The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-09-12
THE DRIFT OF POLITICS.

The eyes of men interested in State
politics are TUNED at present toward the
Ninth district, where interesting develop
ments in the situation as regards the Re-
publican congressional nomination are under
way. One candidate, in the person of Judge
Walter w. Mount, of Upton, has appeared
against Representative Charles B.. Lands.
of Delphi, and everyone Is waiting to see
If others do not follow the break. 1t is
reported that several others are consider
ing the advisability of becoming candidates,
among them Fred Sims and Harry Sheridan,
of Frankfort; Judge ]. f. Neal and L. 8.
Baldwin. of No~blesville, and Samuel A. Art
man, of Lebanon, former speaker Of the
House of Representatives. and definite an
nouncements are expected from some Of
them within a few days. AS a matter Of
fact. despite the reports sent out from
Upton, Judge Mount has not formally an
nounced his candidacy, but he has told his
friends that he will make the race and that
they may expect his announcement within
the near future.
An effort to size up the situation would
be premature at this time, but ii seems
dis will have a fight on his hands. The
seriousness of that fight cannot be pro-
jected until all the participants are known.
1t is a foregone conclusion that 1t will not
be a garden party affair to defeat the Delphi
statesman. He has a strong organization in
his district, is personally popular and has
within recent months smoothed over several
little rough spots that BODIED trouble. In adj
dition he has In his favor the growing senti-
ment in Indiana that member of Congress,
who serve acceptably, should be retained In
the service that they may attain the posi-
ions of prominence and influence In the
House that come only with long service.
However, 1t is known that opposition to him
will receive some comfort and encourage
manf I'm Hamilton Clinton ROOna and Eol1p-
tain counties, to say nothing of Upton and
Howard, although IT is conceded that none
of these counties can be arrayed solidly
against him unless 1t have a candidate of
Its own.
Not the least interested of those who
have their eyes or the situation in the
Ninth is Mr.. Lands himself. which Is nat
ural, and his interest is by no means pas
sive. He is not waiting for things to hap
pen, but Is bestirring himself actively, and,
proceeding on the theory that a stitch in
time saves nine. is strengthening his or
ganization and endeavoring to ward of
threatened opposition. Mr.. Lands was
here yesterday in attendance at the annual
Association at Broad Ripple and met and
talked with a number of newspaper men
from various parts of his district. He was
not inclined to ak about the situation.
II have nothing to say except that / an
confident L shall receive the denomination. .
he said. II know of no avowed opposition
at present. although II Is true the friend:
OF Judge Mount say that he will make the
race. You understand. this is the time fol
me to saw wood, and not to talk"
XXX
NJ. w. Pershing. Of Upton. who was here
yesterday. corrected the report that Judge
Mount had formally launched his candi.
dacy.
Judge Mount has not formally an.
| nounced that he will be a candidate" said
Mr.. Pershing. but he has conhded his in.
| tentions to his friends. and his announce,
ment may be expected in a few days
! Judge Mount Is a strong man in ever,