Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-03-18

FOLK county is gratifying to the MAJOR
ity of members of the Iowa delegation
in the house in more ways than one.
The reassuring effect has been visible
in several quarters. The success of
Capt. Hull in overcoming admittedly
tremendous opposition has had the eff
feet of removing or at least greatly
%lesseuing fear of oppositionlaterin the
campaign in other districts.
Rumor of Deep.Laid Scheme.
Since the convenlng of congress
there has been a persistent rumor
floating about the capitol building and
in Iowa circles generally, that there is
a deep-laid scheme under way which
has for its ultimate accomplishment
the undoing of practically all the con-
gressmen at the present time repre-
senting Iowa in the house.
Say Hull Was First Victim.
1t has been alleged that Capt. Hull
was the first victim slated for the sac
rifice; that Col. Hepburn would follow;
Major Lacey was to feel the sudden
effects next; the speaker was on the
slate to be punished with Congress
men Cousins and Rumple scheduled to
feel the keen blade a little later; when
the opportune moment arrived.
Other Whispers.
Congressman Conner seemed to be
conceded a denomination without the
dread shadow upon his trail, while
Messrs. Haugen, Smith and Thomas
were not included specifically. 1t was
regarded as probable that Mr.. Thomas
might have local troubles to contend
with and it has been whispered that
Mr.. Haugen was not distasteful to the
alleged powers that were to develop
the energy carrying into swift and sure
effect these plans.
C%herfshing Old Grudse.
1t has been alleged hat practically
all the present congressman have been
against the interest of a body of repub-
licans in Iowa who have been treasur-
ing a "list" with the view to the admin
istration of discipline when the pen
dulum swung their way and placed
them in control of the situation. 1t
has been claimed the moment has ar
rived and the machinery was soon to
be turned loose.
Initial Development in Polk County.
During the past month it has been
limited that the initial developments
would become visible in Polk county.
1t has been claimed Capt. Hull had no
chance; that influences supremacy pc,
tent were operating to encompass his
undoing. and that his discontinue
would constitute the signal for a gen
eral attack all along the line.
1t is not believed these subtle whis.
| ,>orino orc ,,arn whn11y without cam
basis of fact, although it has seemed
down to anything like tangible claims
of known and live individuals. The
attention of congressman has been call,
ed to the reports n they had been
disposed to place some little credence
in them, yet having no tangible basis
for conclusions other than that they
had heard similar whisperings at vari.
Gus times. 1t is also understood that
one congressman had information
rather more definite from Iowa in
which it was claimed that the program
suggested at the outset had all been
arranged and that the fight in POLL
county would be the important factor
in determining the ultimate outcome.
Clears Atmosphere.
The result of the primaries in Poll
has materially cleared the political at
mosphere. The first attack has failet
when it was assumed the charging
forces We're irresistible. Taking int
consideration all surrounding circum
stances, the Iowa congressman ALLEGED
to have been destined for the board,
| believe some difficulty will now be ex
perienced in carrying out the full pro
gram. In view of the fate that befel
Judge Prouty it is not thought likel,
that the elements who would unhorst
Congressman Henderson, Lacey, Hep
burn and other gentlemen of their leg
: ~islative calibre, will be able to SUI
: round themselves with great enthusi
assn in the enterprise mapped out.
! Interesting Conflict Coming.
The most interesting congressional
fight in Iowa will doubtless be waget
, inside the borders of the fourth dis
trict. Mr.. Haugen takes a somewha
sanguine view of the situation and be
lieves he will win. There are thos,
!, who believe Mr.. Haugen will encounte,
very strenuous opposition with tn
. final outcome in doubt. The impress
: sion prevails in Washington that MI
j. e. Blythe, OF Mason City, will be
very important factor in the proceed
= ings with an enthusiastic following il
: the convention. Mitchell county i
reported to be grooming a favorite sol
in the person of Speaker Eaton. Il
Fayette county there are three gentle
5 meE who covet congressional honors
D. w. Clements, H. p. Hancock o
. West Union, and Attorney Ingersol
of Oelwein. 1t is not unlikely tina
Fayette county will exercise a poten
influence in the convention and ma
be the storm center. Mr.. Blythe ha
4 a great many friends in the count
and will doubtless seek to arrange t
hold the county on second choice i
case the local candidates shall not b
able to make q strong showing in tn
n district. On the other hand Mr.. Hal
gen has strong supporters in Fayett'
Former Congressman Fuller. now a
assistant attorney general in Wasl
ington, who was appointed to his pre-!