The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1904-04-06
DEMOCRATIC LEADERS
On THE GROUND
J. G. Johnson, of Peabody,
Establishes Headquarters.
CONVENTION TOMORROW
Geo. Locke Arrives to Attend
the Gathering.

Democratic leaders from various parts
of the state put in their appearance last
night and began fixing for the state dele
gate convention which is to be held at
the Auditorium tomorrow. Headquarters
have been established at the Carey hotel.
Among the big "handicappers' who
have already arrived is J. G. Johnson.
OF Peabody, who is a dyed-in-the-wooi
Hearst boomer. and is making hard
fight TO have the Kansas delegates TO the
national convention go to ST. Louis next
July instructed TO work and vote for the
New York journalist. Mr.. Johnson has
been in the past a true Bryan follower
This is not all about j. G. Johnson. In
many places throughout Kansas he has
been mentioned as a dark horse in the
Rubernatorial arena. There is no doubt
but that he has his admirers. but, it is
understood that he will never allow his
name to be presented for the nomina-
ton.
In diametrical opposition to Mr.. john
son is j. N Fike, of Colby. MIR Fikc
came into the city last night and occupied
apartments at the Carey hotel. That he
is in nrect antithesis to Johnson has
been made public long before his arrival
here for the convention.
Mr. F'ike will fight any move to in
etruct for Hearst. and will ask that the
Kansas delegation be allowed to go to
the national convention with heart and
fancy free In connection with this 1t is
rumored that Fike is a determined Hill
man. and will stand firm and defiantly for
the candidate that Hill advocates. which
means that Fike is absolutely a Parker
follower.
The sentiment is now about equally
divided between the anti-Hearst crowd
and the big ixers." The latter class
will make an endeavor to get the Kansas
delegates to go uninstructed. AS the
battle for supremacy along this line draws
nearer the combatants may be seen to
prepare for the onset. On one side, stand
ing for instructed delegates and for Will
liam Randolph Hearst are the Third,
Fourth and Seventh congressional dis
tricts. In opposition to this array are
th. First, Second Fifth and Sixth dis
tricts.
Since the coming Of many prominent
Democratic chieftains to Wichita there
Wyandotte's favorite son, Senator Harris
for gubernatorial honors. While the Wy
andotte county delegation has not ar
rived yet there is. an under-current in
motion for the ex-senator.
1t is said by many that the Kansas
City platform will be re-affirmed and its
doctrines espoused by the Democracy of
this state. There will be several minor
fights on delegates to the ST. Louis con-
vention. and also for national committee
men, but no other excitement will dis
turb the peace of the Peerless Princess
throughout the affair.
The Auditorium viii be beautifully dec
GRATED today for the convention, and early
in the morning the brass band will be on
the scene of action and the hurrahing
will commence in reality.
At a late hour last night it was ru-
mored that David Overmyer. who has al
ways been carrying the proverbial chip
on his shoulder, and who has been sort Of
undecided as TO what he would really be
politically. viii be here today, and that
ne will lead the opposition in company
with Fike. against Hearst. 1t is still
fresh in the memory of Kansas Democ-
racy. however. that only a few years ago
Overmyer was pranced about as an avail
able candidate for the ice-presidency. 1t
will be remembered that he was always
contrary From all indications the con-
vention tomorrow promises to be full #
life and ginger. y large attendance will
be present.
George Locke. formerly of Wichita, b'It
now of Chicago. where he has charge Of
a Hearst bureau, has arrived in the city
TO attend the convention. Mr.. Locke has
charge of Hearst's campaign for tn