The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-08-14

All plans OF all factions OF the various
large and yagrant elements that make up
the opposition to the Republican party
In the state of Washington pivot upon
Pierce county and the outcome of the
contest there in progress between Gov.
Rogers and A. V. Fawcett.
IL Fawcett wins. as has already been
stated in the Post-Intelligencer, he is
expected to command the support of the
King county delegations and those already
elected In several other counties as OPP
posed to Gov. Rogers. But the friends
OF the governor point out that Fawcett's
candidacy Is embarrassed by the very rule
that was laid down in the hope of defeat
ing Rogers. The rule that two-thirds of
the fusion state conventions is necessary
TO a nomination.
This rule was promulgated by the
enemies of Rogers In control of the DEM
ocratic and Populist state committees.
They felt certain, II is said. that the
governor could never secure two-thirds
of all the delegates. The rule at first
provoked a storm of Indignation from the
Rogers people. but they now profess to
regard IT as an insurmountable obstacle
In the way of Fawcett's ambition. even
should he carry Pierce county. II is now
conceded lS all that Rogers will be sup
ported by the majority of Eastern Wash
ington delegates and that Fawcett. II he
carries Pierce. will have the majority
on the west side. The west will have the
majority In the state conventions. but 1t
will not reach two-thirds. Thus the Rog-
ers supporters claim 10 be able to cause
a deadlock and the claim is not yet dis
puted by the opposition.
Spokane Against Voorhees,.
Voorhees,, of Spokane who. 1t had been
thought, might attract strength from
both Rogers and Fawcett, is now, by local
Democrats, members of the delegation
to the state convention. declared to be out
of the race. The delegation from his
own county. controlled by Senator Turner
Is opposed to Voorhees,, as are delegations
from other Eastern counties where Turn
cr's influence prevails. The senator, It
Is said, recognized that in event of voor-
hees' election as governor and the cleo
ton of a Democratic legislature In 1902
Spokane could not ask for representation
in the United States senate. Turner's
political fortunes are bound up in Rogers
success, but even should Rogers fail the
senator WILL Il il said. bitterly oppose
an East SID candidate for governor.
The opposition to Rogers. however fav-
orably disposed toward Voorhees, as
second choice could not. It is said at
tempt to force his nomination against
the wishes of his county. In case of
deadlock between Fawcett and Rogers no
compromise, 1t is said. could be made on
Voorhees,.
But greater problem than the gov.
ernorship contest now confronts the
would-be fusionlsts. and that is the choice
OF party name All the declared and
probable candidates for the gubernatorial
nomination are Democrats; the Populists
apparently have no candidate. but every
Populist county convention has Instructed
Its delegates 10 demand the retention of
the Peoples party name. The Democrats
have repeatedly asserted that they will
never again support a ticket under that
name and viii insist that all candidates
run as Democrats. They assert that tho
Populst demand Is not made as a matter
of principle but TO strengthen the chances
for trading. The Populists demand the
name and give the Democrats the govern
or. as shown by the action OF the King
county Populists last saturday. but II
the Democrats hold out for the name, tho
solid vote OF the Populist state conven-
ton, Il Is said. Is already pledged to John
l.. Fay. OF Seattle, for the governorship.
May he No Fusion.
One OF the most prominent Democrats
In tho state yesterday declared that I'M
less the Populists would recede from this
position there would be no fusion in
Washington this year
THE Democrats" said he ARE de-
termined to re-estahlsh their party. This
announced determination has brought
back 20 Us many who refused 20 support
any ticket bearing the Peoples party
name or any platform embracing Popul-
istic Nagaries. No one objects to the
fopulists coming In with us and fair
apportiorment OF the nominations will he
conceded AS TO the offices We insist only
on the governorshlp
fThe salvation OF our party as a polite
al entity depends upon the Use Of its own
name. There are thousands OF Demo-
Gratis In the state who will support "A
Democratic ticket. but who will no longer
submit To populist dlctatlon. should the
Democrats this year again surrender the
name. the fusion ticket would be- defeat
ed by $1,000 majority. But the Democrats
will not surrender and unless the popul-
lists recede from their demand. there viii