The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-12-11
Much Speculation Among Lead
ers Over Successor to
Thomas j. Atkins.
PLEASED WITH APPOINTMENT.
Admit That Party Is Lacking il
Material That Will Do the
Proper Kind Of
Work.

Republican politicians yesterday were
busy specializing over the probability of Il
| new State chairman to succeed Mr.. Akins.
Nearly all of them were glad that the
present State chairman had received the
nous in the opinion that the President
had found a happy solution of what might
have proved to be an embarrassing situa-
ton.
All OF the avowed candidates for the
place were unknown politically, though A.
G. Peterson had political Endorsements
without number. principally because he
had made a systematic canvass through
several months. Charles G. Kicker had
TO political Endorsements. FRANC L.
Ridgely was hardly more than receptive
| candidate. though he has held office for a
number of years.
Opinion Is divided as to the course which
Mr.. Atkins should follow regarding the
State craftsmanship. Some of his closest
friends insist that he should remain at the
head of the committee until the next State
Convention. yet If he does this he will UNI
doubtedly be forced into fractional fight
that will violate oneof the supposed pr:n
ciples of the Fedora! service Others OF
his friends think he should resign not
only for his own good, but III order to re-
| move any cause for strife inside the Or
ganization.
NAMES ARE MENTIONED.
G. A. Ffnkelnburg is the vice chairman
OF the State Committee. He has usually
given his proxy to Charles Nagel who has
done most Of the work which would nat
| uraily fall to the lot of Mr.. F'inkelnburg.
Neither Of them has the time or the incl-
such as would be involved in becoming the
head of the State Committee.
Frank D. Roberts of Kansas City, Inter
nal Revenue Collector, is supposed to be
a candidate for State chairman, but the
same objections that would apply against
Mr.. Atkins apply to him Charley Morris
ambitions at one time, but he Is busy these
days with getting out the ST. Joseph Ga
zette. Doctor J. G. Parrish of Fandalia
is also mentioned. He is a man of some
time in fighting the battles OF the So
called anti-Kerens factions.
Until Mr. Atkins returns 1t is probable
that nothing will be done toward finding
new State chairman: that is. If one is to
be found. Republicans confess that the
party is woefully lacking in material that
will do the proper kind OF work. WHAT
with factionalism and the absence of any
politician of Importance who understands
the country and the city, Republican poll
ticianS are at sea.
EARLY CONVENTION DISCUSSED.
During the last few weeks there has
been much speculation among Republican
leaders regarding the ACCESSIBILITY to hold
an early State convention in order to in
dorse Roosevelt and select a strictly
Roosevelt delegation. This idea is espe-
cially favored by the Federal Office
holders.
They believe that theft jobs will be Sc
cure provided such action could be taken
in Missouri and this State prove to be
the first to select a Roosevelt delegation
II Is always recognized as good politics
to be the first to be on the bandwagon
Nearly alf of the present ofIlce-holders
were appointed by Roosevelt, and they
know on which side their bread is but
tered.
Other Republicans are not so sure. They
wish to see what the Democrats are 60
ing b do before risking their nominations
for On attack extending through 4 six
months campaign. The advocates Of an
carly convention make no bones of the
fact that they mean by an early conveil-
ton one in February or March. They
wish to duplicate the Bland movement
among the Democrats in 1895 The fight
ahoy aS'oAop hiho oiiu oSt"'Sh Wv . -"
eral office-holders and those who think
there will be a chance to carry the State.
INTERNATIONAL TIMBER.
Meanwhile Republican candidates for
Governor are Idle. John II. Boutwell, of
Sedalia, while not an avowed candidate. is
more than ready 10 stand on his legisia-
tive record and the respect of his; fellow
men when his name is eutioned in con-
nec:ien with the honor. Bert d. Nortcn;
thinks tho naturalization fraud cases arc
worthy Of mention. His friends are push
ing him in nearly every Part Of the state.
NOrtoni Is q fighter ard can make
speech. Some of the State Committeeman
are outspoken in his favor. such rs Doc
tor Clemens of Macon. n. y. alnzcly of
Bloomfield. NJ. f. l.suiing of Care Giirar-
deau and others. He is in Il position 10
keep fight going If he so wishes. Friends
of Boutwell, wish him to run for Attor-
ncy General. proposition which does not
have sufficient emoiuneuts attached there
to TO suit the scrappy Assistant United
States District ATTORNEY.
Another candidate for Governor who
does not allow his nauic to go without
some consideration is State Senator John
Mckinley of RrGokticld. He made . good
record in the Senatc did not fool with the
lobby Senators, and even il he did rot pass
much legislation. managed 10 let every
body know he was vital part of the
minority. His friends are pushing him in
the northern part or the State while he
has been doing !. little bit OF electoneer-
ing in the southwestern part of the State.
principally around Horton County.