The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-02-24
MARTIN HAS
GIVEN OFFENSE
OPPOSITION CANDIDATE SOUGHT
IN THE HILLS.
Driscoll Urged to Come Out Against
Some Following, Too--Turn in SEN
tin1ent in Certain Quarters Attrib-
uted to Various Appointments and
Failure to Consult the Leaders.
Special to The Journal,

Special to The Journal,
Sioux Falls, S. D.. Feb. 24.-The polit-
1cal situation in the Black Hills presents
an interesting study, according to reports.
Recently opposition has developed among
some of the republicans of the Hills to the
denomination of Congressman Martin.
1t Is generally conceded that Mr.. Mar
tin is perhaps the brainiest man the Hills
has ever had in congress, yet, as is per-
haps natural, in indorsiug candidates for
appo1ntive positions he has sometimes run
counter to the wishes of those influential
in republican affairs, and in some cases
may have Intentionally or otherwise failed
to consult the leaders of his party in
reference to appointments.
To this exclusively is said to be due the
opposition which has developed to his re-
nomination. Whether or not the opposi-
ton can get the right man to enter the
lists against him is another question.
DrIscolI and Ayres "Mentoned." "a,
Thus far two men have been mentioned
as acceptable candidates of the opposition.
One of them is r. II. Driscoll, cashier Of
the First National bank, of Lead, and
the other Is George V. Ayres, of Dead
wood, member of the executive commit
tee or the republican state central COM
mittee.
All the anti-Martin republicans, incud-
ing Mr.. Ayres, think Mr.. Driscoll would
be the strongest candidate against Con-
gresham Martin, but thus far he has
steadily refused to become a candidate To
do so would entail something of per-
sonal sacrifice. as he now receives a sal
airy OF about $4,000 a year and has a posi-
tion more to his liking than q public
office. If he decides to enter the field It
is said he will have the solid support Of
the great Homestake Mining company.
In the event that he does not it is like
ly that Mr.. Ayres will consent to become
the candidate and rally to his support all
the anti-Martin sentiment Of the Black
Hills.
Lawrence to Lead Of.
In this connection it, can be stated that
the chairmen of the various republican
county committees in the Black Hills
have agreed to let Lawrence county lead
off in selecting delegates to the state con-
Nentton, the intention being not to hold
conventions in the other counties until
after Lawrence has held it's conventions
Thus there is a strong possibility of the
other counties indorsing whatever action
Lawrence county may take in reference to
congressman.
Should Lawrence county indorse Con-
gresham Martin for denominations there
is no doubt the other counties will take
similar action and unite solidly for him.
On the other hand, If Lawrence county re-
pudiates Mr.. Martin and indorses Mr..
Drtscol or Mr.. Ayres, it Is probable that
the republicans Of Fall River county will
refuse to join the opposition to Mr.. Mar
tin. .- FL. -,.-.s- s-.-, --...l..
Should this prove to be the outcome Of
the present preliminary sllirmishing. it is
likely that with the Fall River delegation
behind him Congressman Martin will carry
his fight for denomination to the floor of
the state convention. He Is popular
among the republicans east of the Mis-
souri, river, and there Is no telling what
might happen If the differences of the
Black Hills republicans should be taken
upon the floor Of the state convention for
adjustment.