Evening star., 1897-02-17
BALTIMORE POLITICS
Interest Excited Over the Coming City Con-
vention.
The Mayornlty Nomination to Prob
Supplce-CIaims Made by Both.
Correspondence Of The Evening Star.

BALTIMORE. February 16 1897
1t is now understood that the republican
primaries for the election of delegates 10
the city convention, which will nominate
candidates for mayor for sheriff for
clerks of the several courts and for other
city offices. will be held early in the spring.
and the result of this report has been to
bring several political aspirations to light
which would otherwise have probably re-
mained unrerealed for some time to come.
The Mnyornlty Candidates.
Sheriff Stephen R. Mason has been a
candidate for mayor for some time past
and within the last few days Mr. William
T. Master who was ex-Mayor Latrobe's
opponent in 1898. and Col. J. Frank Sup
piee have entered the field. 1t is generally
believed that the contest will narrow down
to fight between these two gentlemen
and the friends of both are preparinC to
do all In their power TO land the nomina-
tion for their particular favorite. All sorts
OF reports are afioat relating to deals and
arrangements in behalf of each aspirant,
and there is prospect of a very enliven-
ing campaign for the control of the prima-
RES Those who favor the nomination of
COL Supplee are jubilant at the reported
outcome OF a conference held in the CITY
Thursday between Senator-elect Welling-
ton. city Chairman Stone and Col. Supplee
the result of which is said TO have l.. on
/
ton, ana the promise of substantial back
ing by the city organization from Chair
man Stone.
This has brought out a counter boast
from the Malster men. who assert that the
new BOARD OF police commissioners a ma
Jorlty OF which, through the Installation ON
tne i'th OF March of Mr.. w. w. johnson,
Will be republican, will exert their Influence
IN behalf of Mr., Malster should Col. sun
pee friends attempt to run the prima-
rles In the interests of their candidate
Inc Malster men are unauestionably agi-
ti.led over the rumors of Supplee's prosp,c-
1--WE backing by the city organization. and
they say that il his forces undertake to
control the window at the primaries
they VIII use the police force for all IL is
worth, and will check all questionable po-
litical maneuvers which they have reason
to fear may be undertaken
During the week The Star CORRESPONDENT
saw a number of those who have been
prominently mentioned as figuring in the
alleged deals. and they have one and all
denied having in anywise identified them
selves with reported movements in behalf
OF any candidates.
Some Counter Statements.
Chairman Stone declared that the report
that he proposed to use the city organiza-
ton in behalf of Colonel Supplee was en-
tirely without foundation. He said that he
had no personal preference as yet but au-
thorized the statement that he did not ia
WI t'iS iiotibiidlull VI MI MASTER al the
present time
Police Commissioner Heddinger expressed
great Indignation when informed of the
report that the police department would be
utilized to further the chances of Mr.. NAL
ster He said that the police force would
be used solely TO insure a fair primary and
TO see that order was maintained about the
polling places, and that beyond this it
would play no part whatever in the cleo
tion. Both the Malster and SuppIee men,
Notwithstanding assurances that their fears
are groundless, are very suspicious of each
others movements. and both sides are
working hard in the interests of their lead
ers. Mr. Malster has a strong hold on the
affections of the working classes, while Col.
SUPPLIES strength lies chiefly i'm his asso-
citation with republican business men. The
latter has also a large following in the
nuInberless republican clubs which have
cropped up all over the city within the
past two years. As far surface indca-
tions go. ii IS impossible to tell who is
likely to get the nomination. The adherents
of both men are energetic and enthusiastic,
and at present neither appears to have the
advantage.
The attitude of Mayor Hooper is a source
of anxiety to both sides. and the party at
large viii experience a decided sensation of
relief when he indicates whether he intends
to take part in the fight or rot. Despite
his unpopularity with the party a whole
the mayor has built up a good-siZed per-
sonal following during his tenure of Office
and is nov at the head Of an element of the
party WHICH, f6SefHDleS t'le DOuN
of independent democrats. 1t is thought
that Mr.. Hooper stands slight prospect Of
winning denomination, but the exercise
of his influence in behalf of any one candi-
date. 1t is believed would prove sufficient
to throw the nomination that way, and he
undoubtedly holds the key to the situation.
Other Nominations 10 Be Made.
In addition to the nomination for mayor
candidates will be ramed for sheriff. for
clerks of the criminal and city courts and
fer two circuit judgeships. 1t is said that
the nomination for sheriff is likely to go
to City Councilman Samuel Davis of the
eighteenth ward, the present leader of the
combine in the council; that Sheriff Ma
son will be named for clerk of the criminal
court, ard that Mr.. Jam Allison, president
of the first branch of the city council will
get the nomination for the clerkship of the
city court.
Mr.. GOrman's Attitude.
Democratic political matters are pract:-
cally dead. the only topic discussed being
Senator Germans attitude in connection
with the approaching campaign for the
control of the general assembly. In fact, SO
little democratic politics is talked about in
Baltimore that one would hardly know of
the existence of that party. which two
years ago dominated the state and city
governments in all their departments. Mr.
Wellington has taken Mr.. Germans place
as the central public figure. and the crowds
wait for him and waylay him in the corri-
L