Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1896-02-08
CONGRESSIONAL TALK.

The republican landslide of ga al
most excluded democratic represen-
tation from Illinois in the lower
house of congress. Out of total of
90 members the democrats only Sc
cured one-Finis E. Downing, of
the Sixteenth-and that by a narrow
margin. The signs of activity al
ready noticeable in the congressional
field, indicate that there will be at
least democratic majority in the
next congressional delegation from
this state. In the normally demo-
cratic districts. especially. can al
ready be observed spirit of aggres-
sion and retaliation for the drubbing
of two years ago.
Those Which should be Redeemed.
The Eleventh district is composed
OF La Sale, Livingston, Bureau and
woodford counties. The normal
democratic majority approximates
1000. In 1892 the counties compos-
ing the district gave Cleveland 1882
majority and Altgeld nearly 1000.
In 1894 Reeves epublican) majority
over Gibbons (democrat) was nearly
5000. The democrats NAV nominate
Gibbons again, but it is said that a
Woodford county man may be named.
Judge Meek, of Eureka. has been
spoken Of. Walter Reeves, the in
cumbent, will in all probability be
renominated by the republicans.
The Fourteenth district comprises
the counties of Putnam, Marshall,
Peoria, Fulton, Tazewell and Mason.
The district is democratic under
normal conditions, but Graft, the re-
publican nominee, was elected in
1894 by 800 majority over George
o. Barnes, his democratic competi-
tor. The democrats of that section
believe they can redeem the district
without difficulty, and several aspir-
ants have indicated a willingness to
make the attempt. Among those
spoken OF are ex-Mayor John
Warner, of Peoria, and Thomas Coop
er, of Tazewell county. State Senator
John Niehaus, of Peoria. is also
prominently mentioned. Joseph V.
Graft. the incumbent, will be renomi.
mated by the republicans, as no one
else appears inclined to make tine
race.
Marsh Will Stay at Home.
The Fifteenth district is composed
of the counties of Henderson, War
rem, Hancock. McDonough, Adams
Brown and Schuyler. 1t is heavily
democratic, but the landslide of 1894
gave it to the republicans by about
400 ajoritv. 1t is so certain tt
elect democrat this year that g
number Of candidates for the nomina
ton are already in the field. Truman
Plantz, OF Hancock, defeated two wear!
ago by Benjamin F. Marsh, would
like to have the nomination. Adams
county has two candidates, William
Covert and L. A. Babcock. 1t i:
probable. however. that only one
name will 60 before the convention
Warren county will have a candidate
it is said, in the person OF United
States Subtreasurer Delos p. Phelps
MIR. Phelps, who was formerly chair
man of the democratic state centra
committee, is at present a residen
of Chicago, where the subtreasury i
located, but it is claimed that he will
receive the nomination. Marsh will
be renominated by the republicans
The Sixteenth district is the onl,
one in the state represented by :
democrat. The district is composed
of the counties of Cass. Morgan
/ Sontt piGo Croop
houn and Jersey. Finis f. Downing
the democratic nominee two year
ago. received but 40 more votes tba
his republican opponent, Gen. Johl
j. Rinaker.
Good for Democratic Majority.
Under ordinary conditions the di:
trict is good for 4, 900 democratic ma
jority. W. II. Hinrichsen. at presen
secretary of state, will be q candidat
to succeed Downing. MIR. Hinrich
sen is confident he will be nominated
but it is understood that Congress
man Downing will ask for a secon
term. Other probable candidate
are: Maj. W. p. Gallon. of Morgan
+. Williams, of Pike: James Collin
and Senator Allen, OF Scott: Thoma
Henshaw. Of Green, and Thoma
Ferns, of Jei sey.
The Seventeenth or Sangamon dis
trict is composed of Sangamon. Lie
gan. Christian, Mason and Menar
counties. The normal Democrat
majority is about 1880, but Ma
Connolly. the republican candidate
defeated Mr.. Springer by $500 ma
jority two years ago. Maj. Connell
will, of course, get the republica
nomination and is entitled to i,
There are q number of Democrat
candidates in the field. Ex-Senato
b. +. Caldwell. of Springfield, ha
strong backing and his chances ar
reported as good. rs Sangamon. wit
the aid OF either Christian, Macon G
Logan. can control the convention
BY giving either of the countie
named the member of the state boar
OF equalization, Saugamon count
can name the candidate for congress,
Among other candidates named ar,
Bradford X. Durfee, Of Macon; jaime
Hoblit and j. j. Beach, of Logan: .