The evening times., 1899-09-22

AKRON, Ohio, Sept. 22.-Actiye prepa-
rations are making here for the formal
opening OF the Republican campaign to-
morrow when Governor Roosevelt, of
New York, viii set the ball rolling for
the Hanna Dick Mckinley ticket. headed
by Judge Nash, of Columbus. The event
will probably be one of the most notable
in Ohio politics for the past thirty years.
for the reason that the gathering viii be
interesting not only on account of the
foreign talent" that will contribute to
the occasion, but also because of the large
number of eminent Ohio Republicans who
will be conspicuous by their absence"
Reports have gone out that the Akron
meeting would be a love-feast all around,
and that Republican leaders OF every shade
of political preference would surely be on
hand TO give the Hanna ticket a rousing
''send-off." The Republican State CON-
mittee has taken pains TO invite all the
Indians" or political leaders opposed TO
the Hanna-Dick regime to take part in
the affair.
Notable Absentees.
1t was advertised that Senator Foraker,
Governor Bushnell and other Republicans
OF ample influence in Ohio politics would
surely be among the speakers. 1t now de-
velops that neither Governor Bushnell nor
Senator Foraker will attend the meeting.
Senator Foraker has sent his regrets, al
leging that previous engagement to speak
at Hamilton prevents his accepting Colonel
Dicks invitation. Governor Bushnell has
also declined to come. Ii seems that he
also has made previous engagements" for
the day when the first gun" will be fired
for the Hanna ticket.
These conspicuous absentees have eXcit-
ed astonishment among Republicans
throughout the State and have given the
Democrats a chance TO smile and say Il
told you sou in every county Of Ohio. The
weIl-known hostility TO Hanna seems TO be
crystallizing on every side and indications
are plentiful that he will have TO fight
the campaign unsupported by the In
dians" as the Dick people contemptuously-
call the Foraker Bushnell following.
In spite of this intense apathy in many
Republican quarters, the meeting tomor-
row will probably be what is known as a
'paralyZer." Familiar expedents have
been used by the Hannaites to make it an
impressive occasion" Railroads are Of
fering ridiculously low rates from all
points in the State, and Republican clubs
from many counties are being "coerced"
into sending large delegations. The Han
1dllSs are ulduoBluB WIN
tary precision and thoroughness. and they
will doubtless contrive to have large
crowd here when Governor Roosevelt
speaks Saturday.
These low railroad rates and all this
made-to-order enthusiasm" said a promi-
nent Democrat yesterday, reminds me of
1896. when men stood on the platforms of
the Cleveland. Toledo and Cincinnati Rail-
road and cried; Free fare, free feed, and
free uniforms, boys! Take a ticket for
Canton, That's right! Get in the cars,
swell the crowd. and have a good tina,
'Twont cost you a cent! Get aboard
And off they went to Canton to pay their
respects to Mr.. Mckinley
ROOsevelt the Star Attraction.
Governor Roosevelt is expected to draw
well" 1t is known that his presence here
will be bid for the soldier or military
vote OF the State. He will be easily first
among the attractions" The State COM
mittee arranged to have two meetings at
the same time to accommodate the crowds.
at one OF which Roosevelt should speak,
and at the other Judge Nash. This plan
has now been abandoned because il is
feared that everyone would rush to hear
the Rough Rider and leave Judge Nash