The times., 1898-09-14
REEDS DEcHEAsED MAJORITY.
The slump In the Republican Vote
of Maine.

the man from Maine has not been able
to hold his party up to the standard, and
he may himself have reached the limit
of his individual power in his own State,
as shown by the dwindling away in two
years of popularity to the extent of fully
5000 votes. In 1896 Representative Reeds
plurality was 9,4iS. In the election held
Monday last it is conceded TO be little
over 1900
III this can be taken to mean anything.
1t means that the record of the Speaker
during the last session of Congress has
not been pleasing, putting it mildly, to
many of his heretofore stanch supporters,
and that his popularity Is decidedly on
the wane.
The lukewarmness expressed by the
Maine Republicans, however was not
confined solely to Representative Reeds
districts, as very noticeable falling off
in their vote was noted throughout the
State, Notwithstanding their splendid or
ganization and equipment, and also the
fact that nothing was left undone by them
in their efforts to poll large vote
Free transportation and leave of alb
sence was furnished to the Maine infantry
at camp Powers, or at least TO that por-
ton of the volunteers who indicated that
they would vote the Republican ticket
On the other hand, there is great re-
)oicing on the part of the Maine Demo-
Gratis. Their representation in the legis-
lature has been increased four-fold. and
their decided gains in all parts of the
State has infused new life into the party
and Nri1 ha oil in, follo
their advantage and seeing to II that
no ground is lost between this and the
election of 1900
In Lewiston, which is the home of
Senator Frye and Representative Dingley.
four Democratic members TO the legis-
lature We're elected. Knox County, in the
Second District. is conceded by the Re
publicans TO be very close. Representa-
tives Boutelle. Dingley and Burleigh are
returned, but with greatly reduced ma
jorities.
1t is reported that Joseph H Manley,
Republican. will enter the contest for
Senator Hale's seat in the Senate.
Throughout the State II is estimated
that Republican losses will aggregate
from 5000 to 10000
ii was the general opinion yesterday
among the few Democratic members of
Congress now in the city, that the result
to what viii follow in the general con-
gressional elections in November. At the
headquarters of the Democratic congress
sional committee there was naturally
much rejoicing, while at the headquar-
ters of the Republican committee all was
not serene as II might have been,
though every Republican candidate for
Congress was reelected. The greatly de-
creased majority was not pleasing to
those about Mr.. Babcocks committee
While the Democrats did not expect TO
elect any of their candidates for Con-
gress, the great slump in the Republican
majority was regarded as a cheerful sign
that the sentiment of the country was
undergoing a most decided change from
that of two years ago. when the Repub-
lican party polled the largest vote in the
history of the Pine Tree State.
According to reports from Louisville
former Senator Blackburn is to have a
lively rival in his contest for the
seat in the Senate now occupied by
Senator Lindsay, in former Rep
resentative William T. Ellis, of Owens
boro. Mr. Ellis is non-committal on the
subject. but from reliable sources it is
declared that his moves politically can
be construed in no other way, inasmuch
as he could have been the leading candi-
date for governor If he had seen fit to
enter the race against State Senator Goe-
bel. In this connection il is said that the
opposition to Blackburn assured him a
hearty support for United States senator
If he would keep out of the gubernatorial
fight. What is said to be evidence of this
deal is the fact that Mr.. Ellis's name
heads the list of State election commits
sioners recently appointed under the
Goebel bill 1t is understood he is count
ing on the western contingent of the
State for his support with the hope of
even invading Blackburn's own district
Senator Lindsay will stand for re-elec-
tion, therefore it Will be three-cornered
fight.
The Republicans of the Fifth or Louis
vile, Congressional District are said 70
be hopelessly involved in a row. 1t Is
claimed that Representative Evans was
not fairly nominated and the Todd fac
ton are planning to hold another conven-
ton. This will naturally enhance, the
chances of Oscar Turner. jr. the Demo-
cratic nominee, and make his election
almost certain.
1t is understood that Gen. Joseph
Wheeler, of Alabama will resign from
the army i'll a few weeks 10 return to his
district 10 make his canvass for Con-
greSs. At the outset of the war there
were two formidable candidates then con-
testing for the nomination but each has
withdrawn within the last three weeks.
Information comes from Gen. Wheeler's
district that there is not now a man in
it that can ever hope to have a nominal
tion as long as Gen. Wheeler desires to
serve his people in Congress- Gen. Whee-
ler's name is already being used in con-
nection with the Senatorship as the sue
cessor of Senator Morgan. Gov. John
ston and Representative Bankhead are
also senatorial candidates. and it is not
unlikely that Senator Morgan will stand
for reelection
The denomination to Congress of Joel
P. Heatwole. of Minnesota, by accama-
tion, is taken here as very much of a
surprise as the sitting member had an
nounced before returning home that he
would not again accept a reelection, but
that he wished to retire from Congress
and place himself in training for the gov
ernorship two years hence.
Judge Morris, the sitting member from
the Duluth district, will also be a guber-
natorial candidate in 1900, should he sue
ceed in again-defeating Charles A. Towne
for Congress-.
In some quarters in New York City it is
Thought wi. lHtOuoIe pOoSc-
welt not be nominated for governor, he
will be made the candidate for Congress
in the district now represented by Col.
George B. Mcclellan.
The following congressional nominations
to Congress was made yesterday:
California-First District Pop), M. E.
Dittman; Third District Dem). ]. A.
Jones: Fifth District (Dem). William
Craig; Fifth District Rep3. Eugene F.
Loud. renominated; Sixth District (Rep),