The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-03-07
TAGGART'S MAN FRIDAY
NELSON J.. HYDE TELLS OF HIS
CLOsENEss TO MAYOR.
He Forced Him to Answer Duty's Call
at the Last Convention-Mr.
Hydc's own Preparedness.

AS the time draws near for the nominat-
Ing Of q man for mayor TO succeed Mr..
Taggart, the discussion as to available
timber Is increasing among the mayors
followers. Within the last few days, since
Nelson j. Hyde has been brought into par
ticular prominence by reason of his posi-
ton as chairman OF the Board OF Safety,
his name has been heard quite extensively
as being a fit man for Mr.. Taggart's shoes.
His friends cite several things in his favor,
among them beirg the able manner in
which he succeeded in giving the Gamewell
Company a contract for s62. 200. and also his
adroitness in encouraging the bill just
passed by the Legislature. which gives the
fremen and. likewise. himself. an increase
of salary at the small cost of $4,000 annu-
ally to the taxpayers.
But ii is not alone these things that make
him, in the minds of some. the proper sue
cessor of the mayor. 1t is whispered about
that he is very close TO the mayor, and
this is regarded as an important
point in his favor by his Demo-
cratic friends. In fact, Mr.. Hyde, him
self says he is close TO the mayor. To use
his exact words he said. the other day: II
am closer TO Mayor Taggart than any other
man in Indianapolis" The occasion for this
outburst of confidence was when the mem
bers of the board, in an interval from their
ardu0us labOrs, lost themselves In a dreary
discussion of the last city campaign and
some one was talking aimlessly about the
possibilities of Mayor Taggart being again
nominated this fall. Then II was that Mr..
Hyde placed his gold-rimmed glasses aslant
his nose and, fitting back in his chair. with
a far-away look in his eyes and the smoke
pouring from his cigar made his unique
declaration. He said:
Il am closer to Mayor Taggart than any
other man in Indianapolis. No man is great
er than his party and If the Democrats de-
sire Mr.. Taggart to be a candidate again
this fall he must accept. One day before the
last city Democratic convention l was rid
ing with Mr.. Taggart In his carriage and L
told him, Tom, you must not think of de-
Ginning the nomination again for the may
orally. When you wanted the nomination
for county auditor the Democrats gave 1t
to you and you We're elected. And when you
wanted a denomination for the same office
you were given IL. And later, when you
entered city politics and desired 10 be
mayor of indianapolis the Democrats gave
you what you wanted and also gave you a
second term
At this point in the narrative of how
tom" came TO allow himself to be mayor
a third time the chairman of the board
Strengthened himself up and became inn
pressive. No, Tom; the party has always
given you what you wanted and IL
is the party's time to ask something in
return. You must not think of refusing to
accept the nomination for mayor, as VIZ
are determined you shall be the man. l
knew that Tom would not think of declin-
ing after the conversation L had with him
on that day"
The others present, and there were three
or four, including a reporter, batted their
eyes and listened sp~ellbound.
The reporter then ventured to ask Mr..
Hyde as to the coming campaign, but he re-
adjusted his glasses. puffed at his cigar,
and refused to commit himself further.