The evening times., 1898-10-20
SPEAKING FROM 7HE BOOK
Republican Chairman Babcock
i'll a State Of Perplexity.
APATHY'S DIRE ADVANCE
ForiOrn Hope Centers in the Pres
fdents Appearance fn the Eastern
Cities-Mr. McKiniey's Advent Is
Awaited to Warm the FIngSinE
Interests in His Party's Ranks.

Chairman Babcock, of the Republican
Congressional Campaign Committee, is not
inclined to give any figures regarding the
probable political complexion of the next
House. The contest is a perplexing one
TO him, and he says that no man can ac-
curately predict the result. There is
great deal of apathy" remarked Mr. Bah
cock. Just what it means / am unable
to say. We have been doing our utmost to
arouse interest
Mr.. Babcock finds slight consolation in
an impression that Democrats are also
apathetic but finds no grounds for bas-
ing any hopes on such a delusion.
Six weeks or more ago Mr.. Babcock
warned his party associates that it would
be no easy matter for the Republicans TO
retain control of the House. A; the same
time, 1t was charged by many who SEEM
ed TO think the Republicans had walk
over that the Wisconsin representative
was talking with view TO raising funds
for the committee, but that gentleman has
had long experience in managing cam
paigns. and he insists that It is a tough
job to prevent the Democrats and their
allies from capturing the lower branch OF
Congress.
Mr.. Babcock is expected soon TO issue
an address to the voters of the country.
II is understood that he will urge them
to wake up. He will impress upon the
various sections the Importance of work
ing and voting, or else the hands of the
Administration viii be completely tied.
The Presidents trip in the West is re-
ported to have put considerable life into
the people who want to sustain the Ad-
ministraton. and his contemplated visit
to Pennsylvania. New Jersey and New
late the Republicans.
Letters received at Republican head
quarters here indicate that the party has
good ground for expecting congressional
gains in both Nebraska and Kansas. In
Iowa, according to the latest adyiCeS
from Representative Hull the Republi-
cans are haying serious trouble in two
districts but they claim they will send
another solid delegation to the next
House. and that Gen. Weaver. the fusion
candidate, while he will make a good run,
will not be able to defeat Mr.. Lacey, Re
publican. 1@
Congressman Mercer has stubborn oppo-
sition in the Omaha district, his Demo-
cratic competitor being Mr.. Hitchcock.
editor of the Omaha World-Herald. and
close personal and political friend OF
Col. Bryan. Mr.. MERGERS efforts in be-
half of the big exposition have given
him much additional strength, so It is as
serted by those VITO know the district.
The Republicans do not concede that
the Democrats will make any gains in
Indiana, though the latter have sent out
statements that they are going to sweep
things in that State.
Senator Daniel of Virginia Is in this
city. He says it is an off-year in politics
in the Old Dominion, and the fact that
the Republicans are not running candi-
dates in two of the districts causes some
apathy. In the other districts a great in
terest is manifested. particularly in the
Ninth and Tenth, which will be close. Dif-
fering from Senator Tillman who hopes
Roosevelt will be elected governor. 50 as
to rebuke the New York Democrats for
ignoring the Chicago platform, Mr. Dan
iel says he hopes the Empire State DEM
ocrats will be victorious In his opinion
it will greatly weaken the Republicans
for the campaign of 1900