The times., 1901-04-29
MR.. CoNGER FoR GOVERNOR.
His Friends In Iowa Regard HIM
a Suitable Man.

DES MOiNL-.,. April 2s.-The return 10
this State Of Edwin II. CoDger. Minister
of the United States 10 China. accompanied
by his family. win be like that of a vic
torious military commander after a sue
cessful campaign Minister COuger. al
ready the idol Of thousands OF Iowa men
who have known him a lifetime, Is re-
garded now. since his terrible experiences
during the siege of the legations at Pc
kin. as something OF hero, and in
way, it is felt here at his home that his
return while the peace negotiations are
yet pending is unfair to him and that
proper demonstration in his favor would
go far to assure the Administration that
the people have unbounded confidence In
Mr.. Conger as a man and as diplomat.
There is a spontaneous uprising in Iowa
in favor of Mr.. Conger. and ii viii prob
ably sweep him into the Office of Gov
eruOr with or without his consent.
When Mr.. Conger and his family arrive
at the borders of the State. they viii be
met by many Iowa citizens. who will go
to Council Bluffs on special trains, and
there will be formal welcome home. A
special train will be at the disposal of
the Minister and his family to bring them
to Des MOines This train will make three
or four stops, where there will be inform
al receptions to Mr.. Conger Committees
of the Grand Army of the Republic and
political clubs have the arrangements IN
charge and are planning 10 make the
event one long to be remembered. In Des
Moines. the State capitol has been placed
at the disposal of the committees and
public reception will be given there, and
this viii be followed by many social func-
tions.
Inasmuch as the delegates are now be-
ing selected to the Republican State con-
vention, and as Mr.. COnger has been re-
garded as a receptive candidate for Gov
ernor, it is probable that the demonstra-
tons for Mr.. Conger will end in his nomi-
nation. There are now six avowed candi-
dates in the field, no one of whom has
the strength to win, and every one of
whom is objectionable to one or more fac
tions of the party. Before any of the
candidates were announced Representa-
tive Hun had written to Mr.. Conger ask
ing him TO become a candidate and mad
received a cable reply in which Mr.. Con-
ger said he would accept a nomination,
but would make no fight for the place
This despatch was held back until three
candidates had announced themselves
Each one had said he would not be can
didate If Mr.. Conger was candidate
Since then the number OF candidates mas
increased to six, but the canvass has been
fruitless thus far. because all are waiting
to see what Mr.. Conger will do. If he con-
sents TO be d candidate several viii with
draw in his favor, and the others viii be
forced out of the race. The fight in the
party at this time has become bitter, ow-
ing to facdoHalism from other campaigns.
Mr. Conger has been out Of the State so
much that he is not identified with any
faction. and would be acceptable to all
He is the most popular man of the state
today. and since he became so conSplCu-
Gus at Pekin mis- popularity has greatly
increased. II nominated the Republicans
claim he will have at least 70 600 mapOTity.