The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-10-16
Received from the GeOr-
gian That Caused IA Sudden
Change in Plans.
HURRIED TRIP TO ATLANTA
BY BUTLER. WHO WAS SAID TO BE
EN ROUTE TO WASHINGTON.
Rumor that n Cabinet Position Has
Been Promised the Arch Middle
ROader If He VIII Withdraw.
.pecial to the indianapolis Journal.

| 6pGclHl ID the IluldLdpOlIS OuIhdA.
CHICAGO, Oct. 15.-The projected trip
of the committee appointed by the Populist
executive committee to call on Mr.. Watson,
1t was said tonight, had been abandoned.
Senator Butler, it was reported, left for
Washington last night. Committeeman
Reed, of Georgia, and George f. Wash
burn. chairman Of the Western branch of
the committee, who were to
Senator Butler to Georgia, are still in town
and they said that no formal call would be
made on Mr.. Watson. A telegram was re-
ceived from the Populist vice presidential
candidate to-day. Mr.. Washburn stated
that the trip was abandoned because it
was absolutely necessary for Senator But
Ter to return to Washington at once. h
the contents Of the telegram are is caus-
ing considerable speculation, as it was un-
derstood last night that the committee in
tended to start unless word was heard
from Watson to the contrary. 1t was
learned from another source that Chair
man Butler had gone to Washington by
way of Watson's home. This evident at
tempt of the Populist leaders to keep the
matter secret has caused much gossip. A
dispatch from Atlanta, Ga, however, indi-
Gates that Mr.. Watson expects the COM
mittee to visit him. The dispatch says:
THE proposed conference between a sub
committee of the Populist national execu-
tive committee, headed by Senator Butler
and Thomas Watson, Populist vice presi-
dental nominee, is expected to develop a
political sensation. 1t is generally believed
inside Populist circles here that the visit
of the committee will result in a formal
request for Mr.. Watson to withdraw.
There are numerous rumors of official posi-
lions to be rendered Mr.. Watson in case
ha Uifhdvayu S ood Tho cro - va rf- ;r
successful at the November elections. The
stories Of the promised position range all
the way down from a cabinet portfolio,
but no one claims to have definite in
formation as to just what, if any
thing, will be promised. There is grave
doubt expressed, however, that Mr.. Wat
son will promise to withdraw. 1t is freely
stated that the Populist manifesto OF yes
terday was by no means pleasing to the
vice presidential candidate, and the COM
mittee's haste in notifying him OF the in
tended visit is said to have been the result
of a fear that he would take precipitate
action before the conference could be held.
That fear was set at rest. however, by a
message which Mr.. Watson sent to Chair
man Washburn to-day, expressing will
ingness to see the committee. Mr.. Watson.
according to the rurnor, allayed the fears
of the Populist leaders by arpending 10
ms telegram the statement that he would
await the coming of the subcommittee.
1t is believed, from this. that the canui-
dates letter of acceptance viii not be pub
lished until after the coming conference.
although he was expected to have given
it to the press tonight. What the outcome
of the committees visit will be is alto
gether guess work. but there is Il growing
impression that Mr.. Watson will take more
kindly to the alleged suggestion of with
drawal than he would have done at an
earlier date in the campaign. He is ex-
pected to leave Thomson for Atlanta as
soon as he Is dptnifptE informed a : 70 tho
has been some dispute as to whether the
conference should be held at Atlanta, or
out it is thought that Atlanta
has been decided upon"
Another dispatch from Atlanta says:
Senator Marion Butler came here tonight.
Advices from Chicago are that the trip
to See Watson was abandoned on receipt
of a message from Watson, the character
of which is not known. The belief here
is that Watson takes umbrage at the COM
mittee'S action"