The Washington times., 1902-10-28
Apathy and Disaffection in
Republican Ranks.
DEMOCRATS DEM0RALIZED
fractional Disputes Prevent Their Seiz-
ing Advantage Presented by
Opposing Forces.
Special to The Washington Times.)

ton only seven days Off, he would indeed
be a prophet who could predict the re-
suit in this State further than to VEN
ture the opinion that there is nothing to
indicate any change in the Congress del
egation.
1t is true that the Democracy has had
an opportunity because OF Republican
disaffection to make a strong campaign.
but there seems to have been no effort
in that direction. The man who seems to
be in most danger is Representative
John b. Corliss. of the First district,
which comprises most of this city. He
incurred the displeasure of q large ele-
ment of his party by his attitude ON the
Cuban reciprocity question, and is also
laboring under the odium of alleged op-
position to the securing of lower street
railway fares. His opponent, Alfred
Lucking, is without question Mr.. Cor
liss' superior in ability. and has a clean
record He is Mayor Maybury's law part
ner, and has never before been candi-
date for office.
Contest Complicated.
The contest in this district is compli-
Gated by the fight for the local offices.
In the course of the last session the
Legislature enacted several laws chang
ing the form of the city's government at
the behest of men then in control of the
Republican organization. So obnoxious
was this legislation that now the Repub-
lican candidates even repudiate them
and promise their repeal 1T was charged
that Mayor Maybury. who stands for re-
election, was in league with the rip
pers," as they are called. and the effect
of this charge may injure not only his
chances, but those of Lucking. DR..
Carstens, the Republican candidate for
mayor. is making vigorous "anti-rip
per" campaign.
In the State there is unusual apathy.
Neither side is able to drum up"
crowds. The Republicans have more
speakers on the stump than is usual,
and are putting up a fight that indi-
| Gates fear on their part of tie result.
The Democrats, on the other hand have
little money and few speakers Their
canvass was shortened by the Illness of
Judge Durand, who was finally compelled
to withdraw from the ticket as the nom
inee for governor, and his brother, who
was substituted. has been able to visit
only few cities. Then. too. the State
| canvass is being conducted on purely
State issues, the Congress nominees be-
ing left entirely alone in their fight
This makes the situation more difficult
to understand. and will undoubtedly
tend to make the vote much lighter.
Question of Popularity.
In the Second district. where Repre-
sentative Henry C. Smith was refused
a denomination by the Republicans, it
will be question of the popularity of
the rival candidates. The Republicans
are not enthusiastic over Townsend,
their nominee. while Fred B. Wood, the
Democratic candidate, is a young man
rather prominent for his personal
friends than for any mark he has made
or is expected to make as statesman.
AS the battle line moves farther west
in the State, there is more attention to
national issues. The fight between Rep
resentative Gardner, OF the Third and
his opponent, Warner J. Sampson. of
Hillsdale, is a pretty one, and but for
the natural majority in the formers
favor. might be called anybody's fight.
Representative Hamilton, in the
Fourth, has the greatest detection TO
overcome. His vote upon the Cuban reci
procity bill has resulted in split that
might cause his defeat in a weil-fought
campaign. His opponent, Judge O'Hara.
is easily the most able man the Demo-
Gratis have put up. and the fact that two
of the most prominent papers of the
district refuse to be reconcilcd to Hamil-
toms candidacy warrants the prediction
that on a full vote the majority would
be wiped out, or nearly SO. Then, too
the colored vote OF the district &, restive
and 1t is no inconsiderable factor in the
case.
Myron H. Walker. Representative VIII
liam Alden Smiths opponent in the
Fifth, is making the hottest fight of any
of the Democrats. but he stands no
show of election.
A Worthy Foeman.
Representative Sam w. Smith has
foeman worthy of his steel in w. H. s.
Wood in the Sixth. while two new men
are striving in the Seventh. In the
Eighth ex Representative YouInans will
try to repeat former unlocked for vic
tory, and 1t may be said that Represent
ative Fordney appreciates the necessity
for active work There is no contest in
the Ninth, and Representative Bishop
will have walkover. His rival ID. w
Goodenough. was away from home when
placed in nomination, and has not made
the first movement toward a canvass.
Indeed. his name has not even been
certified TO the election boards and IL is
claimed il is too late for ii to be placed
ON the ticket.
disturbed by an earthquake as to send
a Democrat 10 Congress. but Mayor
O'Brien. of Alpena. is putting up a Wig
orous fight. The Republicans here turn
ed down Aplin. who was elected to fill
the vacancy caused by the death of Rep
resentative .Crump, else there would
have been a chance for O'Brien. Colonel
Loud the Republican nominee, will be
elected
In the Eleventh. Representative Dar-
ragh is in no danger. His opponent. Dr..
Erwin has only a local reputation. and
cannot cover the large district in
manner TO cause much change.
The Twelfth district, the upper PENN
sula. is probably safe. although John
Power, the Democratic nominee once
carried 1t for the same office. AT that
time two lower peninsula counties were
attached to the district and ii was their
vote that saved the Republicans from