The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1898-03-04
SENATORIAL TALK.
The Office Will not Lack for
Candidates.
Senator Barr Would Like to Succeed
Himself and Others Would Like
TO Succeed Him.

now in regard to the state senatorial
situation than any other feature of
local politics. 1t is likely that several
Republicans will aspire for the honor,
but thus far there Is but one avowed
candidate on that side. Senator Geo.
T. Barr makes no secret Of the fact
that he would like to succeed himself
He has had two terms, and feels better
qualified than ever to serve the people
of Blue Earth county, through the
experience which he has acquired in
the halls of the legislature and circle
of acquaintance. Mr.. Barr has the re-
spect of all his fellow senators, and is
known as working instead of talk
ing member.
Those who are opposed to Mr.. Barr
are attempting to make use to his
detriment of the fact that he intro
duced county option bill and bill
to devide Blue Earth county into
commissioner districts according to
population. No matter what the
merits or dement's of these measures,
it can be said for Mr.. Barr that he in
PRODUCED them both by request. A
great many of the bills that get before
the legislature are introduced by re-
quest, and this does not commit the
one who introduces them to favor
them. 1t is merely method of get
ting measures In, which no member
Of the legislature would deny to a
considerable body of his constituents.
Ed. Viewers name is being men
toned frequently in connection with
the office, and he would be a formid-
able candidate if he should decide to
try for the nomination. When this
talk was mentioned to Mr.. Weaver by
Free Press reporter, the ex-mayOr
merely laughed and said that he had
not given the matter any considera-
tion. He would make no statement
as to his position, combining himself
to saying that he had given no one
authority to use his name.
Gen. J. II. Bakers friends are ad-
vancing his merits for the Office, and
have aroused good deal of sen timent
in his favor. Gen. Baker stated to a
Free Press reporter today that he had
given the matter no thought as yet.
He remarked that it was too early to
rrix of fn
and said that he was out of politics,
anyway.
1t is thought by some that G. l..
Benedict will pose as dark horse
when proper time arrives. He is lay
ing low at prescott, like hunter in a
blind when flock of ducks is visible
on. the horizon. While he is non
committal, there are evidences that
he has an eye on the office.
w. A. Funk is another of the at
torneys who is supposed to be not un-
willing to sacrifice his time and bust
ness for the general good if called
: upon to do so. Mr.. Funk has as yet
made no formal statement as to his
position, but it is thought that he
may have something to say later.
Gilbert Gutterson, of Butternut
Valley. has been spoken of, but it is
now said that he has concluded not to
be candidate for senator this year.
w. E. Young is another of the legal
lights whom several have spoken Of
His friends contend, and rightly So,
that Mr.. Young would make popular
candidate, and if nominated and
: elected, would make one of the very
strongest of the strong men in the
Senate. Thus far, however, Mr..
Young has turned deaf ear to all
entreaties, and 1t is very questionable,
indeed. whether or not his consent to
enter the field can be secured.
The discussion on the Democratic
side is not pronounced as yet w. L.
Comstock's name is most frequently
mentioned, his friends insisting that
Capt is the strongest man their par,
could name. The Free Press l.
advised whether or not Mr. Cum
will finally consent to make
for the nomination.
Gen. Pope is another CT /
full" whose individuality is
of not a few Democrats. L
has had some legislative
which would render him fan,
the duties of the positio
many ways he could be cou
as a strong candidate if he
wage battle.
This county, however, is
strongholds of Senator d
whoever is elected will be
to be of the political persu
-. liarly known as Republical