The herald., 1896-10-13
Mitchell and Gator Arrive From
the North
SHORT TALKS WITH THEM
Two Views of the Political Situation
Fairly Presented
The Outlook From a Democratic and
Populist Standpoint-The Re-
suit of the Political
Campaign.

peen making campaign speeches in the
northern part of the state for the Demo-
cratic state central committee. returned
home from the north yesterday after
noon for brief rest before continuing
further engagements. AS Mr.. Mitchell
has been in close contact In San Fran
cisco with the leaders of the party in the
state and has had opportunities of judg-
ing the trend of political opinion, he
was sought yesterday by a representa-
tive of The Herald for the purpose of
securing a brief resume of the political
situation.
The reporter inquired:
What is your idea of the situation in
the state?" to which Mr.. Mitchell re-
piled: My judgment leads me to be-
lieve that there is no doubt but what we
will carry the state for Bryan and silver
and by large majority Out side of
San Francisco the farmers and masses
of the people are particularly alert and
enthusiastic. They are informing them
selves thoroughly upon the issues, and
l find that discussions meet with more
thoughtful and patient attention than
ever before and that larger crowds are
in attendance at public gatherings than
in previous campaigns. In San Fran
cisco, where there is great wealth, the
same enthusiasm is not apparent, be-
cause the influence of the wealthy Is
being eXerted to the utmost against the
Democratic party and candidates. But
with all, I think the usual Democratic
vote will be polled in the city, the large
silent vote will be manifest in the right
direction on election day and the coun-
try will not have to pull San Francisco
out but simply do its part, which 1
think it will more than do"
What will be the majority, do you
think?"
mot less than 10000. I estimate it
and If there is the landslide that is prob
able, it will be nearly double that"
How about the management of the
campaign"
1T is splendid, considering the disad-
vantages caused by the lack of funds.
Chairman Afford has surprised the old
time Democrats by his firm grasp of the
affairs OF the party. Notwithstanding he
has had but little money, he has, in my
opinion, made the most effectual cam
paign for years. He is an able man,
with executive ability and tact. But
much work remains to be done and the
state committees work must be sup
plemented everywhere. The details
must be watched and watched care
fully"
What about your part in the cam
paign?"
1T has been very pleasant, except that
1 was sick when spoke in, San Francis
CO. Everywhere have had splendid and
enthusiastic audiences, and I have had
the agreeable distinction of being Sc
+, lected to make the campaign with Gov
ernor Budd We open together at oak
land on the oath inst
by the way, ] secured the promise of
a visit and campaign speech from the
governor He will be in Los Angeles on
the 29th inst Mr. Afford, who is a
brilliant orator, will accompany him and
also speak. 1 am sure they will receive
a hearty welcome. I am gratified to see
reports of such good work being done
by the local Democratic committee and
the silver Republican committee. Our
friends in the northern part Of the state
are very much pleased at this work and
the prospect down here, and hope moth
ing will cause them to be disappointed.
Thomas V. Gator, the Populist lead
er reached the city yesterday afternoon
en- route for San Diego, where he opens
his campaign in Southern California on
Wednesday, night Mr.. Gator is making
a vigorous and it is conceded on all sides
an extremely able canvass for his party
and for himself for United States SEN
ator, and therefore what he mas 10 say
on the political situation is extremely
interesting and will be widely read.
When asked to express his views for The
Herald readers he said
What do l think OF the OUTLOOK III the
national contest?
Well. I have seen several private let
tiers from leaders in Washington and
Chicago last week, and unless they are
entirely mistaken, Bryan Is sure OF cleo
ton. / will give you the reason Why
think Bryan's election certain. see
all over the east the Republlcans ie-
port California safe for Mckinley. Now
we know here this is not true. We know
California is for Bryan, and plenty of
Republican leaders know it. If they
make false claims as to California, they
do it as to the other states. Again, we
know it w9s conceded that If the cleo
ton had taken place 4 month after
Bryan's nomination he would have been
elected. Republicans said so. They re-
lied upon reaction. Has it occurred?
1 say 1t has not; but it has appeared in
some places to have occurred for this
! reason the coercion and intimidation
of employees has exceeded anything g
! ever known in our country. Operatives
| in every line have been in lesser or
greater degree threatened, compelled
| to wear Mckinley buttons, compelled
! to form Mckinley clubs, forbidden to
speak or argue in favor OF Bryan, and
! to save their employment they have
appeared acduiesce; but their votes
are not changed-tneir feelings are
I more for Bryan than ever. In the same
manner banks have closed the lips OF
/ farmers who owe notes ard mortga ges,
: acd have silenced the voices OF many
! small merchants and clerks who fear the
i power of the usurer. These thinge
! make the Republicans claim they have
| made gains. Now the evidence is clear
that silver has steadily gained by the
campaign of education. The Republi-
| can managers have overdone the work
of coercion and from the 18TH of October
until November Sd there will be rising
wave for Bryan which nothing can re-
| sist on election day. That Is the way
! ! view 1t.
! California I consider safe for Bryar
by about 10000. The committees at Sar
! Francisco have done excellent work
With very limited money very thor
| ough canvass has been made. C. d
Lane has borne the brunt of the exp ,nse
He Is most devoted believer IL thu
righteousness of Bryan's cause and il
the statement that Bryan Is the man fol
the hour. The Republicans claim Gar
Francisco. I believe Bryan will hav,
a majority even in that center of usur
ers. AS to the union between Populist.
and Democrats, j have recently received
of our national committee, approvinE
of our union as made In California.
understand Mr.. Watson considers 1t fair
~~-n- H. L.