Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-07-12

JURY-MILLIGAN SPEAKS WITH
HIS USUAL DIRECTNESS.
If there has been any doubt in the
minds of Eastern Ohio Democrats that
John R. Mclean is candidate for the
Gubernatorial nomination, it has been
effectually disIelled within the past
few days. At first Mr.. Mclean was in
different, then he became interested,
and finally reached the receptive stage.
He is now not only willing, but, if re
ports are true, he is making an effort
that will doubtless have its effect when
the delegates get together at ZaneS-
vile on August 10Th and 30th. Mr..
McLean's long experience in political
affairs, combined with natural aptitude
in influencing and controlling large
events, gives him much prestige in the
doubtless learn before the contest is
finally settled. He not only has great
wealth and the influence of powerful
organ to back him and deftly mould
the sentiments of his constituency, but
a host of personal following which is
ready and eager to aid and support him
in his present ambition. The Mclean
boom is certainly on in Ohio, and even
his enemies have been amazed at the
rapid strides it has been making.
Although the Cincinnatian has with
in the past week developed much
strength among the politicians, there
is a perceptible undercurrent of opin-
ion which disclaims him for first
choice There is a belief among con-
sentative party leaders that his nom
nation would not create the enthusi-
asm among the masses as would that
of other distinguished aspirants for the
office. His ability is unquestioned, and
the facilities at hand TO make a cam
paign after the fashion of Hanna and
his henchmen is generally recognized,
but Mclean as the embodiment of the
soul and principle of the new Democ-
racy, with it's multitude of dependen-
cies which are forcing themselves to
the front in Ohio this fall, is another
question to contemplate, say those who
are opposed to him.
An incident which has created no
little stir among the Democrats over
the river is the announcement that an
emissary of Mr.. Mclean will, within
the next few days, make a visit to the
county with the avowed object of secur-
ing the delegation. While the EnQuir
er man will find a kindly feeling for
himself in Belmont county and
throughout the Sixteenth district, and
not few are outspoken in his favor,
the large majority of the Democrats do
not consider him in the light of first
choice. In Belmont county, the home
of Hon. John j. LentZ, the coming Of
McLean's agent is looked upon by
many as almost an intrusion, and
should there be any aggressiveness
shown it will most certainly have an
effect directly opposite to that desired.
This sentiment is forcibly stated in
the interview given below, and for
which d. H. Milligan, Esq, promi-
nent st. Clairsville Democrat, is re-
sponsible. Mr.. Milligan, when seen
yesterday by the Register and ques-
toned in regard to his being quoted
as a Mclean man, at once dictated the
following statement:
Il saw in Sunday paper that | am
favorable to the nomination of John
r. Mclean for Governor. | desire TO
say that | am not only opposed to his
nomination, but it would be very hard
for me to vote for him if nominated.
For ten years he used the influence OF
his great paper to disorganize the
Democratic party in Ohio. He, more
than any other man, caused the defeat
of George H. Pendleton for a second
term in the Senate, and by the use or
Doodle, first triumphant in the Demo-
cratic party, elected Henry b. Payne.
For years he constantly mallgned Sen
ator Thurman, who stood for all that
was pure in Ohio politics, and for no
other reason than that he could not
use him for his purposes, and he was
first to open the avenues of filth that
entered so largely into the campaign
against Grover Cleveland in 1884. The
rank and file of the Democratic party
has not such a short memory that it
can forget these acts of prefidy and
dishonor and rush to his support at the
polls with the enthusiasm that will be
necessary to carry Ohio this year.
zled by Mr.. McLean's great wealth, the
common people who have borne the
brunt of battle and the fateful .conse-
quences of Republican misrule demand
a man whose political integrity is such
as to command the respect OF the peo-
pie. This John r. Mclean does not
possess, and in my humble judgment
his nomination would be party suicide.
Particularly this year, which is TO be
a preliminary of the great struggle that
is to relieve the people from the slav-
cry Of combinations OF capital and
wealth or fasten it upon us for many
years. do we demand a man whose
qualifications for preferment are more
than the possession Of millions and the
disposition TO spend it for his own
political advancement | trust the
Democratic party Of Ohio. particularly
the delegation that shall go up to she
State convention from Belmont county,
IS not yet ready To be harmonized IN
dar ,ba name of Holm r. Mclean"