Omaha daily bee., 1896-05-31
wuAr poUstAs COUNTY ASKS.


For the past four years Douglas
county has been the republican strong
hold of Nebraska. Republican candi-
dates on the state ticket, with one sim
gle exception, have been given ma
jorities in this county ranging from
5000 upward which, If transferred to
their opponents, would have turned
their victories into defeats. The large
representation accorded Douglas county
in republican state conventions Is,
therefore, no more than II Is justly en-
titled to. In the impending state cam
paign as in previous campaigns the
attitude Of Douglas county republicans
toward the candidates. OF prominent
aspirants to state office Is consequently
of more than ordinary moment.
A convention composed of representa-
tive republicans of this city and county
convened for the purpose of electing
delegates to the state convention has,
after due delberation, given authorita-
tive expression to the sentiment and
wishes of the rank and file of the party.
First and foremost 1t had been decreed
in the republican primaries that no
candidate for the Office of governor
should be presented. BY an over
whelming vote of the convention the
resolution demanding the renominatlon
of A. S. Churchill as attorney general
was rejected. BY this action the con-
vention only emphasized the sentiment
prevailing throughout the state in re-
gard to Mr.. Churchilfs candidacy. Two
years ago Mr.. Churchill secured place
on the state ticket by miscount The
rightfully nominated candidate for at
torney general. w. s. Summers, was
induced to acquiesce in this jugglery
of the tally sheets on the assurance
that Mr.. Churchill would not present
himself for denomination. The re-
publicans of Douglas county have taken
Mr.. Churchill at his word, although he
appears to have become oblivious OF
the circumstances under which he had
been permitted to profit by nomina-
ton which did not belong to him.
The convention, on the other hand,
by vote of 10 to Al, Instructed the
delegates chosen to represent Douglas
county to cast their votes as unit III
favor of Edward Il. Balch for the Of
flee of state treasurer and of G.. X. VIII
liams for the office of commissioner of
public lands and buildings, and to give
each of these men their earnest sup
port so long as either one of them has
"A chance of nomination. Both of these
men are staunch republicans, OF un-
blemished reputation. and thoroughly
qualified for the respective positions
for which they have been endorsed.
Mr.. Balch is an experienced account
ant and one of the best equipped finan-
cial experts in the state, If not in the
west. The position he now occupies
in one of the great banking establish
ments of this city affords abundant
guaranty of his integrity and capacity.
Mr.. Williams is one of the most sub
stantial and intelligent farmers in this
sections and has for five years past
managed the affairs Of this county as
a member of the county board of which
he was for two years the chairman.
No man in the state is better quallfed
for the discharge of the responsible
duties attaching to the office of land
commissioner than is Mr.. Williams and
his nomination would not only gratify
republicans of Douglas county but add
strength to the entire ticket, while, on
the other hand. the present incumbent
lacks all the elements of popularity ana
would have to be carried by others.
With their preferences clearly eX-
pressed. republicans of Douglas county
have n right to expect that the state
convention will carry out, so far as
may be possible, their recommenda-
tions and respect their wishes as re-
CARDS men whose candidates. nave
called forth expressions of their dis
favor