Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1898-12-08

That If Wanamaker Wants Fusion
Them
Especial Correspondence
Harrisburg, Dec. 6.-The canvass for
the speakership of the house of repre-
sentatives. which organizes here on the
first Monday of next month, continues
to absorb political interest. The Re-
publicans having 127 votes to IA Demo-
Gratis and 8 independents in the next
house, they will naturally control the
organization of that body. The field of
Republican candidates for speaker in
cludes Charles E. voorhees, of Phila-
delphia. Ward r. Bliss of Delaware,
Frank B. McClain Of Lancaster. John
r. Farr of Lackawanna and w. T..
Marshall and George NJ. Hosack Of AL
legheny. They are in a free for all
race. No one Is yet in a position to
pick the winner. The contest will in
all probability be an open one until the
issue is settled in caucus. In the hope
OF creating animosities toward the Sc
nior senator, the wanamaker political
bureau is sending out stories one day
naming one Of the candidates and the
been slated for speaker. The fact Is
that neither Senator Quay nor Cover
nor-elect Stone proposes to interfere in
behalf of any aspirant for the speaker
ship. Any of those named will be
friendly to Senator Quay and absolute
ly in accord with the Stone administra-
ton.
In line with the campaign they waged
Ia Of ion
A. Stone to the governorship. with their
leaders like Merrick, OF Tioga, and
Thompson. of Allegheny, coming out
for his Democratic opponent. jerks,
just before election day, the Wanama-
ker coterie of party wreckers are pursu-
ing like tactics in an effort to
break up the time honored Republican
caucus. which is always called for an
agreement among the Republicans for
speaker and upon Republicans from
different sections OF the state for the
various offices. chief clerk, resident
clerk. reading clerk and the many
minor positions. This patronage Is al
ways filled by Republicans when they
elect majority of the members Of the
house. Now, in order to get control
OF these offices to be used for their sell
fish purposes the Wanamakerites have
been going over the state making deals
with Democrats and offering personal
Inducements for Republicans to keep
out OF the caucus. They are ready TO
enter into any bargain. Experiences in
the Penrose fight will give the people
some idea OF the character of iduce-
ments that might be offered.
They have met with disappointments
and rebuffs at every hand. Republi-
cans who have respect for themselves,
who hold loyalty to party above per-
sonal ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, and who expect
to maintain their standing with their
party organization, Indignantly resent
the mere suggestion that they refuse
TO participate in n caucus of the Re-
publican party. They recognize that to
do so. to Join hands with the Democrats
and be a party to a deal to advance the
interests OF the Democracy and hand
over to the minority important posi-
tions which the people. by their votes,
decided should be filled by Republic
cans. would mean that they would be
ostracized by their Republican COL
leagues. Practical politicians look
upon bolt from a Republican caucus
in such an important matter as the or
of legislature as the most
certain road to political suicide, es-
pecially In Republican Pennsylvania.
MAGEE SPEAKS OUT.
Senator C. L. Magee, of Allegheny,
while he has said he Is opposed to the
reelection Of Senator Quay. and that
he will vote against him in caucus, il
any other stalwart candidate shall be
named for the United States senate, has
aXnrPSSn6 th.,
tactics OF the Wanamaker combine in
working up their fusion scheme The
Wanamaker men had predicted that
both Magee. of Pittsburg, and Martin,
in Philadelphia. would keep their fol-
lowers out Of the Republican caucus.
These stories. however, are simply on a
par with the other campaign lies which
they have been spreading over the state
to advance Wanamakers political am
billions, even though the Republican
party must be disrupted to attain that
end.
THE citizens of Pennsylvania" said
Senator Magee. in an authorized inter-
view, have just elected Republican
executive and a Legislature which is
Republican in both it's branches. The
people expect the Republican party to
the affairs of the state and
make its laws. and the Republican par
ty will receive credit from them for
that which is good and condemnation
FOR that which is bad. The party must
meet its responsibilities. and it will do
30. No Republican who respects him
self and has any feeling of loyalty to
his party in his heart can give any
valid excuse for refusing to participate
IN the caucus of the Republican mem-
oers OF the legislature. Let the fusion
scheme succeed and no man can tell
what legislation will pass and what OBJ
noxious and dangerous measures shall
De saddled upon the Republican party"
This declaration from Magee. OF
course. means that every one of his fol-
lowers in Allegheny will take part in
he caucus Like Martin. in Philadel-
phia. Magee is greatly interested in