The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1901-07-14
SPECIALIZING ON SENATOR
VESTS PROBABLE SUCCESSOR
Stone Governor Dockey Champ Clark David
De Almond Are Among Those Mentioned Cand
Expected to Enter the Race for Railroad and
Warehouse Observation-Disclosures Court Judges
Vacaion-Other Political Gossip.

In u quiet way considerable is being said
about the probable successor of Senator
Vest. Although it has not been definitely
announced that any one would seek his seat
in the United States Senate, yet political
rumors have been rife for year or longer.
and Ex-Governor Stone, Governor Dockery.
Champ Clark, and David A De Almond
have all been mentioned in this connection
Unless some OF those who have been
keeping pretty close track of political
events at Jefferson City are very much
mistaken. Governor Dockery will not be q
candidate for the United States Senate as
the successor Of Senator Vest. 1t appears
to be the general understanding there that
the Governor desires to serve out his full
term Some think If he takes any direct
interest in the matter it will be to favor ex-
Governor Stone.
Little has been said in regard to the
prospective candidacy OF Congressman De
Almond, but the friends Of Champ Clark
have been talking about him for SIX months
Two or three months ago statement was
printed to the effect that Senator Vest
might reconsider his declaration of four
years ago to the effect that he would not
again seek seat in the United States SEN
ate. On good authority 1t Is said this state
ment was unwarranted. The Senator's
health is much better now than 1t was
when he was elected to the Senate the last
tine-1Sg-but it appears he has not
changed his views in the least. and will re-
tire Of his own accord at the close of his
term. This Information comes from excel
lent authority.
Much curiosity IL manifested to discover
Senator Vests choice of his successor. If he
has said anything on this subject, 1t has
been to friends who shave not repeated his
words. For some unexplained reason the
impression prevails. however, that If Con-
gresham De Almond IL In the race, and the
Senator takes any personal interest in the
contest at all. 1t will be In judge De Ar
mond's favor 1t has been stated many
times that he Is not very friendly toward
Governor Stone as his successor. and no
less parsonage than Amos Cummings Of
New York has been quoted as authority for
the Senator's views, on the former chief
executive Of Missouri and the latter's sup
posed ambition to enter the United States
Senate. But 1t is deemed quite likely that
the Senator will not mix up In the contest
or let his likes or dislikes be known.
BY far the most important announcement
In connection with successor to Senator
Vest is the report that Governor Dockery
will not be candidate. With him In the
contest the State would witness something
decidedly new In the selection Of United
States Senator. There has not been q real
contest over this Office in Missouri in more
than quarter of a century. During all
these long years the election of United
States Senator has been largely formafi-
ty, unattended by any contest. In twenty
years Senator Coekrell has not deemed 1t
necessary to be at JEFFERSON City when q
United States Senator was to be chosen, and
during the same time Senator Vest has been
there but once-in 1897. His visit at that
time was largely to thank the Democratic
members OF the Legislature and announce to
them that he would never again seek the
same honor. -:
Even with Governor Dockery out of the
race 1t does not necessarily follow that
there will be no contest over Senator Vests
seat. Indications point to pretty lively
contest should the Governor be but spec
tator. 1t may be settled, however, before
the members of the Legislature reach JEFF
ferson City. but 1t will be contest never
theless and add considerable spice to the
campaign next year.
Congressman Bartholdt is showing some
signs Of uneasiness over the situation in his
district, and he IL even this early aware
OF the fact that he will have serious opposi-
ton for denomination. The Legislature
changed the district considerably. Franklin
County was. Topped on and added to the
new Sixteenth District. and some territory
In South st. Louis was added. Mr.. Bar
tholdts friends accused State Senator
Matthews OF being Instrumental In enecting
these changes In the hope of securing the
nomination himself.
Meantime. ]. c. Kiskaddon OF FRANKLIN
County and Judge shacklcford OF Mont
gomery have moved their domiciles to Clay
fon and htine. e,,f fheir law shingles, Judge