The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-02-26
PAsCo VS.. TALIAFERRo.
Senatorial situation As Viewed From
Tallahassee.


TalIahasse. Fla. Feb. 25-As the time for
the meeting Of the legislature, which is to
elect a successor to United States Senator
Pasco approaches, the lines Of the contest
for the honor are being more clearly
drawn.
Possibly The most notable feature Of the
contest which has recently been develop
ed is the marked opposition of the people
and the press of Florida TO any sugges-
ton OF having a dark horse come in and
capture the toga. There is a strong dis
position 10 conhne the fight to the three
men who have been working so indus
triously the past two years for the Sena-
torship. These men are Senator Pasco
who wants to succeed himself Hon. Jas
p. Taliaferro of Jacksonville and eX-Sen-
ator Wilkinson CAN.
For some months past there has been
more or less probability that the three
men named would cause a deadlock, which
would result in a fourth aspirant enter
ing the ring and securing the prize. In
deed there are several prominent gentle
men who would, il is generally conceded
make such excellent and careful Senator'S
that II seemed desirable that one of them
should be brought forward, with the hone
OF preventing a long, Improbable and un-
seemly struggle between the avowed can
diddtes.
1t has become so evident, however, that
the only fight which Is at all likely TO as
sumo a serious aspect will be between Mr..
Pasco and Col Taliaferro, and many now
thlnk that one of them will win on an
early ballot, and that the entry Of other
names would tend TO complicate rather
than aid in solving the situation Ex-Sen-
ator Call is looked on as an inpossibilfty
as, il Is said, of the one hundred mem
ners OF the legislature at least seventy-fve
would not vote for him In any possible
contingency which might arise He has
been prominent figure in Florida poll
ties Tor more than a quarter of a century
during which time he has created many
bitter antagonisms. and is out of touch
with most of the leading men of the par
". Mr.. Calls candidacy as q serious
proposition, might therefore be dismissed
The oldest and most influential politi-
cians-that is, those who are unprejudiced
and not definitely committed to one man
or the other, are not prepared TO give an
opinion, either for publication or private
use, as to whether Pasco or Taliaferro has
the best chance of winning Mr. Pasco
has undoubtedly silenced some of the op-
position to his reelection, at least, for
the time being on account of the recent
success ne has met with in securing large
appropriations for Florida rivers and har-
bors at Washington. In this he has re-
tuted the statement that he has done moth
ing, and has not sufficient influence at the
capital to accomplish anything substantial
for his state. He is, furthermore using
with telling effect the many arts known
only to the experienced politician. He is
possibly the strongest man in the race at
this time.
At the same time a large portion of the
state press and a number of the most
adroit politicians are waglng a relentless
fight against the senator and doing their
utmost for MIR. Taliaferro, who has the
advantage Of wealth with other influential
backing. He has also the advantage of the
sentiment, always strong in Florida, that
there should be rotation In office.
Six years ago there was even stronger
and more general opposition to the re-elec-
ton Of Mr.. Pasco than there is now. but
bold, dashing leader was lacking. With the
situation in this shape the legislators came
to Tallahassee, and the legislative caucuses
were held. Immediately il was Industrious
~ circulated around that Pasco had cap
tured the organization of the legislature
dead sure, and then was inaugurated such
a political whirlwind as had never been
witnessed in Florida. Men who had been
previously condemning the senator We're
falling over each other in the scramble
for a seat in the Pasco band-wagon They
all got in, and Mr.. 'Pasco was unanimously
reelected with great whoop and hurrah