The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-04-24
Land Commissioner Bridges Open
~ States His Position.
IS TALKED OF FOR CONGRESS.
Rumor Has II That Land Commits
sioner and MIR. Lewis Way JOIN
Forces Against the Governor
The Heterogeneous Might Thus
Gain GubernatorfaI Nomination
Fusion Family Row Interesting.

Land Commissioner Robert Bridges has
added to the confusion which peryades
the ranks OF the fusionists, by declaring
fat-footed that he will fight Gov. Rogers
for denomination. Mr.. Bridges MADE
statement OF his position yesterday 10 a
Observation-Disclosures reporter. he declared
that, In his opinion. the denomination OF
Gov. Rogers would be an unwise step for
the fusion forces TO take. and for that
reason he would oppose It In the IAN
convention
More than this, Mr.. bridges denied the
etory set ahoat In fusion circles few
days ago that he was a member OF
combination OF state officials which Is
alleged 10 be engaged IN an EFFORT TO
organize a fusion party machine and
bring about the denomination OF each
rnsmber this fall. The alleged combine
n said to include Gov. Rogers. Mr.
Bridges Attorney General Vance. Auditor
Cheatham and State Superintendent
Jrowna Mr.. Bridges declares that he
IS not working with any member OF the
state administration for the purpose of
securing control of the party machine.
that he Is not a candidate for any Of
fee and does not expect 10 be.
A WeIi-Known Fusionist.
No little interest Is added TO the prob
lens that have originated IN fusion Of
fcialism of Olympia BY Mr. Bridges
frank and open avowal of his purpose
of fighting the governor IN the fall con-
vention Probably there Is no member
of the Peoples party who Is better
known throughout the state than the
land commissioner. AS one of the lead
ers OF the single tax propaganda, Mr..
Bridges has advocated that question in
ssason and out large majority, 1t is
claimed, Of the Popuiists are single tax
ers, The latter have declared allegiance
20 the land commissioner, and on this
account fusion politicians are wont to
consider him In ~ OF their plans af-
fectiug state politics.
II ~ the deliberate judgment of many
fusion politicians that a community of
interest EXISTS between former Congress-
man Lewis and Land Commissioner
Bridges. This r. IN spite OF the fact that
the two had breezy controversy in the
newspapers some time ago on account
Of Mr.. Lewis pro-expansion utterances.
II II no secret that many friends of Mr..
Bridges have urged him to become an
0sptrant for the fusion nomination for
congress this fail. and It Is even claimed
that he has secured support from GER
tain Democrats who have been known
in times past ms Lewis men.
The story aiioat In inside fusion cir
Giles is to the effect that Mr.. Bridges
will be Joined In due time In his fight
against Gov. Rogers by Mr.. Lewis main
nounce himself ms candidate for the
gubernatoriai nomination. M
Lcwis 10 Support Bridges
II n further claimed that as part OF
this scheme MIR. Lewis will throw his
support 10 MIR. Bridges for the nominal
tion for congress Color In given to this
story by the fact that King county IL
Mr.. Bridges home. and Democrats Of
every faction agree that the nomination
for congressman by tho Democratic con-
vention Will be given to King county.
my friends have urged me to consider
the proposition OF becoming a candidate
for congress. but I have told them that
j do not desire any Office" Mr. Bridges
said yesterday. AS To Gov. Rogers and
myself, he well understands my post
ton and | have no hesitancy IN stating
what I will do. / believe his nomination
would be unwise, and shall oppose II
with whatever strength 1 have In the
convention"
II Is regarded as not improbable that
In the combination of Populist leaders
against Gov. Rogers. Charles r. Cline
Will be found active. This is In face OF
the fact that Gov. Rogers is said TO have
slated Mr.. Cline 20 succeed Secretary of
State Jenkins, II Is softly whispered that
In his alleged eudeavor TO bring Mr.
Cline into the race for the populist nom
ination for secretary OF state Gov Rog-
cre sought at the same time 10 rid him
self OF possible rival for the nomtpa-
sion for governor, Mr.. Cline being con-
stdered In certain quarters as available
Eubernatorfai timber