Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-06-22
Republican State Convention Opens
at Toledo, Ohio.
FIGHT BETWEEN DICK AND KURTZ
Each Wants to Be Chairman of
State Central Committee.
ALL ELSE IS CUT AND DRY

TOLEDO. Ohio. June 1.-The republican
state convention began here today. 1t will
nominate full state ticket and indorse
a candidate for United States senator
There is no opposition to Senator Hanna
for both the short and the long terms and
none to the denomination of Governor
Bushnell and other state officers. all Of
whom are running for their second terms.
There is no agitation over the resolu-
lions or any of the ordinary issues at con-
ventions The contest mas been from
the start for the control of the state CEN
trail committee, which selects the cam
paign chairman. Each Of the twenty-one
congressional districts vas closely can
vassed in advance for committeeman, and
both factions claimed a majority of the
twenty-one members up to today. Se1a-
tor Foraker Governor Bushnell and others
have been untiring i'll their efforts to re-
tain Chairman Chas. l.. Kurtz. while Sen
ator Hanna and the old following of Drcsi
dent Mckinley and Secretary Sherman
have supported Major Charles Dick for
the place.
Major Dick is now secretary Of the ma
tional committee. He was chairman of
the Ohio state executive committee in both
of MCkinley'S campaigns for governor and
in tie presidential campaign of 1872. Dick
was superseded by Kurtz chairman in
Governor Bushneifs first campaign two
years ago. and the latter has held the
place ever since.
In addition to the factional elements rep
resented there has been strong rivalry
for years between Dick and Kurtz. and the
fight between them is the distinguishing
feature of this convention. 1t has involved
all the party leaders on one side the
other. and is the most bitter contest that
has been waged within either party for
years.
Last Committee Meeting.
The old state central committee held its
last meeting this morning, but owing to
the peculiar canvass for campaign chair
man none of the contests were decided for
the temporary organization of the conven-
ton. These contests were referred back to
the district meetings of the delegates this
afternoon. Senator Hanna arrived from
Cleveland with a large escort shortly after
il am, and held a conference with Maj.
Dick. The latter presented an ultimatum
from Gov. Bushnell. In this utimatum
Gov. Bushnell authorized Maj. Dick TO say
to Senator Hanna that he (BushnelD would
decline denomination if Chairman Kurtz
vas not retained in charge of the state
headquarters. Hanna and Dick remained
in secret conference some time. after which
Senator Hanna ana Gov. Bushnell are to
fGve a firal conference previous to the
district meetings of delegates at pm.
nell will recede from his ultima tum of de-
clination. but lii the event of his declina-
ton the Hanna men, who largely control
the convention. say they will proceed to
accept the decl,ration and nominate ]. H.
Brigham. assistant secretary of agricul-
ture, for governor. Brigham has been
largely sought after here all day.
In this event there would be other
changes in the state ticket. The secret
conferences of Major Dick Governor Bush
nell. Chairman kurtz and others may de-
lay the district meetings at 3 pm, and
also the assembling of the convention,
which is announced for pm.
Would Not Withdraw Dick.
The conference between Senator Hanna
and ais friends closed at 1870, when it
was announced that the senator would not
consent to the withdrawal of Major Dick
as candidate for campaign chairman.
Among those in the conference room with
Senator Hanna were Congressman Grosve-
nor, State Ser ator James A. Garfield, ex-
Chairman VIM. NJ. Hahn, Major Dick and
Col. Myron T. Herrick. They were together
ever an hour. and then Senator Hanna
called on Gov. Bushnell. the two being
clCSeted alO..e.