The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-07-07
DEMOCRATS SEEK TO
GAIN on The STRIKE
Congressional Committee Anxious
for the denomination Of Connell,
Palmer and Patterson.

A special dispatch from Washington
to the Philadelphia Press is as follows
"In laying plans for this yeax's cam.
paign both congressional committees
are giving unusual attention to Penn.
sylvania. The strike of anthracite coa
miners has inspired the Democratic
managers with the idea that they can
make gains in that region. For this
reason three districts are selected as
hopeful fields in which to get Demo-
cratic congressman.
"These three districts are in Lacka-
wanna, Luzerne and Schuylkill coun-
ties, and are now represented by
Messrs. Connell Palmer and Patterson
Two years ago these congressman had
the following majorites: Connell,
1888; Palmer, 5,233, and Patterson, ,724
The Democrats hope to use the present
coal strike as lever to overturn these
majorities, on the theory that men out
of work will naturally be against the
political party in power.
"The Republican managers here are
not much alarmed over the strike as a
sinister factor in the campaign, but
they are anxious that the strongest
candidates be nominated. 1t is not go
ing too far to say that the renomina-
tion of the three congressman now rep
resenting those districts is earnestly
desired by Chairman Babcock and his
colleagues in the Republican campaign
committee. Their records are all good
and the strength they showed two
years ago is regarded as evidence Of
their ability again to carry the districts.
"There is particular interest now felt
in Mr.. Connell's candidacy for renom-
ination. He is serving his third term
as representative of the Scranton dis
trict, and his standing in the house
gives him more than ordinary influence.
His selection by his Republican col
leagues in the Pennsylvania delegation
to represent that state on the congress-
ional campaign committee is proof Of
his popularity among them and a tri-
butte to his usefulness.
"There have been rumors that his
staunch support of Attorney General
Elkin for the gubernatorial nomination
had offended Senator Quay. There is
the highest authority for the statement
that Mr.. Quay respects Congressman
Connell for his loyalty to the attorney
general and his attitude toward Mr..
Connells denomination is most friend
ly. Without expressing d preference
for candidates the senator believes
that it would be the part Of wisdom
to renominate the Scranton congress-
man.
"'With Mr.. Connell as the candidate
there would be no doubt of the district
Mr.. Quay said in discussing the stua-
tlon day or two ago.
1.-The old members of the Pennsyl-
vania delegation are all in favor of Mr..
Connells selection as the candidate in
that district. This is the sentiment
expressed by men like Dalzell. Acheson,
Bingham, Mahon and others who know
his record and his popularity among
his home people.
II think it would be a grave mistake
not to renOminate Mr.. Connell' said
Mr.. Mahon today. Under present con-
ditons he Is the one man who would
make that district certain for the Re-
publicans. His long experience as an
employer of labor and his harmonious
relations with the workingmen would
insure him their support this year as in
the past. Republicans should be very
careful in selecting candidates this
year."