The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-27
WILKES-bARRE.
HILLMAN FOR CONGRESS.


The Republican leaders OF Luzerne
politics are on pins and needles. The
declination of Leisenring to run again
was like a bombshell thrown into the
camp. 1t knocked many plans and
calculations into smithereens. Men
who had been spending time and money
in the effort to secure recognition for
places on the county ticket, were over
whelmed with surprise at Leisenring's
action. # made big difference with
their schemes. Feeling assured that
the congressman would succeed HIM
self and that the Fourth district could
not lay claim to much else than single
county office besides, they hustled about
for delegates. These We're men resid-
ing in this city. Now that the con-
gresham Is likely to be a Wilkes
Barrean, of course the chances for
nominating a senator. or county treas
urer. or other important office from
here are very materially lessened.
There never was quite so much excite
ment as there Is at present.
On the start ii was generally be-
lieved that Halsey. of White Haven.
would loom up as the most formidable
congress nominee. But after think
ing over the matter he came out de-
clining to make a rifle for the place.
Then many eyes were turned toward
ex-senator Morgan B. Williams, who
pitted himself against Leisenring two
years ago. Mr. Williams seemed to
be the natural legatee. and II is pretty
well understood that II he will declare
himself candidate that he will have
a walkover The Record has been de-
manding for several days that the sena-
tor break the silence that seals his lips
and tell the people what he intends do
ing. But Mr.. Williams winks his left
eye and maintains his sphinx-like ST.
lence. He told frieDd this week that
he would declare himself the latter
part Of this. or the early part of next
week. In the meantime half dozen
ambitious men are on tenter hooks,
swearing mad. because the senator
winks and says nothing.
OTHER CANDIDATES.
While the leaders are waiting for
Williams to omen his lips. other men
are popping up for the big nomination.
Ex- Representative G. ID. Foster, who
few years ago beat Williams in the
congress convention and was subse-
quently beaten by Hines in the fight
for an election. says that he would con-
slider it high honor to be named again.
This declaration, more than anything
else, would inspire Mr., Williams to en-
ter the race, as he has grudge
against Mr.. Foster which, somehow.
has not been settled yet. The only
reason why Mr. Williams delays. 1t IL
said by his friends Is involved In u
domestic antipathy against 1t, his ply
sicians declaring that he is not physic-
ally able to assume the labor and with
stand the excitements Of u political
campaign. But they said the same
thing two years ago and yet the gen.
tleman ended one Of the hottest
fights on record. 1t was brief. but he
passed safely through.
1t is well known that Leisenring
wished to see Mr.. Halsey get the nOmi-
nation, and though the latter has
turned away from 1t, Jack McCarty
Leisenring's private secretary, was in
town on Monday pleading with Hal
sey to recall his letter declining to
run. 1t is understood that Halsey
couldn't be won over.
The name of ex-AttcGney General
Palmer was fioated for the first time
Tuueday. although II has been mention
ed quietly in certain influential quarters
There is no questioning the fact that
Mr. Palmer would make a brilliant
representative. but his independent
spirit and bold and aggressive nature
handicap his popularity, and 1t would
take big pile of money to nominate
him, which Mr.. Palmer would decline
to put up In a preliminary skirmish
If nominated. he'd open his purse and
his contributions would unquestionabiy
be generous. 1t Is not probable that
his name will come before the conven-
tion.
A NEW SUGGESTION.
There is one gentleman in this city
whose name is on the lips of many. but
which has not yet got into the news
papers. 1t Is that of II. Baker Hillman,
retired coal operator. a man of
wealth and long experience and who
could give his entire time to congress
sional duties If called upon to discharge
them. Mr.. Hillman has been abroad.
too. and his extensive travels have aug
mented his general fund of knowledge
and acquainted him with the systems
and laws of other governments beside
his own. Some years ago Mr. Hill
man lost a promising son, and as a
memorial. erected magnificent build
ing to be used for the purpose of an
academy. 1t was a gift that has al
ready proved its value. and will be in
creased with the passage of time. A
man of distinguished personal appear
ance, quiet and unassuming in his
ways. Mr.. Hillman wouiu be sure to at
tract attention at Washington and
would undoubtedly WELD much intiu-
ence While he would not shine as an
orator. there can be no question as to
his power In the committee room,
where, after all. congressional genius
is most needed. Whether Mr. Hill
man would be willing to enter the race
for congress or not Is not known. It Is