The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-06-26
MINNESOTA POLITICS

An effort has bean made within the
last month to induce Julius II. Block to
enter the field as q candidate for gov.
ernor. The muscular giant with the win
ming smile who presides over the states
strong box has many friends in all parts
OF the state, and is a "favorite SON. with
the German-American contingent in the
republican party. A number Of his friends
have urged him lately to step into the
breach and become candidate for higher
honors. While appreciative OF the COM
pliment, Mr.. Block has given q decided
negative to the proposition. When the
matter was preached by Journal man,
Mr.. Block admitted that there had been
some talk among his friends, but said:
Il am a candidate for re- election as
state treasurer. ] am running the office
on a business basis, and / am in love
with the work. I think am entitled to
the usual term Of service given to state
trea surers, and have no ambition for
the goyernorship 1t Is very kind Of my
friends to speak of me in that connec-
ton. but could not consider it under
any circumst ances.''
Still another state official has been dis
cussed as a candidate for promotion. At
torney General Douglas who certainly de-
serves well Of the state for the services
ne has performed, has been suggested as
an ideal candidate for governor, and the
suggestion has been favorably received.
Whether the movement will go any far
ther remains to be seen. Like his friend.
the state treasurer, Mr.. Douglas is not
a party to the booming, and his prefer
ence is known to lie in another direction.
He desires a seat on the supreme bench,
and is already considered as candidate
for one Of the three vacancies that will
arise next year. Mr.. Douglas has always
been known for his activity in support
f,fS Ito
against the railroad companies, and he is,
therefore, persona non grata to the lat
ter; but his popularity insures him an
excellent showing for any position to
which he aspires. He first won distinction
in the legislature with his rate bill. In
the attorney generals Office he has pros
ecuted the merger cases, has stood up
for the independent shippers in the iron
ore case, and recently has won applause
for the strong case he put up in the coal
and lumber rate investigation. His clearly
shown comparison between rates In Min
nesota and In other states is believed to
be responsible for the coming reduction.
He stand for the same principle on which
Governor Van SAINT was reelected last
year.
The contest for supreme judgeship nomi-
nations is likely to be a warm one Jus
| tees Lovely, Brown and Lewis are all
understood to desire denominations. There
are likely to be at least three candidates
for their places. Judge c. B. Elliott, the
senior Judge on the Hennepin county
bench, Is understood to desire promotion.
and will very likely have the support of
this delegation. Ramsey county may adj
vance candidate in Judge Brill or Judge
Jaggard, and Attorney General Douglas
will make a strong bid for a place If he
decides to become a candidate
The retirement Of Mr.. Douglas leaves
an Office paying 4,s00 to the attorney who
succeeds in getting the republican nomi-
nation. There will be two or three can
didates for the place, and perhaps more.
w. J. Donahower of st. Paul, the eff
cient first assistant under Mr.. Douglas
is already candidate for the nomination,
and is strong enough In Ramsey county
to command the support of that delega-
ton. He is also well known in all parts
| Of the state for his five years work In the
Office. He will have a foenan worthy OF
his steel II e. 7. Young Of Appleton comes
into the contest. The seventh would prob
ably come in solid for the ex-senator, who
has MANY warm friends all over the state
The first district may also present a can
didate in Thomas Fraser of Rochester
county attorney Of sOinsted county,s and
a brother of the representative.