The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1900-04-05
SITUATION GROWS
QUITE INTERESTING
-- ~
Speculation as TO What the
Country Delegates VIII Do.
WHY PROF. M'CUE WITHDREW
-ea--
Republican Leaders From Country and
City Preclncts Discuss the Sit
ustlOn-"No Axes to Grind,
Merely Justice" "
WHY PROF. M'CUE WITHDREW

There In no end OF speculation among
the republican leaders in clatsop coun-
" as 10 what the country delegates
hope TO accomplish at their meeting
in carruthsr's hall tomorrow evening
and Saturday morning That they
have a definite purpose in view there
can be no doubt, the conclusion being
based upon statements made by some
OF the leaders In what Is now known
as the country movement"
II is no more than just and honest
TO say that the country delegates have
no particularly dull axe to grind; they
are not sore" but. according to the
representations made by some Of them
who speak with authority, they feel
that the faithful in the country pre-
cincts should be entitled TO a fair share
Of the loayes and fishes. II Is because
they feel that this equalization Is be-
ing denied them by the party leaders in
this city that they have decided to
formulate a united plan OF action In
support OF their demands for Just rec
ognitlon.
A delegate from one OF the most
populous outside precincts stated TO
an Astorian reporter yesterday that
the country movement" was first
conceived because Of a report to the
effect that the leaders In the city were
selecting the cloth with the intention
OF having the county convention cut
the garment accordingly"
This may or may not be true" said
he. However l wish to say-and /
know the rank and file OF the party will
agree with me-that the republicans
In Clatsop county would not tolerate
anything bearing the slightest suspic-
ion OF n slate. The history Of the
party proves this conclusively. Now.
IL there should be any truth in the re-
port that the city leaders are endeav-
oring TO 'fix things. you may depend
upon II that the country delegation
will do Its utmost to regulate matters
In the interest OF the people and the
party"
The withdrawal OF Prof. John c.
Mccue as candidate for the legisla-
tive nomination has altered the situ.
alton relative to that contest material
ly. Although his withdrawal was un-
expected 1t did not cause much surprise
as II has been known for some time
that Professor McCues friends have
been urging him 20 keep out Of poll
tics and devote his attention to his
educational duties. None attempt TO
question that Professor McCue would
make most energetic and conscien-
tious representative Of this county at
the state legislature, but they feel
that his personal interests would, in
the end, be better subserved by keep
ing aloof from the political puddle for
the present, as he is yet a very young
man and viii no douot be duly rec
ognized by the party and the people in
the course of time.
This sentiment, indeed, is also ex-
pressed by some OF the leaders rela-
tive to Johan Young's candidacy. Not
the remotest question as to ability is
raised but the suggestion is freely
made that older men than either Mr..
McCue or Mr. Young might make a
stronger showing at the polls at the
June election.
A member Of the republican party in
this city, who ranks high in the coun-
ellis OF the organization, said to an
Astorian representative last evening
that inasmuch as there had heen some
criticism Of Mr.. Curtis record in the
legislature It would be necessary for
the party to be exceedingly careful in
its selection Of candidates this year.
What the people demanded was men
Of wide experience and familiarity with
the needs Of the county at large.
In referring to the coming meeting
Of the country delegates the gentleman
said that he was satisfied that, as far
as the city contingent was concerned,
not the slightest objection could be
raised to the course proposed. Said
he:
What the republicans of Clatsop
county demand is a fair representa-
ton OF sentiment Of both the mem
bers of the party and the people. II
the country delegates feel that they
have not been fully recognized they
certainly have a perfect right to meet
by themselves and formulate their de-
sires or demands in formal ultima
tum. l know, however, that they will
find that there is no disposition on the
part of any of the leaders to deny
them the recognition to which they sre
unquestlonably entitled in the conven-
tion."
It is not within the republican
ranks alone that special attention is
being directed to the legislative can
dldacies. The democrats have been
doing some quiet work in the way Of
determining upon Moses or two to
give them representation at Salem at
the next session. At the present mo-
ment 1t seems to be pretty well set
tied that Captain J, A. Campbell and
o. I. Petersen Will be asked to ac-
cept the nominations. as both are rated
as exceedingly strong men In the COM
munity as we'll as popular with the
rank and file Of the party.