The age-herald., 1898-01-01
Indications Are That He Will Win Despite
 the Strong Opposition.
KURTz TAXES PERSONAL CHARGE
Of Anti Hanna Headquarters Mark on Hand and Seems in Good Spirits-TaIks of
 His Candidacy and Says When Settled He Will Win.


 rived in the city tonight and the senato- rial skirmish is at its height Not since the senatorial election of six years ago. when the Sherman-Foraker contest was on, has there been many politicians in the city at one time. Many have come merely out of curiosity, but large number are here to take active part in the con- test between the Hanna and anti-Hanna republicans. To the republicans at large the situation is inexplicable The anti Hanna republicans actually in evidence are so few in numbers that the uninitiated can scarcely comprehend why there should be such political stew. Charles L. Kurtz, who is leading the opposition to Senator Hanna, today assumed personal charge of the anti-Hanna headquarters at the Great Southern hotel, and small army of work CTS, mostly appointees of Gov. Bushnell in the state departments and state institu- tions, besieged the rooms. The activity at the Hanna headquarters at the three leading hotels was even more formidable
 The developments of the day were de- cidedly favorable to Mr. Hanna, on the surface at least. The arrival of Mr. Hanna on the scene early in the afternoon seemed to turn the tide slightly in his favor His arrival was a surprise to those not in touch with the managers of MT. Hanna's inter- ests as he was not expected, according to previous announcements, until Sunday. This change of programme was construed by some to indicate that Mir Hanna's man. agers considered the situation desperate; but there was nothing to indicate that this surmise was well founded On the con- trary, Maj. Dick and his co-workers at the Hanna headquarters were in the most cheerful spirits and took more hopeful view of the situation than yesterday.
 Hanna badges were conspicuous about the hotel Hobbies tonight. They bore picture of MT. Hanna and the words: For Senator, the Party's Choice.'
 The senator was besieged by callers all evening, but accorded a representative of the Associated Press an interview. In re- sponse to an inquiry as to what he thought of the situation he said:
 ''The contest between the republican and democratic parties was settled by the peo- pie at the polls last November. Their yer dict was in favor of the republican party and it's platform. Since then I have not read anything or been given any good req sons why the verdict should be changed. The Toledo convention recommended the whole state ticket and indorsed the ad- ministrations of President Mckinley and Gov Bushnell. The platform was adopted by unanimous vote. It contained an in- dorsement of my candidacy for the United States senate, and so far as the party could do in state convention, it was com mitted to my election to the high office to which aspire. That combined action was a part of the platform of the party, and therefore republicans all over the state think the fruits of the victory obtained by the success of the republican party at the polls means nothing less than that the will of the voters expressed last November shall be carried out by their representa- lives in the general assembly. I know of no reason why there should be any change from the programme adopted at Toledo, and, having faith in the loyalty and pa- triotism of the republicans of Ohio, I have no reason to doubt the fulfillment of the pledges made to the people"
 The sentiment being aroused by the con- test is already becoming quite bitter The majority of the republicans are in favor of Senator Hanna's election as matter of fair play if for no other reason. The ac- tiyity of Governor Bushnell's employees and the governors acquiesence in the attempt to defeat MT. Hanna is directing criticism against him. Fears are entertained to- night by the general committee on arrange ments for the inauguration of Governor Bushnell that the public demonstration would have to be abandoned unless the gov ernor came forward to stay the sentiment. The work of the committee has been seri- ously hampered by the feeling aroused in the Last day or two.
 The candidates of the opposition to Sem ator Hanna are Gov. Bushnell for the full term and Mayor McKisson, of Cleveland, for the short term.
 A conference of the opposition was held tonight, to which were admitted five demo- crats and seven republicans. Allen O. My CTS spoke for the democratic members. Mr. Kurtz spoke for the anti-Hanna re- publicans, and assured his democratic. con- freres he had pledges from twenty of the seventy-five republican members of the legislature that they would vote with the democrats against Senator Hanna. The legislature consists of 75 republicans, 65 democrats and fusionists, and with all present 73 votes are necessary to elect a senator. The fusionists stand for Hanna and 2 against him.