The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1897-01-29

Only about eight weeks now inter-
yene before the nominating conven-
tions will be held by the two parties
to place in the field candidates TO I'LL
the various city offices for the COM
ing term. A good deal of speculation
is being INDUCED in as to the probable.
effect OF the new elective franchise liz
reducing the vote of one political
party more than the other. The
general opinion seems TO be that the
greatest falling off will be in the
Republican vote. This is accounted
for by the fact that more of our
Scandinavian residents have come to
America during the past five years
than any other nationality, and
therefore more of these will
be disqualified from voting.
The Scandinavians are Re
publicans almost to man.
While good many German residents
have not taken out their second
papers, this will cut both ways, for
both parties are well represented in
the ranks of the German-Americans.
Whether the falling off of the Repub-
lican vote will be serious enough to
endanger the success of the Republi-
can ticket is considered doubtful by
the best judges in both parties.
The mayoralty contest, of course,
absOrbS the greatest interest. 1t is
generally taken for granted that DR..
Andrews will be candidate for the
Republican nomination, with good
chances of success. The position of
Mayor Weaver is said by one who is
close to him to be this: If DR.. An
drews is candidate, Mayor Weaver
will lend him his aid and support; if
DR.. Andrews is not candidate, the
mayor may seek to add third term
to the honors that have lately been
showered upon him. While we are
not in a position to say so with def
niteneSs, there nevertheless is excel
lent ground for the belief that the
present Fourth ward alderman will be
a candidate for mayor, and that he
will formally announce himself soon
after his return from the east, in
March.
The Democrats to be at sea in
regard to a candidate for mayor.
Aids. Petersen and Zimmerman have
been mentioned, but there is strong
opinion among the party workers that
neither of them could come anywhere
near an election. Not much casting
about for material has been.done. The
policy seems to be waiting one, in
the hope that something will occur
that may be turned to advantage. In
the last Gay or two, John Klein's
name has been much discussed, but it
is considered doubtful whether he
would take the nomination.
Next to the the mayoralty, the
municipal judgeship is receiving the
most attention. So far, Judge
Shisslers is the only name mentioned
among the Republicans. He is serv-
ing his first term, and the opinion
prevails that he will be renominated.
If there is anyone to lead an opposi-
tion, he has not yet shown his hand.
The name most prominently men
toned by the Democrats is that of ex-
Judge Porter. The latter has not yet
said whether he would accept the
nomination, but some of those who
are close to the Judge believe that
when the time comes he will not be
found averse to the honor.
Judge Torrey is candidate for the
Office in DOn-partisan sense. he
would take the nomination at the
hands of either party, and if neither
offers it to him, he will run as non
partisan candidate. In defining his
position, he said to the FREE PRESS
today: 81 will not 60 into the caucuses
if there is 10 be scramble for the Of
fee, but will have my name placed on
the ticket as a nOn-partisan candidate
Many of my friends have urged me to
take this step, and l have finally con,
ented. The office is very import
ant one, as appeals from it are taken
directly to the supreme court. was
city justice from 1868 to 1878, before
the municipal court was established.
and passed upon cases enough TO fill
six large dockets-about 5000 cases in
all, and many Of them important.
While / held the office, the Winona &
St. Peter railroad was constructed in
to the city, and hundreds Of workmen
were employed. A great many
toughs were among the crowd, and
nv court had plenty to attend to IL
the numerous criminal cases which
these men caused. | as r'ere OF thc
district COURT Tor iv, ycare. was al