The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1900-01-24
SENATOR
ELKINS FOR
VICE PRESIDENT
West virginia's Senior Senator is
Prominently Mentioned for
the Second Place.
CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION
Fsvors Immediate Action to Push
His oandidacy-ssnator Says
Little on the Subject.
Special Dispatch to the intelllEenesr.


WASHINGTON, Jan. 2s.-It has been
an open secret for some time that
among the leading Republicans Of the
country there has been a strong senti-
ment In favor OF making Senator Eli
Mns the candidate of the party for vice
president on the ticket for 1900. This
sentiment found voice in semi-oficial
way at a recent meeting Of the sub
comnAttee OF the national committee In
Philadelphia, and although the secret
was closely guarded, 1t has finally been
made public. 1t is understood, Also
that the suggestion has been placed be-
fore the President.
The fact is, that since the meeting
and the talk had then about Senator
Elkins there has been more than lit
tie canvass of the subject in the senate
among the Republican leaders there.
Senator Hanna is understood to have a
most kindly feeling for him, but be-
lieyes that he is better man for his
party on the floor of the senate than he
would be presiding over the dellbera-
tions of the body.
This opinion is shared by others but
from no quarter is there the slightest
question of the propriety OF nominating
Senator Elklns. He stands high in the
estimation Of his colleagues, and with
the party leaders. His friends say he is
logically the candidate, with but few
points, ami they of geographical char
acter, against him.
President .das No Preferences.
As recently stated in the IntellIgeu-
Ger, President Mckinley has indicated
no preference as between candidates
for the second place, nor viii he, fur
ther than ask that the man chosen shall
measure up to a certain standard, and
those qualifications. his friends say. are
possessed by Senator Elkins. Meeting
the suggestion that the senator might
be attacked by Democrats as friend Of
corporations his friends point to his re-
cord In the senate. where he has been
criticised by the corporations for not
favorlng them, and 1t further said that
but few public men have done more
than he for worldngmen, and but few
are more popular with that class,
Geographical considerations being
mentioned, 1t is pointed out that the
senator's nomination will be a tribute
TO the south, but that he is as strong in
New York and other states as is any
man 70 fer mentioned. and the fact
that ohio. President McRinley's state,
and West Virginia, lie so close to-
gethcr, will Gu, no figure with the peo-
pie of the country. That which will be
most considered, perhaps, will be the
claims OF the northwest for recognition,
The Senator -Committal.
Senator Elklns is saying nothing
either way. He not long ago said to
the IutenIgencer correspondent that
his preference is to remain on the floor
of the senate, for 1t is there he believes
ne can be most serviceahle to his con-
s,itueRts and the country. But he has
been since assured by his friends that
his promotion to the Vice presidency
viii be OF great benefit TO his state. and
that he has no right to permit persona!
Feelings to intervene. Should the nom
inatIon be shown TO be within his reach
1t is believed he will accept.
A feature OF the present situation Is
that the nomination for Vice president
will have an important bearing on the
presidential question four years hence.
II New York ahall secure second place
this year, her chances for the presl-
dency in 1904 will probably be lessened.
Therefore, the second place may be per-
mItted to go to some other state in lsOo'
suggestion Pleasss Congressman.
The Republican members OF Congress
from Wset Virginia are very much
pleased with the suggestion OF Senator
lSlkius, for vice president They favor
immediate organization in his behalf,
and declare that II he will at once con-
sent 10 the use OF his name, there will
be no man before the Philadelphia con-
ventIon with stronger backing. They
say also. that heretofore, when Senator
Elkins WAS proposed for higher office,
and when Judge Gon was similarly
mentioned, the Republicans OF the
state lost the opportunity presented by
waiting, and they are In favor OF taxi
ing advantage of the present situation
-..,- ..ooVav,