The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-02
Mr.. SHIDELER OUT OF 1T
MARION CANDIDATE FOR SPEAKER
FORMALLY wTTHDRAWs.
To-Day the Senatorial Struggle VIII
BE Resumed-RaiIrOad Lobby
organizing.


Marion, would withdraw from the race for
the speakership was last evening confirmed
when Mr.. Shideler authorized the statement
that he is no longer in the race Tor the posi-
ton. It was after a consultation yesterday
with friends from the Eleventh district and
other parts of the State that Mr.. Shideler
concluded to withdraw. Notwithstanding
that he was looked upon by those posted
in the political situation as well to the front
in this race, having evidence that his cam
didacy for Speaker would interfere with
Major Steele's chances for the senatorship
and feeling it to be his duty to his friend
Major Steele, and to his constituents Of the
Eleventh district to leave no stone unturned
that would advance Major Steele's chances
for success, Mr.. Shideler has authorized the
announcement of his withdrawal from the
race.
Mr. Shideler yesterday received many ur-
gent requests that he should remain in the
race, sent as the result of the publication
Of the rumor that he contemplated with
drawing Grant county has never before had
a formal candidate for United States sena-
tor and Mr.. ShideIer feels that it would be
much better for his county to have a sena-
tor for six years than a speaker for sixty
days. It is purely with a view to the bet
terment Of Major Steele's chances that Mr..
Shideler has taken this action and the an
nounoement will be received with regret by
many who had hoped to support him.
1t is practically conceded that Mr.. Lit
Teton viii have the office as Mr. Shideler
was regarded as his most formidable oppo-
nent. The other candidates have not left the
race and Mr.. Willoughby last evening said
that in the event Mr.. Shideler withdrew he
would still be in the race and would remain
until the end. Mr.. Roots, who some time
ago announced his candidacy, said just be-
fore going to his home. at Connersville, for
New Years, that he would remain in the
race and so far as is known, Mr. Baker
is still a candidate. The caucus to decide
this question will be held next Wednesday
evening. That Mr.. Shideler will be the chair
man of the ways and means committee is
conceded by all conYersant with the situa-
ton.
The candidates spent quiet New Year $
day yesterday and but little was done until
evening. Towards the latter part of the aft
ernoOn and in the evening nearly all the
lieutenants of the candidates returned to the
hotel and prepared for the fray to-day.
Judge Taylor, the only candidate who went
home, was expected early this morning and
with him is to come a large delegation Of
friends from Fort Wayne. BY tonight it is
expected that the large majority OF the
members will be here and desperate efforts
will be made to get the uncommitted ones
In line. These, according to calculations,
number twenty-five. Some of these twenty
five may have privately promised their sup
port TO certain candidates. but those who
have made public declaration Of vote on the
first ballot number siXty-fOur. The claims
made by the friends of the various candi-
dates as to their strength at the present
time are far in excess OF this number. The
opinion was expressed by the manager of
one Of the candidates campaign last night
that the actual floating vote at the present
time number about fOrty-five. 1t is this float
ing vote that VIII be much sought after
from to-day on and every pressure and ar
gument known to political workers will be
utilized.
The third house is receiving due atten-
ton and the members thereof are beginning
to drop into the city. The railroads are at
tempting to organize most powerful lobby
and are attempting to secure the cO-Opera-
ton Of their heavy shippers, but have
failed. Thus far it is impossible to state for
what purpose such a strong lobby is desired.
me railroad comnanies are already active
in this direction. The members on the
ground have been specializing as TO the de-
sires of the railroad companies. 1t is con-
ndenty expected that the 2-cent-fare bill
VIII be presented to the Legislature. but the
lobby heretofore employed against it has not
been as strong or as powerful as that one
now being organized. 1t was surmised bv
some Of the members that an attempt would
be made to secure the repeal or modifca-
ton OF the "CO-employes bill" Just what
the object Of this strong lobby could be no
one knew and the reason for its organiza-
tlon IS yelled in mystery. The cigarette
trust is represented by an ex-senator, so
members say, who has been mingling
among the members for several DAYS So Far
as known no legislation is contemplated on
thls subject although some member may
nave blll up his. sleeve of which he has
said nothing thus far
>, The impression among the workers in the
Denison last night was that the senatorial
question would not be decided at one ses-
sion of the caucus and this same opinion was
expressed by friends of nearly all of the
candidates. 1t was believed by them that the
support given to each candidate would be
loyal to that degree that more than one seS-
sion will be required to break it, The votes
are probably 50 divided and the proportion
Of unpledged votes at this time is so great
that the work done between now and the
caucus will determine the nominee