The age-herald., 1900-12-26
THE CONTESTS FORa.7
 SEATS IN SENATE Fights Will Soon Open Up in
 Several States GREAT INTEREST MANIFEST Illinois, Nebraska and New Hampshire Present the Most Doubtful Cases. cuIom and Chandler May
 Both Loose Out.
GREAT INTEREST MANIFEST

Washington. December 25.-(Speclal94-Of the Senatorial contests that open up with all energy when the several Legislatures assemble with the new year, those of Illi- nois, Nebraska and New Hampshire are perhaps the most interesting.
 In Illinois Shelby M. Cullom, who has represented his State in the Senate for al- most eighteen years, has a difficult fight for reelection. Cullom was elected to the Senate on February 5, 1883, after having served six years as Governor of Illinois as the successor of David Davis, and he was reelected in 1888 and 1894 Governor Tanner of Illinois is making a particularly vigorous and vicious fight against Gull lom's reelection, and commands consider able strength. While he cannot hope to succeed himself, Tanner might be able to defeat Cullom.
 The candidates, in addition to Cullom and Tanner are Representatives Hit, Cannon and Hopkins. Each of these gen. tlemen occupies an importat position In the House. As chairman of the committee on appropriations Cannon is a most useful public servant, and without doubt is the best equipped man in the House, his in- huence equaling that of the speaker. Hit is chairman of the committee on foreign affairs and one of the most respected men his health has not permitted him to be in the House. Within the last few years quite so active as usual. Hopkins is not only a member of the important committee on ways and means, but is chairman of the select committee on canals. Each of these Congressmen hope to be chosen after the Cullom and Tanner fight has worn those two out; but notwithstanding the opposl- tion of Tanner and the loss of strength caused by the entrance of other candidates, those best informed of the situation ex- pect to see Cullom succeed himself, and in view of his long and admirable service this would not bea bad outcome.
 The Nebraska Contest.
 In Nebraska there are two Senators to be elected, one to succeed John M. Thurston, who is not a candidate for reelection, and the other to fill the seat now occupied by Senator Allen who was appointed when Senator Hayward died, by the Populist Governor of Nebraska.
 The Republicans of Nebraska have Il
 
 crats and Populists 62 The H-abraska con- stitution requires majority of those pres ent to elect provided a quorum be present. With no absentees it will require CT votes for the Republicans to elect a Senator. There is a flock of candidates, including As sistant-Secretary Mekeljohn of the War Department, Editor Rosewater of the Oma- ha Bee, and David Mercer, Representa- tive in Congress and chairman of the House committee on public buildings and grounds. Already the preliminary contest has devel- eped an acrimonious feeling, and the out look is for a long and bitter struggle, with the possibility of a deadlock. In suoh situation there is danger that the Repub- licans may be unable to get together, and that some ambitious candidate with con- siderable strength may make an arrange ment with the Populists and Democrats whereby this Republican and a Fusionist may be elected. There is already talk of Senator Tslurston as a compromise candi- date, but Thurston, much as he likes Sen torial life, feels that he must retire and occupy himself with his law business.
 In New Hampshire.
 In New Hampshire the real question Is whether William E. Chandler shall or shall not succeed himself Chandler by his breezy manners and his biting sarcasm, which in- cludes an inability to amuse himself when tempted even at the expense of injuring his own political future as well as by his de- fence of bimetalism has made many ene- mics The railroad influence seems to be de- terminedly against him. Who will be elect ed if Chandler fails is not now evident.
 The defeat of Chandler would cause regret in Washington even on the part of those who have suffered from his quick wit. He Is most interesting character, with a fund of humor and is personally especially attractive In the Senate he is source of constant interest. No one knows what tack he will take at any moment, and dull-Chandler can usually be relied upon to inject some remarks that will get 1t by the ears and make matters immediately in- teresting. As far as the gayety of politics is concerned, the retirement of Chandler from public life would be distinct loss. And he is a very capable legislator His State would lose by his retirement. Nc one could possibly be chosen who would have as much influence as he has or who would look more carefully for her interests. His chief trouble is a lack of balance, and his attitude bfmetalism has been a source of embarrassment to his party. That matter being settled, it Is no longer cause for opposition. Senator Chandler seems to think his chances for reelection are somewhat better than even, and re- gently interviews with leading Senators have been published showing what loss he would be to the Senate. This is partly due to his own legislative worth and partly to his personality, most Senators freely for giving him for giving them, on occasions, bad quarters of hours, .