The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-08-24
POLITICAL OUTLOOK
REVIEW OF CONDITIONS IN THE con-
GREssIONAL DISTRICTS.
Republican Prospects of Controlling
the Next House Slightly ImperiIed
by Local Disanection.
FACTIoNAL WARS A MENACE
BUT NOT SERIOUSLY Disturbing
CAMPAIGN MANAGERS.
Representative Overstreet Says the
Coming Fight VIII; he short, Thor
ough and Business-LiI<e.
FARMERS FAVOR REVISION
DEMAND TARIFF REDUCTION ON AR
TICLES MADE By TRUSTS.
Result of Secretary of Agriculture
wilson's observations in the
Western States.
Representative Overstreet Says the
Coming Fight vii; BE short. Thor
ough and Business-Like.
FARMERS FAVOR REVISION
DEMAND TARIFF REDUCTION ON AR
TICLEs MADE By TRUSTS.
Result of Secretary of Agriculture
wilson's observations in the
Western States.
speeial 70 the IndlanapolIs journal.


WASHINGTON Aug. 23-Dog-day poll
tics are not very exciting. In fact they are
as stupid as most things in sultry August
days. In Washington Chairman Griggs an
nounces that the campaign will not COM
mence before the middle Of September,
while Secretary Overstreet at the head
quarters here says the Republican speaking
campaign will not get under headway much
before the first of October. 1t is expected
the visit Of the President to the cities of
the Middle West will stir up things politi-
cally. While his journey is in no sense a
part OF the campaign 1t is nevertheless true
that he will make many speeches. and in
discussing public questions he will arouse
general interest.
The understanding OF the political situa-
tion at the Republican and Democratic
headquarters differs only in the way the
situation is viewed. AS 10 the state of the
public mind there is doubt but that it is
strongly Republican. The excellent business
conditions and the disposition to do nothing
which will interfere with this state of af-
fairs is in reality the strongest feature Of
the situation. This is a hackneyed state
ment, but it is the only thing of Importance
which is undeniably true; ii is admitted at
the Democratic headquarters in Washing
ton, and at Republican headquarters Chair
man Babcock guardedly says that they
have been unable to learn that there is
any doubt as to the accuracy of this state
ment.
The Republicans have way of not taking
these things for granted. Messrs Over
street, Babcock and Hull the congress
men in charge of the ork here. have had
managing experience with three campaigns.
They work well together. Several weeks
ago they sent out hundreds and thousands
OF letters TO men throughout the country
who are accurately posted conditions.
These inquiries asked that replies be sent
only after special investigation had been
made. These classified answers give a sat
isfactory showing that the general condi-
tions are strongly in favor of the Republic
ans. Most Of them think that the outlook
is more favorable than in 1900. All permit
the business conditions to be strong factors
IN their representations.
LOCAL DISAFFECTION.
From these letters, as well as by other
means. the Republican committee has dis
covered there is danger. perhaps not
very serious one, of another kind. 1t is
noteworthy that the Democrats are work
ing on the strength of the information re-
affection than the Republicans have had
10 contend with in some time Some of
these are decidedly serious. but others are
expected to disappear as general interest
in the campaign overshadows special dis
trict troubles.
one of the situations interesting the Re-
publican committee particularly is that of
Loren Fletcher in Minneapolis. He is op-
hxr ba
Gratis have in the State John Lind is
ambitious to be in position TO take advan-
tage of Republican defeat in his State two
years hence and secure United States
senatorship. On account OF his special
knowledge of Minnesota politics and for
other reasons the President is taking par
ticular interest in the case OF Representa-
tive Fletcher and has on two occasions
requested the committee to do what they
can for him in his hard fight.
The Republicans are aware that the Dem
ocrats are trying TO capture the old Duluth
district, but are not overmuch alarmed
1t is admitted. however. that a good fight
must be made to prevent the loss of two
districts in Wisconsin. The managers here
hope that when IL becomes generally known
in the State that Senator Spooner is to be
returned there will be a subsistence of the
factional war over State issues and all
hands get together TO keep the congress
siOnal representation of the Badger State
solidly Republican.
In Nebraska the Republicans hope to win
back the three Democratic districts which
have been in the hands of the Populists for
several terms. The outlook for this is IA
vorable. In fact II is the one place where
chances for Republican gains are based on
sound reasons. There is some difference OF
opinion between the Democrats and Repub-
iicans as to the Indiana and Illinois situa-
tion. The Democratic managers declare
their intention of trying TO bother Hem
enway and perhaps c. B. Lands and A.
/. Brick They will probably make no Sc
rious effort against any except Hemen-
way At least that is what the Republicans
expect. In Illinois the Democrats seem to
have no license TO do more than hold their
own IN Kentucky the committee here
knows that the Democrats will make spe-
cial effort TO leave but one Republican con-
gressmen in the Bluegrass State. The Re-
publicans will conduct their fights in these
districts with the expectation OF holding
the three now in hand
SITUATION IN OHIO.
The Ohio situation is exactly the same
I'm the estimation Of both committees The
Democrats viii trye TO gain the Dayton.
Springfield and Cleveland districts In every
instance local conditions are involved. and
while the committee does not pretend IA
know much about the situations they are
confident they will make no losses. In
Michigan there is real trouble In the Detroit