Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-05-06
INDIANA
Prospects of the Convention to. be
Held Tomorrow.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. My 6.-Tae re-
publican state convention, which meets
here tomorrow, this afternoon promises one
of the livtliest rows in the history Of the
party in the state, and ex-President Harri-
son and his mucf.-discussed candidacy
promise to furnish a large portion of the
disturbing element. That, too, without the
ex-Presdent's consent.
The indications are that when the battle
over delegate instructions is reached the
line will be sharply drawn between Harri-
son and Mckinley, and that basis the
Mckinley opposition forces are laying their
plans and expending their argument today
Gen. Harrison still maintains his en-
phatic refusal to be a candidate and re-
fuses a word of encouragement to those
who would be his standard bearers, but his
band continues to play on despite his unre-
lenting attitude. This latest Harrison agi-
tation was sprung today in the shape of
alleged assurances from the east that in
the event of the Ohio candidate failing to
receive the nomination on the first ballot,
the entire opposition would unite on the
EXPIRES ident. 49, ar-. .3.a''-'.
Up to last night there seemed to be no
doubt that the convention would instruct
for Mckinley, but with the news from
the east the opposition took courage and
have worked hard today to defeat instruc-
tons. They argue that with the possibility
state, should be free to turn to his aid.
That they will be successful is believed
to be very doubtful even the opposition
leaders admitting that chances of McKin-
ley instructions are good, while the Nc
Kinley people. led by State Chairman
Gowdy, are positive In their assertion that
the convention will go for the Ohio major
with a rush. Both sides admit, however,
that the Harrison movement is certain to
cause fight of no mean quality.
There is no doubt at all that instructions
for Mckinley will be given.' said Chairman
Gowdy this afternoon. "Of course we will
have to fight for it, but we are sure to
win. AS to the platform, that will be for
sound money. There will be no fight on the
silver question"
Ex-United States Marshall Rans,lell. who
is generally understood to be closer to
General Harrison than any other OF the
ex-President's friends, male the following
statement to the Associated Press this af-
ternoon:
1T must be understood that Mr. Harri-
son is not candidate in any sense of the
word. He stands firmly ny his letter to
Chairman Gowdy, made public through the
Associated Press. several weeks ago and
will Lot allow his name used in any way at
tomorrows gathering. But we, who count
ourselves his friends, believe that should
matters SO develop at the ST. Louis con-
vention that a general demand for his NOM
ination is made that he would accept the
nomination. Any man would.
ION that ground we are opposing Nc
Kinley instructions. believing that Indiana
should be unhampered and free to go to the
support of the general should occasion
arise
Gen. Harrison has been invited to ad-
dress the convention tomorrow. but today
sent word to Chairman Gowdy that he
could rot give definite answer before to-
morrow. It Is believed, however, that he
nif1cance attaches to his appearance before
the delegates.