The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-01-04
MINNESOTA. POLITICS

Alex Mckenzie is usually pretty successful
as manipulation Of politics, but Of late his
work has been too coarse to succeed. 1t sa-
yors too much of the strong arm" When
ne stopped White and Comstock from their
trip to Helena he displayed his power, but
unmasked himself and hurt the cause he is
working for.
Again, when he put up the Dunn -Heatwole
combination for Minnesota he overplayed mis-
hand. He displayed an absolute ignorance of
things he ought to have known Already the
rural press is beginning to ridcule an ALI
ance between Dunn and HeatWole-two men
who love nothing better than roasting each
other. All Mckenzie knew was that both
were strong men, and that both were friendly
to James J. HILL On that basis he put up
the deal, without ever consulting Dunn, who
repudated it the first chance he got.
Dunn's position regarding the merger is
never-ending source of wonder. His course
heretofore has been one of stiff-backed adj
nerence to the interests of the people as
against the corporations. He behind
the gross earnings bill and the Anderson bill.
and has fought the encroachments of the iron
range roads All this time, though crossing
Hills path frequently, he has kept on friend
ly terms, and he believes in Hill a railroad
king. Hill has been good to Princeton, there
fore he has good motives in the present in
stance. ..-
All this the politicians know, but they can
not get over wondering what he had to gain
by talking. AS friend of Van SAINT, and
favoring his nomination. it is bad politics to
criticize him. On the other hand, if ambi
tious himself, Dunn is taking long chances
in going so strongly against the current Of
public opinion.
Dunn has given his word and his word is
good. He will not he a candidate for any
thing next year. I have a theory, however,
that may account for Dunn's public stand.
He has faith in Hill, and believes he will
triumph all along the line-in the courts and
before the forum of popular opinion. Hill
has told Dunn that he will reduce rates, and
Dunn believes that this will win with the
people. He thinks that Van SAINT is making
{. political mistake, and will fall fiat in his
campaign. A revulsion OF popular sentiment
will take up the man that stood by Hill and
sweep him into the governors chair; not this
year, perhaps, but two years hence
night, after a busy week at the Merchants
Hotel. He makes no secret of his hostility
to Van SAINT, and far as he was concerned
would probably stand for Dunn candi-
date for governor. Heatwole does not have
a state organization, and is too shrewd to
go after Van SAINT on his own account. The
story that he has his eye on the senate is
Governor Van SAINT is not worrying about
politics just now. He is in the anti-merger
| fight heart and soul, and refuses to take
time talking about candidates.. Just at pres
| ent he is wise in this. Sentiment is strongly
| with him, and will resent plots to undermine
| him politically. Congressman Fletcher puts
| this feeling we'll when he says:
| Whatever may be the personal sentiments OF
| a politician public man concerning the
| denomination of Governor Van SAINT, at the
present time, when he is doing what he be-
4, lieves to be his official duty in connection
with the prevention of consolidation of
| railways in this state, it is not fitting that
the question of his candidacy should be
| brought into consideration at all.
| The Ada Herald finds W. F. Street and Phil
A. Kaufer Of Red Lake Falls senatorial
| possibilities in that district, with o. H.
Myran probable candidate for reelection.
--... Charles B. Cheney.