The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-06-22
IOWA
A DESPERATE FIGHT
Democrats Of Hawkeyedom Are
Waging It Over the Party's
Money Plank.
No Clear Understanding at Present
Just How the Cat Will
Jump.
Special to The Journal.

Special to The Journal.
Des Moines, Iowa, June 22-As the time for
the democratic convention draws near, it becomes
more and more apparent that the contest over
the question Of reaffirmation of the Kansas City
platform is going to be desperate one. In the
last few weeks the opponents of reaffrmation
have gained in confidence that they will win and
close examination OF the situation seems ia
warrant their belief, altho the margin at best
will probably be narrow.
Looking over the state it Is difficult to see
where the silver men have gained much over last
year. while the anti-reaffrmattonis have gained
slightly. In the second district, for instance
which will be solid against reaffrmation, under
the leadership of Congressman Wade and well
| known Scott county men, the vote in the conven
ton increased from 80 in 1902 to 1O2 in 1902
a gain Of IA for the gold men. In about dozer
counties the delegations that were solid foi
silver In last years convention have decreased II
strength, but on the other hand this decrease hal
been about equaled Ivy increases in delegations
that were for silver last year and will be this
year.
Gains Elsewhere.
But outside Of the second district the anti
reaffrmationists have been able to strengthen
their delegations For instance, Black Hawk
county, which is sending solid gold delegation
has gained six delegates since last year Buens
Vista and Butler have each gained two and there
have been few other scattering gains In the
size Of delegations that are not counteracted by
equal losses. Few counties have switched about
completely. It Is said, however. that the GOLD
men will control Linn county this year. Last
year the silver men swayed 1t.
In Dubuque county the silver men have made
gains. Last year Dubuque stood seven for sill
yer to eighteen against it. This year Dubuqut
has twenty seven delegates, equally divided be
tween reaffrmation and anti-reaffrma In
Mills and Cerro Gordo the silver men have made
gains, but have lost a few votes in Page. Last
year the test vote in the convention was 344 fol-
the Kansas City platform to 3S4 against 1t, ant
It seems hardly likely with a convention OF about
the same size that the reaffrmatio can de
yelop sufficient strength to win out.
Government Ownership Plank. 4.
OF course the question Of pre-eminent interes
IN the convention relates to the adoption of
+ government ownership plank. The reaffrmat1ol
contest will really be subordinate to the one OF
| government ownership.
The supporters of Judge A. Van Wagenen o
| Sioux City have well.dehned program In mind
| First of all they want to beat reaffrmation, Il
| Judge Van Wagenen will not run II the kansa
City platform is reaff1rmed. Having done this
| they will consider the way paved for the adop
| ton of a government ownership plank and I'd
| nomination of Van Wagenen. Then rousin
| campaign thru the state on government owner
| ship will follow.
| The Hearst boom for the presidency will not
| lost sight Of Charles e. RUSSELL Hearsts r1gh'
| hand man, will be the ground early.
| There is much talk of opposition candidates
| Van wagenen An effort is being made to Dool
| Colonel G. l.. Mackey Of Sgourney. Other name
are suggested, including those OF Uncle Jerr
| Hartenbower of Des bIoines and ex-Congressma
i Hamilton Of Cedar Rapids.