Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-08-20
, LITlCS IN KANSAS
Any Analysis of the Situation Makes the
State Doubtful
Ingalls, Is in the Campaign and
as His Sent in the Senate.
pecial Correspondence Of The Evening Star.
JNnEpENDENrE Kap


INDEPENDENCE. Kan,
August IS, 1896
Kansas politics seem to thrive under the
hot sun of August. At least the events of
the past two weeks have developed marked
interest in the political situation and pre-
ciptated campaign that promises to grow
in earnestness, as well as uncertainty, I'M
til election day. Within a few days COM
plete and apparently harmonious fusion
has been consummated between the popu-
lists and democrats, giving the latter the
presidential electors and the populists the
state ticket Congressman, legislature and
everything in sight, by implication If not
by express agreement. The republicans In
state convention have just renominated
Gov. Morrill, and the entire ticket Of two
years ago, including the present Congress
man-at-lsrse. The nominations for Con-
gress in the several districts have been
made. and even the county and legislative
tickets are completed throughout the state.
So the lines are drawn and the opposing
forces are not only being everywhere mar
shaded. but are already actually engaged.
Ingalls, and the Senate.
The situation has added interest in the
fact that the legislature to be elected this
fall will choose United States Senator to
succeed Mr.. PETER, and that Mr.. Ingalls, is
with several others. In the hope OF being
restored to what he regards as his old seat
in the Senate. That the result in Novem-
Der is doubtful and uncertain is admitted
by all who look at this field and the forces
dispassionately. OF course the more zeal
Gus partsans on either side are claiming
the victory. The fusionists. or "popocrats,"
the newly coined name given them, mani
fest great confidence in their ability to car
ry the state. based largely on the fact that
like combination did carry 1t in 1892 on
state ticket and presidential electors by q
plurality of 5000 over the republican vote.
The republicans two years ago. however.
overthrow the populists. electing their state
ticket Coz gressmen. all but one. and
majority in the legislature on joint ballot.
But there was in that campaign a demo-
cratic ticket in the field, whereas there b
none this year, and 1t Is the republicans
against the enemy combined.
Situation Analysed.
The republicans appear very hopeful and
are organizing for an aggressive campaign.
They rely much on the unpopularity Of the
populist state administration from 1892 to
1894 as compared with the republican con-
troll of the state during the last two years.
On this score and their attitude the
financial question they appeal to the con-
servative business element in the state, re-
CARELESS Of party affiliations and also to
the German vote, usually counted sound
on the money question On the other hand.
they count on losing quite a number of
radical free silver republicans. Their loss.
OF course, will be comparative gain for
the opposition. What it will amount to is
now purely conjectural. 1t will include
republican here and there who puts the
silver question above all other party con-
siderations. while thousands Of others with
flee silver tendencies will stand by the
republican party.
Mckinley Popular.
Mckinley has for years been very strong
with the party here, the rank and file as
we'll as leaders. This will count for some
thing. as we'll as the fact that Kansas, I'M
der normal conditions is republican. Its
his tory. traditions, affiliations, all incline
that way. But votes rather than sentiment
will tell the tale in November The unex-
pectcd happens oftener in Kansas than
anywhere else-that is, in politics.
While the campaign may look different
before 1t Is a month older. the chances are
that Kansas must stand in the doubtful
column until that eventful day in Novem-
ber when we shall know what can now
only be guessed at l.. L.. H.