The evening times., 1896-07-14
HARD FIGHT In PROSPECT
Henry G. Payne Declares Re-
publican Situation Serious.
Thurston May BE Named as the Ninth
Member of Executive Committee.
Mckinley Kay Go to Cleveland. '.

Cleveland, Ohio, July 14.-Hon. Henry
C. Payne, OF Wisconsin, was the first
member of tie executive committee of the
Republican national committee to reach
Cleveland, to attend the meeting called
for tomorrow. He came over from Chicago
last night in his private car used by the re-
ceivers OF the Northern Pacific, and after
brca kf;tst called at Mr.. HanDa's office.
He found the gentleman very busy re-
ceiving politicians and newspaper men,
and IL WAS an hour or more before he could
get u hearing. Among Mr.. Hanna's cali
ers, this morning, was Capt. Thomas Fl.
Mckee, of Washington, who was in charge
of the literary work OF the campaign OF
'92 and assistant secretary OF the con-
gressional committee in "a; Hon. f. v.
Smalley or Minnesota. editor OF the North
west and a small army of locaiand visiting
newspaper writer's.
Mr. hanna said to the reporter OF the
United Press that there was nothing to
add to the statement made yesterday after
| noon. The executive committee would be
| in SESSION, he thought. two days: did not
see how il could possibly get through its
work in less time. As yet Mr.. Payne
was the only member TO respond to the no
tice for the meeting.
II cannot tell lie said. who will be
the ninth member OF the committee.
don't know yet myself. The committee
will simply discuss details and methods Of
| carrying on the campaign. We recognize
| that 1t is TO he battle royal and natur-
| ally want TO make no mistakes. What the
| committee will determine to do, of course,
| l cannot say"
| Mr.. Payne said to the reporter for the
| United Press he was deeply impressed with
| the seriousness Of the situation. .' e.
l4.l
| Wisconsin will be all right, and believe
that Illinois will cast it's electoral vot,
| for Mckinley. 1t is going to be hard
| fight, however, and the wisest aud bes
| gem: alship must be used in conducting
tile campaign. The Western states VIII
| be the seat OF contest. and for that rea
son favor the location OF campaign head
| quarters at Chicago. 1t is folly to hav
| The commander in chief 800 miles a wa,
| from the scene of conflict" .r'.f
| An impression prevails that Senator
| Thurston. OF Nebraska, permanent chairman
| OF the st. Louis convention, can be tn
| ninth member of the executive comittee
| he will ccept the place. ..-
| Should the executive committee remain
| in session over Thursday. Major Mckinley
| will come up from Canton and see the mem
bers. He would come tomorrow, but the
| proposed visit of the women of Northea stern
| Ohio interfcres.
The location of headquarters. after all
tits conceded, rests largely with Mr.. Hanna
| Heis quoted as sa aying that if there shoult
lie change from New York, his preference,
| is for Cleveland.
Mr.. Payne and the other Western mem
| bers-Clayton. OF Arkansas: Dawes, of Hi
| nois: Durbin. of Indiana, and Leland, %
| KanSas-if united, could settle the matter
| in favor of Chicago. hut it is not clear tha
| they would oppose Mr.. Hanna's wishes 4
| that degree.
| Present Indications point to CleveIanC
as headquarters. Mr.. Payne is emphati,
| against New York IF we can't carry th,
Eastern States on this ISSUE" he says
| 1--WE can't carry anything"