The sun., 1898-11-08

t-~~-
ties claim that it is all over but th
shouting, and all of yesterday the head
quarters OF the Regular and Union Re
publicans and the Democrats were
crowded with workers, who received
their final instructions for to-days grea
political battle.
The campaign has been one of the
most peculiar ever conducted in this
State, and numerous desperate schemes
haye been resorted to, particularly by
the Democrats, to intimidate the voter
All schemes have so far proved useless
which, in part, is due to the expose o.
them in THE Sun before the plans were
fully matured.
The last cards OF the Democrats in the
way OF tricking the Republican party
were played yesterday, and they, too,
fell flat, owing to the publicity given
them by TIE SUN.
The first OF these was letter sent out
through the mails to certain Republican
voters, which asserted that they had
been illegally registered
The second was the attempt of the
Democrats to secure the consent of the
Republicans not to challenge any
voters.
What other cards may be played to-
day is unknown, but there is no doubt
that desperate efforts will be made by
the Democrats to carry every county in
the State.
One of the principal fights of to-day
will be that waged between Hon. John
H. Hoffecker, Republican nominee for
Congress, and Hon. L. Irving Handy,
the Democratic candidate.
1t is conceded that neither will have
large majority. All indications, how
ever at this writing, point to the elec-
tion of Mr.. Hoffecker, as Mr.. Handy has
made himself obnoxious to the sound
money Democracy by his free silver
speeches.
Word was sent out month ago to sac
ritice him on the "cross of gold," and it
is quite evident that this will be accom-
plished to-day.
Next in interest to this fight is that for
the control of the next General Assem-
bly,, and both parties are also claiming a
majority. Out OF the 81 members that
will compose that body, the Democrats
are claiming so, while the Republicans
are more modest, with claim of 30.
In all three counties, Kent, Sussex and
New Castle, a desperate battle is being
waged for control of the Legislature, and
the outcome is awaited with interest.
In New Castle county the Republicans
assert that they will secure eight out of
the fifteen representatives, and four of
the six Senators to be elected.
The Democrats claim nine representa-
tives and three State senators.
1t is exceedingly hard at this time to
give any direct estimate as to how many
either side will have.
There is no doubt but what the Single
Takers will play an important part in the
election of the members of the next
Legislature, as they slso have candidates
in the field, and say that they have fully
l,500 followers in this county, 1000 of
whom reside in Wilmington.
Upon this election rests the all-import-
ant question to Hon. George Gray as to
whether or not he will succeed himself to
the United States Senate.
His return has been demanded by the
administrator, and from present in
dications the wishes Of the adlninistra-
tion will be respected, for it is a well.
known fact that number Of prominent
Republicans will assist him.
The probabilities also are that his re-
turn to the Unit States Senate de-
pends to a material degree, on the return
OF Hon. l.. Irving Handy to Congress.
II that gentleman is crucified on the
''cross OF gold' there may be another
story to relate for if he is defeated it
will ie by the Gray forces of the
state.
This Mr. Handy well knows, and if
defeated lie himself will enter the arena
against the Hon. George Gray, and com
land Il vote that will keep him from
again occupying scat in the United
States Senate.
The next fight Of Importance is for the
State officers. The Republican candidates
are DR.. J.. II. Ball, Treasurer, and John
A. Lingo, Auditor. Opposed to them in
the Democratic column are William NJ.
Il ;ss. Treasurer, and Iemuel A. II.
Bishop, Auditor.
Both Ross and Bishop occupy that
Office at present, and probably have a