The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-12-31
FEW LEGISLA RS HERE
CANDIDATES SURPRISED AT THEIR
HARDNESS IN ARRIVING.
Gen. Lew wallace Receives Mention
as "a Dark HOrse--The
SPeakership.

Yesterdays work in the senatorial con-
test was not of that kind which is food for
newspapers. There was no cessation in the
work and the friends of all candidates were
exceedingly active, but no members arrived
and the work done here was of that nature
which is expected to show results next week
or immediate results throughout the State
The most active campaigning is now being
done to create sentiment for each candidate
and to bring pressure TO bear on the men,
bers for some one of the senatorial candi-
dates A large portion of this work was I'M
expected, as it was believed that the great
majority of members would be in the city
some time during the past week. In this
expectation there has been great disappont-
ment and comparatively few of the mem
bers have been here. Those who have come
in are favoring some one of the candidates
and do not hesitate to express their prefer
ence. The uncommitted ones have been few
and far between. This has made it neces-
sary to go after them in their own homes by
representatives or by mail, and the last two
days have been prosperous ones for the
postal department and telegraph companies.
More friends of the candidates left for their
homes yesterday to spend New Years, but
nearly all the active workers have signified
their intention of returning Sunday evening
in order that the run in the home stretch
may begin promptly and early Monday
morning. The outside work has been, to a
large extent, cleared up, and next week the
work will be done here. All the candidates
expect active friends to be here in great
numbers to remain until the caucus decides
on the proper man.
The most interesting development CT the
day yesterday was a story which makes it
appear that Gen. Lew Wallace thinks the
senatorial lightning may strike him. Rep
resentative Scott of Montgomery county,
was elected two years ago as a friend of
General Wallace, and after his re- election
it was his expectation to support General
Wallace in the event that the latter should
be candidate. 1t was reported in tie Den
ison yesterday that Mr.. Scott had been to
see General Wallace and had requested that
he be permitted to pledge himself for one
of the candidates. The reply of General
Wallace is said to have been to wait a
while longer. This gave rise to stories re-
garding dark horse and that General Wal
lace yet has an eye on the senatorship. The
friends of the five avowed candidates are
determined that if possible one of them
shall be elected, and on that point the opin-
seen at this time should occur it is hardly
possible that with the sentiment so great
in favor of selecting one of the men who
has announced himself the capture of the
prize by a dark horse will be the final re-
suit.
Mr.. Shideler and Mr. Littleton were ex-
ceedingly active in the race for the speaker
ship. Both have been somewhat disap-
pointed at the small number of members
who have arrived this week, but both ex-
press qualification over their chances. There
has undoubtedly been more qualification ex-
pressed since the contest for all offices be-
gan than ever existed in the State of In
diana before. 1t is believed that before the
different caucuses will be held it will be
necessary to bring large quantity of graft
hcat1on in from neighboring States to keep
up the demand.
R. NJ. Oglesbee, who is a candidate for
the secretaryship of the Senate is once
more at work after having been at his
says that he is meeting the greatest en-
enlargement in his canvass. Mr.. Oglesbee
was secretary of the Senate before, and
finds that to be counted as q strong argu-
ment in his favor by the members. His
friends say that he is not meeting oppos-
ton on that account but that it ought to
qualify him for the place. Another candi-
cate in, r. M. s. Hutchens of Sheridan
sres to be doorkeeper of the House. He is
an old soldier having served in the Sixty
third Indiana
Judge Hiram Brownlee of Marion. who
was once mentioned for the senatorship,
circulating in the lobby yesterday He
is here in the interest of Major Steele, and
does not desire the place for himself.
Probably all the senatorial candidates will
remain in the city over New Years. Mr. A.
E. Steele. of Marion, a brother of Major
Steele. was mingling among the statesmen
yesterday and was frequently mistaken for
the major by those who knew neither of
them well.