New-York tribune., 1896-05-06
MEINLEY MEN CONFIDENT.
HOW THE CASE STANDS AT THE CALL
FORNIA CONVENTION.

THE SOUTHERN DELEGATES SEEM TO HAVE
FORMED AN INvINCIBLE COMBINATION IN
BEHALF OF MKINLEY-CONrEsTED SEATS.
tBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRiBrNE.l
Sacramento Cal, May 5.-The California Re-
publican State Convention met this afternoon
and organized. but it seemed doubtful whether
any real work would be done before tomorrow
One thing. however, seems certain, ana tAat Is
that the delegation will be instructed for NC
Kinley The Mckinley sentiment appears to be
too strong for the opponents Of the Ohio man to
thwart.
Delay in getting TO work is due TO the larger
number of contests between delegations which
must be settled. These contests have completely
upset the plans OF the managers. and probably
no State Convention ever met with so htte
chance of foretelling who would be in position
TO dictate It's action. San Francisco usually
sends solid delegation which, by means of It's
numbers and political experience, is able to
dominate the convention. but this time there is
a bitter fight In the WITH District between the
Kelly-Mahoney delegates led by Joseph Spear,
and the faction headed by John d. Spreckels,
the oldest son of the sugar millionaire. who has
come out this year as political boss Of the first
magnitude.
Spreckels has furnished the element Of discord
by declaration that unless he is sent as an un-
instructed delegate to St Louis he will retire
from further active work for the party and VIII
also tie up his purse-strngs. He Is understood
to have engaged himself to Allison several
months ago, when Thurston was out here dis
tributing Allison buttons, so that now he cannot
accept Mckinley instructions without stultifying
himself. His fat declaration made to a num-
Der Of newspaper men. has been softened by his
friends who were quick to see In it possibility
Of utter defeat for their leader and themselves
The simple fact is that nne-tenths Of the dele
gates are for Mckinley. and there seems TO be no
power which can prevent the convention from
sending a delegation instructed for the Ohio man.
What makes this sure is that the southern coun-
ties which swing AS votes are solid for McKin-
ley These men from the south have played
their cards well. They have put all their affairs
in the hands Of Hervey Lndey. an able political
manipulation, with the understanding that what
ever combinations he makes they will support by
their united votes. The result Is that they will
probably get all they ASK which is the chairman
ship Of the delegation and two delegates to St.
Louis-ex- Governor Lionel Sheldon. Of Los An
gees and U. S. Grant, of San Diego. All these
Southern men are solid for Mckinley and will
listen to nothing except a delegation absolutely
pledged to vote for him.
Against them are arrayed the badly divided
northern counties, split up into factions each
eager to get the lions share Of honor. II the
south can make a combination with one Of the
northern faction, then Its ticket will go through
without a hitch. What rattles the old politicians
Is that the southern men are youngsters. but
they seem to have learned the game Of politics.
for they have come 10 Sacramento with all their
factional fights settled and with all their strength
concentrated.
Their candidate for chairman was w. z. Arthur.
Of Pasadena. formerly an Indiana man. lie Is
only thirty-one. but ne looks older. and though
comparatively unknown in the north. he has al
ready made friends He Is strong Mckinley
| man. and ne declares that the State Convention
| should follow the hint given by the district con-
| ventions and pronounce unequivocally for Nc
| Kinley. Mr.. Arthur was made temporary chair
| man.
| The With District Convention to-day renomi-
| mated Congressman Janes McLachlan, Of Pasa-
| dena. Resolutions in favor Of the instruction OF
| the delegates to st. Louis to vote for Mckinley
and the free coinage of silver the ratio OF 16 to
| were adopted.
| The lid District Convention also adopted Nc
| Kinley resolutions.