The Portland daily press., 1900-10-31
DEMOCRATIC POSSIBILITIES
The Talk About the Nomination of
Capt. Deering for Mayor.

Yesterday there was some talk in local
political circles that the Democrats might
nominate ex-Mayor John W. Deering as
their candidate for mayor in the cam
paign next spring. The name OF Cap
tain Deering was mentioned In several
places and 1t seemed to meet with very
general favor among the Democrats.
Captain Deering, it is understood, has
not been approached on the subject but
it is thought that he would beswilling to
stand provided thers was a strong senti-
ment in his party that desired him to
run. He has for years taken conspicu-
Gus interest in political affairs and since
twenty years ago when he became a DEM
ocrat he has taken no little part in the
councils of the party in Portland.
Captain EDeering has shown himself
that same active and aggressive spirit in
the political world as hs has in his busi-
ness associations. Twice he was elected
mayor of the city, in the two years of 1888
and 1885. In both of those campaigns he
waged a strong fight and came out VIC
torious. Since then he has held no cleo
tive office; but when President Cleveland
was elected for the second time, Captain
Deering was appointed the collector OF
the port. His appointment TO this the
best federal position in Maine, came as
surprise to the veteran wheel horses and
young workers of the party. His term OF
four years expired last winter He has
retired from active business life but con-
tinues to keep well posted on all affairs
Of public concern, He is one OF the lead
ing membe of the board of trade.
Up to yesterday the name of ex-Alder-
man John f. A. Merrill of ward four,
who is now the member Of the school
committee from that ward, had been
most frequently mentioned in connection
with the DE mOcratic mayoralty nominal
ton. 1t had been supposed that Mr. Mer-
rill would have clear field to himself for
the nOmina ton. The entry of Captain
Dsering on the lists may have an import
ant bearing on the Democratic situation
in Portland next spring. Another name
that of Former Shipping Commissioners
George Tolman, which has not hitherto
bsen published, has also been brought
Forward by his friends as candidate who
would receive a good support in the
campaign next year. Mr.. IOlman is
veteran politician, Before coming to this
city from ROckland he served as a member
of the State Senate. DE was also warden
of the State prison before moving to
Portland In the year 1892, when the
Democrats, for the first time IN % years,
elected their candidate for mayor and a
majority of the mem bers Of the city gov
eminent, Mr.. Holman was elected as the
alderman from ward three. With the
second election of Cleveland he aspired to
one of the snug positions in the custom
house, that Of appraiser But he was dis
appointed in these hOpss. Shortly after
wards, however, Shipping Commissioner
Daniel Gallagher died ana Mr.. Tolman
WAS appointed to I'LL the vacancy. Mr..
Holman has also been mentioned as one of
the civil deputies under Sheritf-elect
Pearson, when the latter takes charge on
the firsU day Of January.
The Democratic leaders think that
they may stand a good show of electing
their candidate for mayor in the spring
although they are far from confident.
They are eagerly looking forward to the
resu 1t OF the Presidential election. They
say that If Bryan should happen to win
that they would be encouraged to go
ahead and put in some hard work in the
spring campaign. On the other hand
they say that If Bryan loses the party
Will be not a little discouraged and in no
mood to make a fight for control Of mum
ictpal affairs,
OF late there has been slight talk re-
garding the likelihood Of a citizens
ticket being placed in the field.