Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-05-12
SOUTH DAKOTA POLITICS
BRYAN HAS LITTLE CHANCE TO
CARRY THE STATE.
senator PettiErew's Personal Inhu-
ence, However, May Possibly Pull
National Ticket Through.

Sr,,cial Correspondence Of The Evening Star
SIOUX FALLS, S. D., May 10. 1880.
The poIitical situation in South Dakota
hinges this year more upon the influence
of Senator r. F. Pettigrew than upon any
particular Issue He identified himself for
n.aIiy with the populist party this week
by taking a prominent part in the statc
and national conventions. This is the hrsi
ti,,c he has committed himself thor
uughy to this organization lie Is classea
in the Congressional Directory with the
silver party. but his name must now be
shifted to the populist column
W j. Bryan carried South Dakota in 1896
by a plurality Of 1s3 out of total of
$500 votes The fusion candidate for gov
srnor Andrew L. Lee. also elected.
but the republicans Won nearly all Of the
state Offices by average majority OF
about 900. In 1Slss Gov. Lee was re-elect-
ea. owing TO his personal popularity ana
his following among his Norwegian coun-
trymen but the state ticket showed eX-
traordinary republican gains. majority
averaging over 1900. In 1889 the republic
can judicial ticket was elected by still
larger republican majorities, and Mr.. Bry-
ans most ardent followers profess little
hope OF his carrying the state this year.
Distinctive Phase of State Ticket.
The state ticket is looked upon in South
Dakota as a distinct proposition from the
legislative. congressional and presidential
ticket. and reasoning applied to one does
not apply to the other. The legislative
contest is entirely centered in the fight of
Senator Pettigrew for the election. His
personal following is large. He was a
republican for twenty years and a leader
of his party. He has many friends. who.
while they do not indOrse his present po-
liical platform. would not stand in his
way. and. in fact, would do much the
iaf ia him q the Senate for n
other term. The republicans express them
selves rather hopeless in their tight
against him, The state ticket is long.
Every office in the state is to be filled. in
Guiding :he entire legislature. as there are
no hod-overs. 1t is openly claimed that.
If necessary to carry the legislature for
the fusiouists. which means for Pettigrew.
that the balance of the ticket will be
rificed to do 1t.
None of the conventions have yet been
held in the state, so there is no tangible
evidence of the drift of public opinion Re-
cent local elections, such as the one in Pet
tsrew'5 own town. Sioux Falls. have gone
against those identified with him political
ly. and much has been made of this by his
opponents. Those best Informed. however.
admit that local issues have played a large
part in these contests and that they must
not be taken into serious account evil
dence of any loss of influence by Senator
Pettigrew.
His opponents in the race for the senator
ship are Representative Robert J. Gamble,
who could have been renominated by the
republicans, but who has announced his re-
ttTement for the purpose of making the
senatorial race. Ex-senator Moody H. C.
Preston and Col. Lee Slower are also can
didates for the senatorship. If the legisa-
ture Is republican 1t Is claimed that Mr.
Gamble. with the prestige of his congress
sional service. has the best of the race but
In" very fact that there are more than one
candidate for this honor aids the fusionists
To present a more or less solid front in their
Support of Senator Pettigrew for another
term.
Cause of Democratic Encouragement.
The causes which lead to the discourage
nent of the democrats. so far as carrying
this state for Bryan. are numerous The
silver issue is no stronger than 1t was four
years ago. and perhaps not as strong
There is considerable anti-expansion senti-
ment in this state. but the great fear to