The Indianapolis journal., 1903-12-30

ali OF lflem active party men, IN the CITY 10
attend political gathering. all of them here
solely to gather and impart political gos-
sip. there was more driftwood in the Indi-
ana political stream yesterday and last
night than at any time since the adjourn
ment of the last session of the Legislature.
Most of the gossip had TO do with candi-
dates or prospective candidates for state
offices, which was but natural, since all the
candidates and prospective candidates were
or hand to keep the talk going, and il was
all the livelier because of the fact that
there were more prospective than avowed
candidates. and there was food for specula-
tion as to probable changes in the situation.
w L. Taylor of this city, and J. Frank
Hanly. of Lafayette the two avowed candi-
dates for Governor, were largely in evil
dence. of course and each had his cohort
OF friends to assist in the wire pulling.
Each attracted no little attention, but they
were not quite as much the centers OF inter-
est as were Union Il. Hunt, of Winchester;
John l.. Griffiths, of this city: Judge W. l..
Penfield, of Auburn. and G. A. II. Shideler.
of the intentions of the former and the de-
lightful element of uncertainty attached 10
the others.
There were several amusing little Incl
dents connected with the button-hoIing of
early in the evening Taylor and Hunt were
both standing near the elevator at the Den
ison, each talking earnestly TO a friend,
when some one sprang the time-honored
joke of calling out: "Oh, Governor! 1t
had its effect Quick as lightning both
Taylor and Hunt wheeled around, each with
an extended hand and a pleased smile on
his face.
Hunt gave one of tie best exhibitions of
-,
many months. and the rapidity with which
he circulated through the thronged lobby
gave the lie direct to the familiar saying
that large bodies move slowly" In his
rounds he bumped up against Frank Smith,
of Brookville, who was doing little hand
shaking himself. and i'm an instant the
genial smile that had graced his features
disappeared, and an expression OF grave
alarm took its place.
Frank, what on earth's the matter with
you?" he demanded, and reached for the
Brookville mans hand
Smith wasn't aware that there was any
thing wrong with him, but his face grew
serious instantly, and he faltered a ques-
ton of ''Why--what-what do you mean?"
Hunt clasped Smiths hand with his right
and touched the tips of the fingers of his
left hand on Smiths wrist, while he grave
ly diagnosed the case:
Frank. you've got a raging fever Some
things worrying you and you'd better get
that announcement off your mind before
Frank: brace up and be a candidate"
And before Smith could hit him Hunt
was over on the other side of the lobby,
shaking hands with three men at one and
the same time
John Griffiths. of this city, who has been
a familiar figure at Indiana Republican
gatherings for years, strolled into the lob
by of the Denison about o'clock, and i'm
mediately tongues were wagging with the
rumor that he was to be an entry in the
guberpatorial handicap. When asked about
his intentions Mr.. Grffiths admitted that ne
was giving the matter some little thought
II shall not reach a decision as to what
] shall do until after the first of the year
he said. 81 have some matters outside Of
politics on hand now that demand all my
two or three weeks / expect TO be able TO
decide whether L shall be candidate"
The arrival from Washington OF Judge
William L. Penfeld solicitor for the State
Department created something of furry,
as he had been given prominence recently
as a prospective candidate for Governor.
The judge was a guest Yesterday at a
him by Addison c. Harris, of this city.
The other guests included Senator Fair
banks. Col, w. X. Holloway Judge Garter.
u. Brown, Floyd A. Woods, Joseph @;
Kealing. A. A. Young, George C. Hit and
Last evening Judge Penfeld was at the
Denisen greeting old friends and acquaint-
ances. When the question of his probable
candidacy for Governor was preached
however, he hadn't word for publication.
That is a subject which | prefer to
avoid at this time he said.
Z
The tall. commanding figure of Senator
Fairbanks was prominently in evidence in
the lobby for an hour or so during the
evening. and he always the center of a
group of his ardent admirers, all Of whom
were eager to shake his hand. The Sena-
demonstrated. and while he did not talk
politics himself some little politics was
talked to him, the burden of il being express
sions of hope that he might be on the Re-
publican national ticket next year.
G. A H ShideIer, of Marion, who has been
slated as prospective candidate for COVER
nor for some time mixed with the party
workers as industriously as if he were an
avowed aspirant for the nomination. but
he still refused TO 'come out of the woods. "
Il am not yet ready TO announce my decl-
sion,' he said. Just give me little more
time"
Three avowed candidates and one pros
pective for the nomination for reporter of
the Supreme Court are here, and each has
been as busy as the proverbial cranberry
merchant. George w. Self, of Corydon,
| present State committeeman from the Third
| district; Ben +. Corwin, OF Greencastle, and
| l.. b. Nash of Upton, are the avowed can
| didates. while Frank Smith, of Brookville,
| is the prospective entry.
=
| State Treasurer Nat u. Hill, Secretary OF
! State Daniel f. Storms, State Auditor Da-
vid E. Sherrick and Attorney General c. w.
nrcrDrrT TNMTnD ATTnN