Evening star., 1898-11-18
SUCCESSOR TOGEN. HAWLEY
Probability That Connecticut Senator Will
Succeed Himself.
Several Prominent Politicians of the
State, However, Are Groom
ing for the Race.
Decial Correspondence of The Evening Star

SlNtia correspondence OF Inc Evening star
NEW HAVEN, Conn, November II, 1898
tppermost in the minds of Connecticut's 5
politicians at this time is the question OF a
successor to United States Senator Joseph
r. Hawley, who has occupied { seat in
that body since 1881. General Hawle:y is
greatly respected and loved by the people
of the state almost Irrespective of party
lines, and it is because there is a strong
opposition to him that the senatorial cleo
tion this year has gained added interest.
1t is claimed in well-informed political
circles that the general has antagGnized
the republican state organization, and that
this organization will be at the back of
the rival candidate. There are three COM
ponent parts of this so-called machine and
its enmity will be no mean obstacle TO his
reelection. The Legislature is safely re-
publican, and this inSureS the return to
Washington of a republican, and it was
believed until very recently that this re-
publican would be General Hawley.
1t is only since the late election that what
appears to be a determined opposition has
cropped up. Since that time other candi-
dates have appeared in the field, and it is
believed that there will be Lively bailotting
before tie contest for the seat s defcitely
decided.
Perhaps the most formidable of General
Hawley's rivals is Samuel Fessenden of
God mighty -hates-a gutter fame Mr.
a
long time. Being prominent lawyer, with
the experience of several terms in the as
sembly, and with sufficient Of this worlds
goods to endow vigorous canvass he is
expected on this occasion to push his sena-
torial aspirations to the last extremity
Mr.. Fessenden is not to have the field 10
himself, however, there are Two other
strong candidates for the coveted poSltion
One of these is Morgan G.. Bulkeiey a poll
tician of consummate skill and possessed of
daring hich led him to bold extremes
during the famous legislative deadlock in
this state a decade ago when he WAS its
governor.
Another candidate is William E. si-nonds
a prominent lawyer, who has announced
his candidacy but who has little prospect
OF success.
Looming UP as a dark horse in the event
OF deadlock between the leading candi-
dates. is Representative Charles E. Russell
of the third district. Mr.. Russell, 1t is con-
ceded, has ambitions along this line, but
his friends say he will play waiting game
from thorough canvass of the situa-
ton, 1t is believed that If it were necessary
to name successful candidate at this
time, Gen. Hawley would be chosen as the
most likely man by far. Not only is he
believed to be the strongest man with the
republican members of the legislature but
because of the general respect and love the
entire people of the state bear him, he may
reasonably be expected to secure the votes
of the democrats after they have regis
tered their complimentary preferences for
a candidate from their own party
In connection with the senatorial situa-
tion, it is interesting to note the attitude
of the little town caucuses. They repre-
sented the most unique feature of the ante
election canvass. Ia town after town the
republican caucuses adopted resolutions de-
claring 1t to be the sense of the republi-
cans of that town that Gen. Joseph b.
Hawley should be chosen to succeed him.
self. AS a result of these declara tions The
successful representatives and senators in
the legislature feel 1t incumbent upon them
to support the general. 1t will therefore be
seen that Gen. Hawley has started his
canvass with the advantage of these town
preferences supplementfng his great pop
ularity and splendid record.
The friends of the present senator al
ready claim a clean majority on Joint bal
lot. but the friends Of Mr.. Fessenden pooh
pooh this and are just as sanguine of vic
tory. Impartial observation. however.
seems to make fairly safe the prediction
that the new general assembly will be
called strictly to account by the people and
pointed at with the finger of scorn by the
democrats II it fails to return Gen. Hawley
fer another term in the United States Sem
ate.