The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1902-01-05
CROSS AND
HOFFMAN LEAD
IN THE RACE
For the Democratic Nomina-
alton for Congress This Year
MANY DEMOCRATS ASPIRE
HpnSIey, Ames, Senator Bel
Iamy and Neff Among Them

Guthrie, O. T., Jan. 4-Since the meet
Ing Of the Democratic territorial con
vention at FL Reno, last week, Democrat
D. politicians all over Oklahoma are be-
ginning TO talk Of possible candidates
Tor congress.
Colonel Roy Y. Hoffman Of Chandler
ana BIZ Cross of Oklahoma City seem TO
have the lead in the contest so far; but
st is being predicted that neither one Of
the two mentioned viii be nominated.
Bill Cross attempted to secure the nomi-
Ration IN the last convention, but was
defeated by Judge Bob Nef of Black
well. Neff, in turn was defeated at the
POLLS by Dennis Flynn. It is sometimes
Raid that Nen woula like to try again.
but ambitious politicians figure that Nen
tad one trial, losing out in the attempt
bt election. and should pass it up to some
one else. Since the last convention Bill
Cross has never let an opportunity pass
h IN which he could say a good word
Tor his candidacy. He has made new
friends, and by a strong personality has
really made himself a factor in Demo-
cratic ranks.
Hoffman on the other hand. has been
handicapped by being a factor in the mi
FORTY of his party He has eliminated
this feeling to a great degree by seeing
the fellows and placating the ones who
would likely be against him at convention
time. Hoffman is rated as a brainy man.
end has the finances TO back him in an
hrduous campaign. What success he
would have as campaigner IS problem
etical. owing to some personal peculiari-
ties which are noticeable at first, but
wear away on longer acquaintance
Cross is always anable. and in some re-
epects would make a better first i'm
preston than Hoffman. but this results
from his continuous work as a travelling
salesman.
There are other good Democrats in ok
iahoma, who are perfectly willing TO take
chances for an election to congress. It is
evident to party leaders that Editor Hens
ley Of the FL Reno Democrat has con-
gressional ambitions. So apparent has
this become. that Charley Barrett of the
Shawnee Herald commented on Hens
Iey's ambition in the last issue Of his pa
per. Hensey has been opposed to the
Jefferson club, but since that organiZa-
ton has been endorsed by the territorial
committee. il is evident that he viii need
70 change front before he gets much con-
sideration.
George w. Bellamy. the young Demo
crat who won his spurs in the legislature
as q senator from Canadian county. IS
being mentioned as a probable candidate
for congress. Bellamys friends state
that the time IS not ripe for him to make
his debut in the larger political arena.
1t IS said that BeIlamy desires to wait
until Oklahoma is made a state, and then
start in for state office with tat sal
airy attached 10 it.
c. B. Ames. leading Oklahoma City
attorney. is a probable compromise be-
tween Hoffman and Cross. Enemies Of
she two men are talking Ames to the
leaders, and If the fight wakes warm it
would be no surprise II Ames secured the
nomination. Ames is a capable man; well
educated. and a good citizen. He is con
tent TO sit in the background for time,
but his friends do some strong talking
Eor him.
Dennis Flynn is looked upon as the log
Ical candidate for congress on the Re
publican ticket. from a Democratic stand
point. It is argued by the Democrats that
FLYNN IS the strongest man in the party,
but that he is losing strength because Of
appointments.
The Democrats are hoping. while max
ing such arguments. that Flynn win not
sun- thus giving them a weaker man to
contest with in the battle TO come.
The campaign in oklahoma promises to
omen early and continue late The Re
publicans are doing very little talking
now. but party leaders are keeping close
watch of the situation. When the proper
time comes they viii fight. and fight