Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1902-02-27

he returns of the recent election in
is state, Republicans of Pennsylva-
a have every reason to be pleased
h the outcome of the balloting.
E lille there were no state issues in
vOlyed in any contest in the several
counties, the stalwart Republican ele-
lent made material gains in many
Quarters. They have unquestionably
s..engthened their position in the
tie, and most significant fact shown
IN the election returns is the almost
C ccmplete annihilation of the so-called
Union party. This political mush-
loom, which sprung up in the light
of the Wanamakerites to elect the
Philadelphia merchant to the United
Stetes senate, has virtually ceased to
e.:ist. 1t continues practically in name
only. with a few of it's officers still
willing to allow their names to be as
sociated with it.
In many clean-cut contests in coun-
tics in which there were heretofore
flsion movements the regular Republi-
cans carried everything before them
at last weeks election.
The insurgent organization formed
in the deadlock over the United States
Helatorship by members of the legis-
lature identified with the boiling ele-
ment no longer exists. The sentiment
rN0n which this movement was based
continues to be expressed through
Democratic and assistant Democratic
newspapers which long ago lost what
little influence they had with voters.
PURELY LOCAL FIGHT.
These newspapers are now seeking
tc convey the impression that the re-
sult OF the recent election in Pittsburg
melns the humiliation of the present
leadership of the Republican organiza
tiCn of the state, and that the cleo
zion of Democrat to the Office of con-
trol,er of Pittshurg is going to have
a far-reaching influence upon the ac-
tion of the coming Republican state
convention.
he facts of the case are that this
was local contest pure and simple.
There was a bitter factional struggle
between rival elements within the Re-
publican organization of Pittsburg.
Senator Finn had been unable to pre-
serve the harmony which had existed
among Pittsburg Republicans for many
years under the leadership of the late
c. l.. Magee. He found himself at odds
with the powerful Bigelow-Oliver COM
bination of capitalists, and with every
heretofore stalwart Republican news
paper arrayed against his ticket in the
late campaign. A quarrel over the
street railway franchises and differ
elces growing out of the new charter
legislation resulted in very exciting
campaign. Finn and his friends, who
control the regular Republican organi-
zation, had to fight a combination of
Democrats and dissatisfied Republi-
cans, who united upon a fusion candi-
date for controller, Democrat named
LaTllin.
In view of the associations which
many Of them had before this contest
was started, Republicans throughout
the state concluded not to meddle in
this family row, and the contest was
waged absolutely upon local issues.
1t has no bearing upon state politics,
and the result of the election will not
in any way influence the action of the
coming state convention. The Repub-
lican candidate in Pittsburg was de-
feated only by 5000 votes. 1t was in
no sense a stalwart Republican de-
feat. Many are of the opinion that
this result may have the effect of get
ting the factions in Pittsburg together
upon some reasonable basis of party
harmony. Whether it shall or shall
not, the integrity of the stalwart Or
ganization within the state is not af-
fected in the slightest degree. The
Democrats are, of course, elated, but
their happiness will be short lived, as
Republicans will not continue to put
Democrats into office in Republican
stronghold like Pittsburg.
Of course to serve factional and per-
sonal ends the Wanamaker and Demo
cratic newspapers throughout the
state have been printing stories to the
effect that Films defeat will seriously
affect the movement in favor of the
nomination of Attorney General John
p. Elkin for governor. When it
is recalled that Mr. Elkin was one
Of the most aggressive stalwart lead
ers fighting Finn when the Pitts
burger was at the head of the insur-
gent organization it will be seen that
any reverse that Finn might suffer
could not affect Mr. Elkin's chances
of nomination or election.
THILADELPHIA'S BIG MAJORITY
By the official returns just computed
today the Republican candidate for
city solicitor in Philadelphia, John L.
kinsey, has plurality of 119, 1903 over
the candidate of the Democracy and
the Municipal League, who received
but 35,3S4 votes representing the COM
bned strength of these organizations
rs against 154, ,692 polled by the Repub-
lt.nr .,,AA