The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1900-04-02
MAY PRESIDE OVER SENATE.
ELLIS NEITHER CONFIRMS NOR DE-
MES HIS CANDIDACY.

UnoppOSed Candidate From the Bibb
Senatorial District Is in the city.
The Man who Engineered the OPP
position to the WilIingham Pro-
bibition Bill Mt the Last Session of
the LcgisInturc-Paper Arc Men
tioning His Name for the Presi-
dency of the Senate-He Would Not
Say Last Night Whether He En-
poets TO Run.
Mr.. Roland Ellis of Macon and Mrs
Ellis are in the city. guests of the De
Soto They came down yesterday morn
ing. To-day Mr., Ellis will devote to
some business in the United States Court
and he and Mrs. Ellis will return to Ma
con tonight.
But few men in the state are getting
their names mentioned more prominently
in political connections than Mr.. Ellis
He is of the young democracy, but his
youth is not found an obstacle by his
allies nor an advantage by his opponents
When it comes to a political fight there
are few who can put up a stronger one
than the gentleman from Bib.
Those who watched the prohibition
campaign that went on so warmly in the
Legislature last session will recall Mr.
Ellis as the principal leader of the OPP
position to the Willingham bill. To none
in a greater degree than to Mr. Ellis was
the defeat of the bill due. He marshaled
the forces that were opposed to the
measure and directed their movements
The success that attended him and his
friends in their support of local option
will be striven for again, if, as the Pro-
hibitionists PROMISE another fight
against the sale of liquor throughout the
state is started.
,AIr Ellis and his friends, who shape the
laws of the state stand committed 10 the
principles for which they fought at the
last session. They believe that it is true
democracy, Mr.. Ellis said last night, to
allow the people 60 say in their own coun-
ties whether they shall or shall not al
low the sale of liquor.
Up to a few days ago Mr. Ellis expected
TO have opposition in race he has on
hand in Bib county's senatorial district.
He wants to represent the district next
term and so did Mr.. C. A. Turner, who
was put forth on the prohibition platform.
After looking over the situation and figur-
ing up his chances Mr.. Turner decided to
retire, and Mr.. Ellis now has the field
TO himself. IL is scarcely likely that any
one will care to contest it with him, as he
has the confidence of the people of the
district and stands well with the pow
ers.
Papers all over the state are frequently
using Mr.. Ellis name In connection with
the presidency of the Senate He was
asked If he intends to be a candidate for
If he is elected to the Senate.
His reply was non-committal. If he is 60
try for the honor it is apparent that he
Is not yet ready to say SO.
Some days ago Mr. Ellis was in the city
on business. BY coincidence Mr. T. w.
Hardwick of Tennille, who was in the
house with Mr. Ellis, and Secretary of
State Phil Cook were here at the same
time. 1t was given out that the gathering
together of the politicians at that time
was very significant. and that there was
some great secret plan being worked up.
Mr.. Ellis SAID the report was altogether
without foundat on, ii was only through
chance that the gentlemen found them
selves here at the same time. The porten-
tious meeting was really nothing more
ihan social gathering in the room of
one of the party at the De Soto.
Neither has this trip any political sig
nihcance, MIR Ellis said. He is here to
meet no politicians but is letting matters
pol teal jog along serenely No Savannah
politicians were met. bur number of
gentlemen in Savannah and he are good
friends, and a trip to the Yacht Club with
two of them during the afternoon was
greatly enjoyed