New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-09-07
CONNECTICUT PEPUBLICANS.

The Republicans of Connecticut have begun
the preliminary work of their State campaign
with the comfortable assurance of a complete
victory In November 1t is an extremely inter
esting contest because Of the sharp and deter
mined competition for the nomination for Gov
crpor between Mr. George T.. LOunsbury, who
has won reputation and popularity in the Legs
latnre, and Mr. John Addison Porter. secretary
10 President Mckinley 1t is Il contest Of large
importance to the whole country for the reason
That the Legislature 10 be elected this fall Will
choose General Hawleys successor in the United
States Senate About One-third Of the delegates
10 the State Convention which will decide be-
tween the claims OF Messrs. Porter and Louns-
hurry have been elected. but so few Of these
have been instructed that all calculations as TO
the result must be based upon the estimated
strength Of the candidates In different sections
of the State 1t is conceded that Mr. LOuns-
bury possesses whatever advantage is dcrivaDle
from the fact that he Is the choice OF the Re
publican State organization: but. on the other
hand il cannot DO denied that Mr.. Porter's posi-
ton as the representative for number of years
of that element in the party which IS cisSatis-
fed with IT'S official lcadershp'is one TO which
the present condition Of public sentiment In
Connecticut may rally an increasingly valuable
support Ii should be added that while the
President is naturally presumed TO take a strong
personal interest in the success Of his secretary
no intimation Is heard In any quarter that the
Administration is exercising the slightest in
6uencc In his behalf. Each candidate is con-
Quoting a lively md resOurceful campaign. into
which thus far less bitterness has been infused
by uncompromlsing partisans than might have
been anticipated.
The rivalry over the nomination for Governor
has not as yet involved the SenatorShip, and
there is n manifest disposition on both sides to-
keep that question out Of the present contest
A year ago there was considerable reason 10
doubt General Hawley's ability TO succeed him
self: but the prniseworthy New-EDgland ten
dcncy to retain the services OF honored repre-
sentatives at Washington. thus rewardng fide-
ity and at the same time enhancing the credit
and influence Of the State has been operating
to his advanta 60 since the question Of the sue
ccssion began to engage earnest attention
Moreover, considerations arising out OF the war
have strengthened General Hawley's position TO
q marked extent His long experience in civil
and military affairs gave peculiar value 10 his
counsels during the acute period preceding the
outbreak of hostilites. and Still more during
the anxious and arduous months when actual
preparations for the conflict under way
This fact is now remembered with pride In the
part which Senator Howiey took in a momen-
tous crisis. and gives new emphasis to the
general argument In advocacy OF his title 10 a
reelection.
There Is another consideration which, while It
may be said to belong to the sentimental order.
has much influence over many minds. as senti-
mental considerations often, and properly, have.
Connecticut recently sent Senator Plat to
Washington for fourth term. and the denial Of
q fourth term to his distinguished colleague
would therefore convey suggestion OF dispar-
agement which would naturally be grievous TO
him and which, II is believed. would not AT all
consist with the general feeling OF the state.
On the whole, II now appears probable. II not
certain, that Republican Legislature viii keep
Senator Hawley In the seat which he has not
merely occupied but filled with increasing honor
= himself and advantage to the country. Many