa and feels very
hopeful of his nomination. He explains
Allison's position on the great questions of
the day and is confident he will be &C
ceptable to the great majority of the Re-
publicans of the country.
''As to the expressions of opinion from
the other great leaders of the party, they
are much divided between Reed and Nc
Kinley. Senator Carter, however, is out
for Cameron, ana claims that he will show
great strength in the convention but as to
political matters, outside of the location OF
the National Convention, l have paid but
little attention. / find one sentiment
strong, and that is that whoever is nomi-
mated will be sure OF a triumphant election.
L lind no candidate opposed to San Fran
cisco. have explained that here is a free
and open field, where each of the great
patriotic leaders OF our party would have a
generous welcome. 1t seems to me that
the claim made by some that the workers
of the various candidates could not 90 to
San Francisco is an argument in our favor.
From all learn the great leaders of the
party are anxious that the representatives
should come together in a spirit OF cool
ness and delibe ration and select from the
various candi dates the one to lead us to
victory, and that the convention should be
entirely uninfuenced by outside workers.
The result is hoped to be calm iudg-
ment passed by the representatives of the
party in convention assembled, SO that
there will be harmony from Maine to Cali
fornia. This, I believe, will be done. l
am satisfied that the distinguished leader
of Pennsylvania, Mr.. Quay, and the adroit
Mr.. Platt of New York have only one am
bition, and that Is to find the heart of the
people and then select the candidate that
will give the greatest satisfaction.
II shall urge our people at home to ap-
point strong committee to be present in
Washington on the 10th when the commit
tee meets. The great champions which
the West has here in the East will be
there, and in my judgment San Francisco
will hold such strong hand that no other