Marietta daily leader. (Marietta, Ohio) 1895-1906, 1899-03-22
OHIO POLITICS.
Latest Phase Of The GubernatoriaI
Contest,

Columbus, March 20.--There have
been three important developments in
State politics In the past week. One
was the formal announcement of the
gubernatorial candidacy of Gen. Asa
w. Jones; the second was the similar
declaration Of purpose on the part of
Col. Nevin, and the third was the selec-
tion of delegation from Franklin
county to Republican State conven-
tion, which Is presumed will be held
some place some time this year. 1t has
of course long been known that Lieut.
Gov. Jones would eventually declare
himself in the race. He became a gu
bernatorial candidate first in 18S9
when his name was presented to the
convention by Major Mckinley. Fail
ing then, circumstances did not permit
his re-entry until 1895, when he again
came to the front with his own county
and ag ood part of the Western Re-
serve behind him. Bushnell was nom
inateu( but Jones was given me conso-
lation prize and has been a most ac-
ceptable lieutenant governor. During
his three year tenure in Office he has
quietly pursued canvass for the chief
place. He has made many friends in
all sections of the state and it is GER
tain that he will have number of fol-
lowers behind his colors when the bell
rings. n .r,,f.,.. r.,d.,...
Col. Nevin's announcement had also
been discounted inithe public mind
and therefore caused no surprise. The
colonel, like Gen. Jones, is a mental, as
well as a physical heavyweight. Both
are good lawyers, both have splendid
regulations as wits and orators, al
though their methods on the stump are
widely different. Neither acknowl-
edges allegiance to either faction and
is claimed by neither
Judge Nash's friends claim a victory
in the selection of Franklin county
delegation, but to quote the words of a
famous general, Another such victory
would be fatal to the victor" The
Franklin County Republican Central
Committee met in Columbus Saturday
afternoon and by close vote. 161a to
1917, adopted resolutions endorsing the
candidacy of Judge Nash, and selected
delegation to convention for which
no call has been issued and no appor-
tionment of delegates made. BY the
same vote motion to defer the matter
until the call was issued and have the
delegation selected by primaries, was
voted down, although it included a
provision that all delegates so elected
should be pledged to Nash from first to
last.
The only reason given by Judge
Nash's friends for this precipitate ac-
tion was that it would take the guber-
material matter out of any connection
with the pending mayoralty fight.
This was construed by the minority as
threat that if the judge was not all
lowed to select ,Lis delegation, his
friends would oppose Swartz, the Re-
publican candidate for Mayor. This is
unfortunate, for if Swartz is defeated
that result justly or unjustly will be
charged to Nash. I believe that Judge
Nash could have easily carried this
county at a primary election. He is
popular at home and really would have
had no opposition. The minority was
willing that the delegation should
vote for Nash as long as the latter re-
quested the delegate to do so, but they
pointed out that there were other NOM
nations to make, committees to ap-
point, including the member of the
Governing committee of the party and
that the people should have the right
to be heard on these questions. Nine
teen is majority of the county COM
mittee and the judge had one half vote
more, consequently his plans went
through. His friends Justify the ac-
tion by saying that while the delega-
tion at GAINESVILLE voted solidly from
first to last for him, mat number of
them were at heart for Bushnell and
wore the latter's badge under their
coat. But they have not succeeded in
Improving matters by taking the ex-
treme measures last Saturday, for If
the delegation that day selected is
seated at least ten of the delegates, and
perhaps a larger number. will be giv-
ing their prayers, If not their votes, to
aid the candidacy of Harry. M. Daugh7
erty. rs.' tHis a - > So ,rcp y..
This fact, and 1t is a fact, bespeaks
the activity and ability of the Daugh-
erty managers. They are young active
and enthusiastic and are not overlook
ing point, and it will not do to ignore
the candidacy of the bright young
leader whose colors they wear. At the
presen, time he has a. better organiza-
tion and is better entrenched than any
of his rivals. The Republicans who
opposed the action of the Franklin
county committee last Saturday an
nounce their intention of ignoring that
action, having primaries regularly
called and the sending of a contesting
delegation to the convention. Mr..
! Daugherty's friends say that this