Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1902-01-17
Washingtuu STANDARD
OLYMPIA, WASH.
FRIDAY EVENING, JANUARY Ii, 1902.
Political Drift.

Political Drift.
Col. w. NJ. Ridpath, one of Spo-
kane's prominent citizens, has made
formal announcement of his candi-
dacy for Republican Congressional
nomination, presumably Of course, in
caucus and for membership in the
American House of Lords" The
Oregonian says that, locally in his own
bailiwick, Col. Ridpath's candidacy
is regarded AS a plan to concentrate
the forces opposed to ex-senator Will
son. He is pronounced foe to
"John L." and in the last Senatorial
contest advocated the claims Of An
keny for Senator. And as a compen-
sa;ing equivalent, it is known that
Wilson is opposed to the nomination
for any Spokane man for fear that it
may impair his own chances for the
Senate.
Ridpath, as we'll as Wilson, was a
member OF the Indiana Legislature of
1881. the former enjoying the distinc-
ton OF being Speaker of the body
which elected Benjamin Harrison to
the U. S. Senate, . stepping-stone to
the Presidency. The Colonel was q
Silver Republican in 1896 and support.
ed Mr.. Bryan. He was one of Tur.
ner's Senatorial managers in 1897, and
was appointed member of the Board
of Control by Gov. Rogers, as much
doubtless for services rendered as to
cast bread upon the waters for promo
ton of future endeavor. But, it
seems that he could not see his way
clear in that line, and resigned the
position and returned TO his first love,
in the hope that she would carry him
more surely and safely to the goal of
his souls ambition.
The change that has been wrought
in political matters by the death OF
Gov. Rogers is far-reaching, and equiv
alent literally to new deal with part
ners reversed. And, what troubles
the average politician (or rather parti-
SAM the most, is the element of I'M
certainty that pervades the atmos-
phere, caused by the Unexpectedly
conservative course indicated by Gov.
Mcbride. If he is to continue, from
sentimental feelings, or the necessity
OF retaining experienced men for GER
tain duties in the present incumbents,
the programme will be. of necessity,
far different from what it might be if
vigorous partisan policy Was inaugu-
rated. The generally acknowledged
belief, however, that the installation
of . new Governor has brought into
the arena stalwart champion in Mr..
Preston has not acted as oil on the
troubled waters, but projected new
difficulty into the turbulent current.
1t evens up one of the main issues,
however, quite equally and fairly.
Preston, and Mcbride his coacher, are
regarded as anti-railroad men Wilson
As MAN Friday" for J. J. Hill, and
Ankeny as the factotum of the Harri-
man interests. The query is ma de,
will Mcbride and bis candidate stand
out with the courage of conviction
OF right, or rs = partisan compro-
mise, seek IN alliance with either con.
tending faction as an acknowledged
but lesser evilf
As Cal. Ridpath seems disposed to
accept = nomination for the lower
branch of The national Legislature, he
is in position for . compromise, and
may throw bis influence for either
Ankeny or Preston, in an emergency,
but Tor John L. Wilson, such . con.
tingency is not considered.
It 10 reported that the latter gentle.
man has boasted that Senator Hanna
has promised him the support Of the
Hartman interest, but 90 far il does
not appear that the great boss has ap-
piled his nerve to that crank Of the
political machine.
1t is quite plain to everybody that
Ankenys interests arc handicapped
with the farming population by hav-
ing ~ noted. persistent and uncom-
promising . railroad lobbyist for his
manager ~ George Stevenson, and
Wilson seems to have quite a. threat
ening halter around his neck with
his newspaper-ths P.-I.-in active
support Of that parent of trusts, the
Northern Securities Co.
The railroad question will be . con-
trolling factor in Eastern Washington.
Experience but emphasizes the grave
portent Of the colossal combine of
transportation interests. This will, of
course, further the interests of the Nc
Bride.Preston faction, in Eastern
Washington. but it could doubtless
be checkmated by an avowal of the
new candidate, Col. Ridpath, who may
thus attract the granger vote and re-
tain the advantage OF location in their
midst. Mr.. r. has likewise that other
requisite for vigorous Republican cam
paign, "barl."
The Democrats OF Spokane are fos.
tering . boom for Del Carey Smith.
National Grand Worthy President OF
the Fraternal Order of Eagles, q mem.
bership which will be no small aid
should he make the race.
1T is pretty generally conceded that
the Recorder has brought out its