The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-10-28
BOOM OF COCKRELL
It Is Arousing Much Interest Among
the Political Wiseacres Of
Washington.
German Still the Most Talked Of
No One Takes Hearst Very
Seriously.

Seriously.
ing, Washington.
Washington, Oct. 28.-The boom Of
Senator Francis Marion Cockrell for
the democratic presidential nomina-
ton is being watched here with inter-
est. Its recent inclination to take on
larger proportions, and the formal
declaration Of the democrats at Mo-
berly, Mo-, last week, have combined
to attract even greater attention.
With his own state behind him, it is
felt that Senator Cockrell may turn
out to be an important factor In the
democratic convention.
In its beginning the Cockrell talk
was discounted by reports that the
real purpose was unfriendly, and that
the senator was being doomed for the
presidency in order to remove him
from the senate. Certain Missouri
politicians, 1t was said, had their eyes
fixed covetously on his seat in the
senate, and had become weary CT
waiting for the old gentleman to die
or resign. AS a presid entail nominee,
or even as a candidate for that honor,
he would be expected to give over
his senatorial honors.
Without reference to the good or
bad faith Of those who have been fos-
tering the Cockrell boom, and con-
sidered only with reference to the
general national situation, it is the
opinion Of good political judges that
there is a chance for the nomination
Of the Missouri senator. His chances
indeed, are greater than might be in
ferred from the relative publicity Of
the different possibilities. His strength
would be as a compromise candidate
on whom the various factions might
unite, and whose, nomination would
tend to re-unite and build up the
democratic party.
Altho an original free silver man,
Mr.: Cockrell is regarded as con-
sentative, and it may safely be said,
would command the confidence of the
moneyed interests perhaps as much
as would Arthur Pue German. On
the other hand he would not arouse
the antagonisms among the Bryan
following that would be aroused by
the nomination Of German. Cock
rell's personal standing and reputa-
ton for integrity, based on his thirty
years service in the senate are beyond
question. His industry, fidelity and
experience have contributed to make
him one Of the most influential mem
bers Of that body. He is noted par
ticularly for his wonderful attention
to detail, and a great volume Of rou-
tine, but highly important, legislative
work passes: thru his hands. Senator
Cockrell is by all means the most In
fluential member Of the committee on
military affairs, and Is also member
Of the finance and other important
senate committees.
A facfnr in favor nf Senator Cock
rell's nomination., which might not be
appreciated by the senator himself,
is his age. On the theory that this
campaign will be Important chiefly as
it paves the way for 1908, the party
leaders are unwilling that the nonain-
alton go to "a younger man, as 1t is
conceded that the leader Of a forlOrn
hope would be Gage permitting) the
logical If not. inevitable candidate in
the next campaign. But Senator
Cockrell is 10, and by 1908 would be
ruled out by age, thus leaving the
nomination open. The senator would
thus be permitted to be off-year can
didate, serving to tide the party over
a bad time, and to keep together it's
disorganized elements, after which 1T
would be quietly shelved. IS Which is
not an entirely fattering prospect, as
he would, in the meantime, lose his
seat In the senate.
German still continues the most
talked about candidate. Alton B.
Parker of New York has been almost
eliminated from the consideration.
The southern democrats were not ia
vorably impressed when he visited
them. Richard Olney has some few
supporters in New England, but does
not arouse enthusiasm. Mr.. Cleveland
arouses more enthusiasm than sup
o,~6 h is
nomination as out Of the question.
Nelson A.. Miles is a distant posi-
bility Tom Johnson of Ohio is loom
ing larger on the, horizon every day.
Should the republican fears for Ohio
be justified, and Hanna be defeated
for the senate, Tom johnson would be
the most conspicuous democrat before
the country, and would have a strong
claim on the dem ocratic convention.
That is undoubtedly Johnson's plan
and hope.
Against Johnson's chances for the
nomination are his radical views on
some subjects, such as single tax,
government ownership and the like,
and his conservative views on the
followed the: silver wing of his party,
One argument against Senator
Cockrell's nomination is his confeder-
ate war record. The senator fought
in many engagements, and with signal
bravery, and rose to the rank Of briga-
der general. This might ALLEVIATE old
soldier votes in New York, New Jer-
sey, Delaware and Massachusetts,,
where it is important that no demo-
cratic votes be lost, if the party is to
have any chance to VIM
William r. Hearst is spending his
money and working for delegates, but
the party managers still decline to
take Mr.. Hearst seriously. A charge
of political dynamite is being held in
reserve for Mr.. Hearst, il he ever ap-
pears likely to cut figure. A num-
Der Of southern congressman have
been let into the secret, and some OF
them want it touched off.
Every day seems to reduce the inn
portance of William j. Bryan. That
he Will have some following is not
denied, but that he will control the
convention, or dictate the candidate
is no longer possible. It will be q
mixed. free-for-all, interesting con-
vention.
w. w. Jermane.
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