Omaha daily bee., 1902-03-07

rad the advantage. but much OF this lead
las been lost the last two weeks. Yet in
asmuch as both factions feel very confident
there Is an element OF uncertainty In tho
result. The campaign has become one Of
bitterness, Of harsh accusations and Of re-
elimination. Hundreds Of men are practi-
eally dong nothing but d~evoting their time
to the campaign. In many places in Des
Moines headquarters are kept open with
managers" in charge. and the voters are
collected in these rooms to be worked or
to be sent out to do missionary work among
others. Meetings have been held in vacant
stores, in old buildings and In school houses
and theaters. The candidates have made
speeches and many OF their friends have
been drawn into the discussion. A presi.
Dental campaign could not be more excit-
ing or more disquleting TO business than
has been this local campaign in Des Moines
and Polk county.
Captain Hull has been in congress a dozen
years. He had previously had much ex-
perience in public life as secretary OF the
senate. secretary OF state and lieutenant
governor. In early life he had been a news
paper man. In congress he rose to the
position of chairman OF the military COM
mittee Of the house, a position OF great i'm
portance in recent years, and 1t was by
reason OF his position on this committee
that he has been able to secure for Des
Moines the establishment Of an army post
and to get. appropriations therefor. The
site for the post has been accepted, plans
made for the buildings and work will COM
mence very soon. A great element OF
strength for Captain Hull has been the fact
that the business men who have worked
with him to secure this post for Des Moines
n ~. nI,rAnE a. ... A., NwvA1 - -.N.g1N.-
him in congress at least until the neces-
ssry appropriations to complete the post
have been secured. Aside from this It is
recognized that Hull is a commanding figure
in a delegation that is OF great influence
In congress and that to turn him down
would not only weaken the low delega-
tion, but would leave one capital district of
the state with a new and untried man I'M
able to accomplish anything for a number
Of years.
Judge S. F. Prouty, the other candidate,
is on the district bench, a popular and ag-
g~ressive young man. a type of the self-made
young stalwart In Iowa politics. He was a
warm supporter OF Mr.. Cummins in his
campaign for governor last year and this
gave him added strength. Many Of the
most active OF the young element in the
city are working for Prouty, and his sup
port is of that enthusiastic kind which car
ries much weight. Governor Cummins is
personally for Prouty, though, by reason Of
his position. he has refused to take any
active part in the canvass
Captain Hull has the better organization
and the advantage of having named the
judges at the primary election. Plans have
been laid to place most Of the persons who
desire to vote under oath and make them
swear that they are republicans. This will
cut out many who voted for Cummins and
others of the republican candidates last
fall. The city of Des Moines almost con-
trolls the county and the county virtually
controls the district. so that the fight is
concentrated here, and the result will be
quickly known.