Evening star., 1895-06-11
OHIO POSSIBILITIES
An Important Turn in State Politics
May Be Made.
THE CAMPBELL AND FORAKER FIGHT
It May Be Renewed, but With
Higher Stakes Played For.
NATIONAL ISSUES INVOLVED

If the appointment of Judge Harmon to
the attorney generalship should-as now
seems proba ole-be followed by the nomina-
tion of James 2. Campbell as the demo-
cratic candidate for governor of Ohio, a
decided important turn will be given to the
political complexion of things in the buck
eye state. Mr.. Campbell is regarded as
very interesting man. He Is young, eg-
gressive, popular, good speaker and de-
batter of readiness and capacity He bears
a name long honorably known in the po-
litical annals of the state; he has served
the state himself both in Congress and as
governor. and his friends are persuaded
that even higher station awaits him. The
presidency itself ought not, in their judg-
ment, to be beyond the reach Of his en-
deavors. juaciousy directed. So, with
Campbell as the gubernatorial candidate,
and Harmon as Attorney General, as
manifestation of the Presidents interest in
the campaign, the Ohio democracy would
have no excuse either for sulking or de-
serting. and a very heavy vote would, 1t
Is predicted, be rolled up.
A Fight With Foraker.
This, 1t is to be seen. would renew the old
combat between Campbell and Foraker.
Bushnell, 1t Is true. is the republican can
jdate for governor. but the fight really Is
Forakers. The Cincinnati leader Is re-
sponsible for Bushnell, Is preparing himself
to bear the heat and burden of the repub-
lcan day on the stump, and, besides, has
his own senatorial aspirations to protect
and advance. He has twice as much at
stake as Bushnell, and will probably be
selected to meet in the campaign debate
whoever may head the democratic state
ticket.
Foraker is a thoroughly game man, and,
1t Is thought. would be glad of an oppor-
tunity to meet Campbell this year. Their
contest of several years ago was decided
against Foraker by what he and his friends
nave always characterized as an unde-
Eerved stroke of fate. The contest opened
promisingly for him, and. although Camp
bell was carrying himself very attractively
In the eyes OF the crowd. it did not look as
II he could win. But in an evil moment for
his fortunes, Foraker and his friends were
tricked by a story connecting Campbelps
name with the celebrated ballot box affair
They gave countenance and currency to the
story, and so, when the fraud was de-
nounced and exposed. Foraker suffered and
Campbell gained in the popular feeling that
was aroused. Campbell won, and Foraker
returned to private life.
But Forakers reverse was only tenn
porary AS soon as the whole story of the
ballot box business came out and it was
seen that Forakers offer Sc had been only
that Of yielding Candidates too eager
ear to rumors affecting his opponent, the
favor with which his party had long re-
garded him returned to him, and he has
ever since enjoyed an exceptional popular
ity in the state. He is the most popular of
all the local republican orators, and, as
was shown at GAINESVILLE. has his wishes
obeyed by his party's organization down to
the smallest detail.
Playing for Higher Stakes
Here, then, would be the old opponents
confronting each other again, but this time
with the difference that higher stakes than
before would be involved and incting the
two men to their very best exertions For
aker has for years had his eyes fixed long
ingly on tn, Senate, while Campbells ap-
pearance in the field would be accepted at
once as evidence that as Is supposed, he as
pires to play leading part on the national
stage. His itinerary would simply make
of Columbus stopping place on his jour-
ney to the White House.
II Campbell runs against Bushnell and
loses, will his presidential chances be in
jured? Hardly, it is thought The tide is
at present against the democracy every
where. Democratic leaders are taking
party nominations with defeat staring
them IN the face. Mr.. HilPs action in New
York last year is cited as an inspiring ex-
ample of what must be done in certain
circumstances. Mr.. Campbell would simply
enroll himself among those willing at all
times to respond to call to duty. He
wo I'D, in defeat, still be in favor with the
President, and in greater favor than ever
with his party at home, whose forlorn hope
lyy baI laJ