Evening star., 1897-02-25
D r. H u NTER TAI S
Still in the Race for Senator From Ken
lucky.
Believes He Has Votes Enough to
Win - Friends
Views.

A special from Frankfort, which follows
fast upon the return of Gov Bradley from
Canton, states that Mr.. Mckinley has made
overtures by mail to Congressman Hunter
to retire from the senatorial race in Ken
lucky, and that il they are accepted DR.
Hunter will receive a satisfactory federal
appointment In conversation with rep
resentative of The Star today DIR. Hnuter
characterized the story as wholly without
foundat ton.
The whole thing is fabrication for
purpose. My position is as well known at
Canton as it is IN republican circles i'm
Kentucky. l am a candidate for Senator
and for nothing else. And more than that;
l have assurances of support from enough,
members of the legislature 10 make me the
caucus nominee of my party for that Of
flee In such circumstances, why should 1
retire from the race? How could l do so
in justice to myself TO my friends
Thirty-six votes will he necessary i'm a full
caucus to nominate. and | can count abso-
iuteiy on forty-three. We are entitled i'm
Kentucky to the regular party procedure
A caucus in such contests is the rule and
the majority vote binds.
Will BE Before the LegfsInture.
IF the legislature is called together in
extra session. then, you viii he candidate
Senate?''
Il will. You cannot state that too posi-
lively l have every reason to feel that
i am the choice of a very large majority
Of my party at home for the senatorship,
ard l shall hold myself subject 10 their
commands. l shall go 10 Frankfort and
make the fight, and endeaver by every fair
means in my power 10 achieve success. The
party is entitled TO senator. The iegis-
iature is republican on joint ballot. the
vote in the senate here is exceedingly close.
aid every consideration demands that an
election take place. l wish TO say that l
am not lighting ANYBODY in This matter.
am not an o5str1ctionst. / have perfect
flght to be a candidate for thu Senate. and
with majority of The republican members
of the legislature in favor of my cleo ton,
1t is my duty, as it is my pleasure,
to make the race wish TO say
also that if the Legislature is called TO-
gether in extra session 1 shall rot only be
the caucus nominee of my party but /
believe l shall lie chosen senator
DR.. Hunter was asked concerning the pa
ture of the personal differences existing be-
tween himself and Gov. Bradley. but he
excused himself from discussing them. He
was willing, lie said. TO stand upon mis-
record at horne. His services to his parry
We're known, and he considered !hst as
the nominee of the party for senator last
winter, and as the prospective nominee for
the office again. he could safely rest his
case with the general public.
What "a Friend Says.
A friend of DIR. Hurter, familiar with
the situation in Kentucky. supplemented
the doctors statement with a statement
o. his own:
DIR. Hunters attitude in this matter is
almost identical with Senator Mitchelrs
attitude in Oregon. Mr.. Mitchell is the
caucus nominee of his party for reelection,
and as such is entitled to the fun party
support in the legislature. He has said,
however, in the frankest way, that he
desires the election of republican senator
above every other consideration
IF Dr. Hunter is nominated by the re-
publican caucus in kentucky, but finds tha;
caucus action will not secure his election,
Will he retire. or offer to retire in favor of
some republican whose election can be
comcassed?"
Il cannot say. l think the question pre-
mature at this time. He thinks he can be
elected. If the caucus dominates him he
Will certainly be entitled, under party
usage. to every republican vote in the leg
islature, and if he gets them all he Will
be elected. He retired last winter when il
was asserted that he was hindering an
election, but Mr.. Boyle, who succeeded him
aS the caucus nominee could not win And
DIR. Hunter returns to the engagement now
stronger than ever with his party