Pike County press. (Milford, Pa.) 1895-1925, 1898-04-08
HARRISBURG LETTER.
Compendium of Important
News.Of the Past Week.


tance to Every citizen of the Key
stone State.
HARRISBURG, April Quite stir
has been created over the entire
State during the past week by the
announcement that Secretary of the
Commonwealth, David Martin, had
resigned as leader of the Philadel-
phia City Committee, although it
had been known that he contem-
plated this move since the election
of Sheriff Grow, of his home city.
But coming at this time, just when
State politics are assuming immense
proportions, the announcement was
a surprise to his close followers,
who exerted their every effort to
have him reconsider his decision,
but to no avail. Mr.. Martin, in his
letter of resignation, stated that he
was obliged to pursue this course on
account of the public Office which
he holds and private business affairs
requiring his entire attention. But
it is known that Martin is beginning
TO realize that he is losing his grip,
and that his eloquence will no long
er assist him as it has in the past in
the way of debating to the people
how they "must" vote, so in order
to let himself down as lightly as
possible and to leave the impression
that his strength is not waning, he
does so at the expense of the Re-
publican party. To personal
friend he has made the following
statement: II am convinced that
the Republican party is about due
for a licking next Fall, owing to the
combined issues that have been ap-
parent for some time past. AS the
recognized leader of the party, l
have been assailed and villifed to
an extent that would drive any
other man away from the party,
but l refused to retire under fire and
heldon and accomplished everything
that / set as task for myself. With
defeat staring the party in the face
heroic politics must be resorted to
in order to save it, and should vic
tory not be accomplished it will be
blamed on me, and this, coupled
with my official duties as Secretary
of the Commonwealth, and other
private business leads me to retire
from the party leadership, at least
so far as my seat in the City Com
mittee is concerned"
And now look into the matter
deeply and find the real cause for this
proceeding. 1t is simply this Mar
tin and several of his political as.
sociates had the idea that it would
be the formers privilege to decide
who the Republican gubernatorial
candidate would be, and at the State
would be ratified by the delegates.
But not so, and now he is pursuing
the same course as the spanked boy
in Gales "reminiscences" There
is not one person who will dispute
that Mr.. Martin was a strong leader,
but on the other hand they do not
sanction his actions at this time
when everybody should pull togeth-
er and work harmoniously.
THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES.
The fight for delegates to the Re-
publican State convention continues
but things have shaped themselves
definitely and it is generally con-
ceded that Colonel VIM. A. Stone
will be the gubernatorial nominee.
A majority of the delegates have
already been chosen and the greater
portion, although uninstructed, are
favorable to Stone. The Wanamaker
people do not admit this to be the
case and are still striving to create
4 sentiment in favor of the defeated
Senatorial candidate. This is a diff
ferent thing to do for Stones canvass
was made early and when the fact
is considered that patriotic associa-
lions, and the public in general favor
his candidacy it is an unwise move
TO attempt to thwart their desires.
Less than sixty days remain until
the time of the convention, June I'd,
md on that date, as predicted sew
eral months ago, the champion of
/ immigration will be declared the
nominee. The candidates for Lieu
tenant Governor are numerous, but
Senator S. j. NJ. NJ Carrell's 8 chances
are the brightest.
AS to the situation in Democratic
circles it must be said that Colonel
James M. Guffey, of Pittsburg, looks
/ like winner. He has repeatedly
been mention ed in former years as
the party's leader, but for some
unaccOuntable reason never received
/ the nomination. This time it is
different, for Mr. Guffey is managing
his own campaign, adheres strictly
to party principles and does not place
rs much confidence in flattering re-
ports as heretofore. The Patterson
boom is receiving little encourage
ment and it is my candid opinion that
/ Guffey will have a walk-over in the
convention.
Regarding DR.. Swallow and his
outfit it can be said with propriety
that they are keeping up their hope
less struggle. But anew element
has taken possession of the reform
ers, and is altogether likely that the
same individuals who handled VIM.
K. Tholnpson's s campaign last fall
will shape matters for the coming
contest. In accepting the order of
the Independents, DIR. Swallow said
he wanted it understood that this
would not prevent him from lead
ing any other party who might de-
sire to make him their choice. This
suggestion was offered, of course, in
order that he might shelter under
the protecting wing of the Prohib-
ition followers,