The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-02-03

TENDERS OF an unofficial character have
been made by members OF the Citizens
Nonpartisan League to prominent members
OF the Democratic city organization with
the object Of securing uniformity of action
in municipal politics when the conventions
meet next week. and. II possible. a fusion
between the league and the Democracy.
Only yesterday certain members OF the
league. II is reliably reported indicated to
prominent Democratic politicians that un-
der certain conditions the league could be
brought to indorse Democrat for mayor
provided a man acceptable to the leaders OF
the nonpartIsan movement we're named.
1t IL understood that the Democrats were
informed that j. w. Goodwin was the Demo-
crat who would be acceptable to the league
1t il also known that during the past two
days prominent Democratic politicians have
amportuned Mr. Goodwin to become can
didate. and have gone TO the extent OF urg-
ing that he enter the race In order that
combination between the nonpartisans and
Democrats may he effected.
Mr.. Godwin's Power.
Mr.. Goodwin has been informed. It Is re-
ported. that II is within his power to make
Z fusion possible between the nonpartsans
and the Democrats; that such combina-
tion. II effected at the time OF the Demo-
cratic city convention next "Wednesday
would result IN driving the SILVER nepuD-
licans and Populists Into line.
The efforts TO induce Mr. Goodwin to enter
the race for the Democratic nomination
have failed no far. II Is said. 1t is posi-
lively known that Mr. Goodwin, although
he stands as an advocate Of fusion. has re-
fused to entertain the proposal that he an
nounce himself candidate for mayor. Mr..
0odwins reasons for taking the position he
has assumed are well known to Democratic
politicians He IL an outspoken aspiranf
for the Democratic national committeeman
ship and has informed his friends that his
energies will he conferred In an effort to
secure this honor. He has also informed
his friends that the mention OF his name In
connection with the mayoralty has injured
his chances OF attaining the object OF his
ambition and that under no circumstances
would he accept the nomination.
Mr.. Goodwin realizes that to accept the
mayoralty nomination would probably kill
forever his future political ambitions. 1t IL
claimed that Mr.. Godwin's personal friends
are not willing to sacrifice him at the COM
fnR municipal election and are advising him
not to be inviegled Into accepting the NOM
tnation.
Another Good Reason.
Mr.. Goodwin has also been credited with
another and n strong reason for refrain
ing from entering the race for mayor. lie
and hts friends, according to the best In
formation from inside Democratic sources
are responsible for the candidacy of G. A.
g. Rochester for the Democratic mayor
atty nomination. 1t Is no secret that Mr..
Rochester's main supporters are the men
who arc closest to Mr.. Goodwin. Mr.
Rocherters candidacy. II Ia generally UNI
derstood. received In advance the approval
and Endorsement OF Mr. Goodwin before pub
liclty was given to the fact that he had
been chosen to lead the Democratic mu-
nicipai ticket.
IL is obvious. then, that Mr. Goodwin has
very strong reasons for refusing to en-
terrain the proposition to become candi-
date for mayor. as he Is reliably reported
10 have done. To accept, II Is argued by
Democrats who are supporting Mr.. Roehes-
ter's candidacy, would be TO declare him
self a traitor to Mr.. Rochester who. as
stated, was brought into the race by the
political associates OF Mr.. Goodwin.
Some Believe He VIII Accept.
Mr.. Godwin's friends have another rea-
son for believing that he win not become
candidate This Is that. as he has stat
Cd, his business IL of such a character
that TO accept the office and to devote the
necessary time TO the duties carried with
Il would be to sacrifice his private inter-
ests out of all proportion to the emoiu-
ments of the office.
On the other hand. there are many DEM
ocrats who are apparently sincere In their
desire TO have Mr.. Goodwin named for
mayor. They recall the fact that two
years ago he came within an ace of being
nominated, and they claim. In addition.
that had he been nominated he would have
been elected, II II also pointed out that MIR,
Godwin's ambition to become "A prominent
figure IN Democratic politics may yet lead
him TO enter the race for mayor. which Of
nee, II he secured II, would naturally. IL is
claimed confer much power upon him.
In the meantime MIR Reehester's friends
are pushing his candidacy with all possi-
Bile energy. lie Is receiving the support OF
many Democrats who have not been prom
fnent during the past two years In poll
ties. hut who ARE, nevertheless. active
workers In addition. hts support IL
drawn from men who have boon active
In bringing about fusion combinations In
tho county ana state during the past four
years Ills friends assert that he will un-
doubtedly receive the Democratic uomina-
ton by acclam~tion. that the n0npartisans
and the Populisis VIII be Informed az his
candidacy. and will 10 given a chance to