New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-02-08
THE WsRrLAnD SEyAToRSHTP.

Isidor Ravne-'s election as United States Sen
ator from Maryland has been widely interpreted
as fatal blow 10 the prestige in Democratic
politics of Arthur r. German. OF all the candi-
dates for the seat made vacant by Mr. Nc
Comass retirement Mr.. Rsyner was undoubt-
edlv. from Mr.. Germans point OF view. the
least acceptable. The Maryland leader certainly
nAneuvred to elect a colleague more attached
II his own fortunes and more responsive 70 HIS
own guidance But there are indications that
no quickly recognized the impolicy OF a fight
20 the nnish against Ravner. and accepted a
losing political situation which he himself had
bad considerable share in creating.
NJ Ravner's candidacy had been made for
midahle by fhe ante-election strategy of the
German machine. AS an aspirsnt for the Dem
ecratic Presidential nomination. II was Mr..
Germans paramount interest 20 demonstrate
that Maryland could again be made Demo
cratic State Though Democratic Governor
had been elected in 1929, the Republican cleo
roral ticket had won an easy victory in 1900
NJ Gorran had himself captured the legis-
larure ~ 1901. but by the narroweSt Of mar
gins: Cor a change OF 100 votes in three or four
counties would have turned the scale against
him. On the vote for Representatives in Con
gress in 1902 the Republicans had again sub
Was hopelessly to discredit Mr.. Germans Presi-
dental aspirations.
The German machine had for years been
weakest in the citF % Baltimore. That city
was the stronghold Of the aristocratic element
IN the party which had never reconciled itself
10 AR GOrman's leadership. In the spring
election FOR Mayor there was practically tie
vote. Something had TO be done 10 attract 20
the Democratic State and legislative tickets the
four or Eve thousand Independent voters in
Baltimore who held the balance Of power. The
plan was preached and adopted OF bringing
Mr.. Rayner. an anti-Gormsn Democrat into
the race for the SeHatorship, and having the
legislative candidates in Baltimore instructed
10 give him their support Last November
three az the four Legislative districts in Balti-
more were Democratic. and Mr.. Earner's can
vasS began with the solid backing Of tnventy-one
instructed votes. In close or normally Republi-
can counties he had picked up from twelve 10
nfteen additional members. and when The leg
islaturc met he had welded together a follow
ing Of tllirty Eve. Forty-siK votes were re-
CURED 20 nominate in the Democratic caucus.
Tue retiring Governor, John Walter Smith.
Uss supposed 10 be the German candidate.
he had on the first ballot in the legislature
% votes. Though an Eastern Shore man. Mr..
Smith could not control the fun Eastern
shore vote. nine members from that section
supporting rival candidates. Through the dead-
lock which followed no union Of tie anti.
kayner forces could be Effected, while extraor-
binary popular pressure was ererted on Mr..
Rsynors behalf. The latter's Identification
with Baltimore business interests with the
railroad system in which that city and the
Western Msrylend counties have a vital =
tsres~ and his prominence with the pro.
Cleveland and Independent wing q the De
oocrecy rallied behind him forces agssns,