The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-11-21
DRAW
LONG KNIVES
OPEN WARFARE IN NELSON BE-
TWEEN REPUBLICANS.
Leadership Of Congressman-elect Gron-
ma and Attorney General Erich at
Stake-Au Past Agreements De-
clared Off-Mutual Charges Of Bad
Faith Made,
Special to The journal.

Special to The journal. te -
Grand Forks, N. D., Nov. 21.-The friction
factions in Nelson county has developed into war
to the knife. The leaders of the two factions
Congressman-elect Gronna and Attorney Cen
eral Erich. The fact that both were nominated
We're elected by handsome majorities, seems
rather to have intensified than mitigated the feel
ing that has existed in the county. ~ -
In the convention which was called to select
delegates to the state convention from Nelson
county there was no opposition to the indorse-
ment Of Mr.. Erich, who Is serving his first term.
disturbance arose in connection with the Judi
cial nomination Gronna being favorable to the
retention Of Judge Fisk, and there was an out
cry and charge of ingratitude against Erich
because the latter and his friends entertained
the delegates from Nelson county were ready
to sacrifice Erich, Notwithstanding their instruc-
lions, in order to secure the nomination of
Gronna. It has been stated and not contra
Gronna, he said that he proposed, notwithstand-
ing the changed relations between the two men,
to keep faith with Erich, land If his nomination
meant the retirement Of Erich he would have
nothing to do with it. The leaders felt secure,
and arranged the matter by nominating both
men. = z & 60 SS$s@
Since the election there have been all sorts of
charges made by the representatives of one fac
tion against the members of the other. This
followed the legislative conventions, in which
each claims at least a partial victory, and the
fight is being waged openly in the newspapers Of
Lakota. The Lakota American Of last week,
which represents the Gronua sentiment, accused
Erich and his friends of being responsible for the
defeat Of one Of the republican candidates on the
county ticket. Erich promises to rip up the
whole situation in next weeks Lakota Herald.
An odd feature Of the situation is the fact
that both Gronna and Erich are financially inter-
ested in the American, this arrangement having
been made when there was peace. Erich says
that he owns 81 200 Of stock in the paper which
is roasting him, but that unfortunately the other
fellows control majority. j.. :
johnson S Following Small.
There is little Of interest in the senatorial
sftua ton. The announcement by former Con-
gresham Johnson of his candidacy created
ripple Of interest because to the state at large it
was utterly unexpected. So far as is known Mr.
johnson is doing nothing in the interest, Of his
candidacy and it is difficult to see where his
support is to come from. unless there is some
thing under the surface which the people at large
do not understand. = @~..s .~a +
From all the information available it does not
appear that Johnson can expect much support
from his own county. Senator Swenson is said
to be unfavorab1e to, him, and Mr.. Erich makes
no secret of the fact that he and his friends in
and out of the legislature for McCumber.
warm support Of Colonel Robinson. This year
the colonel did not secure the nomination. and
Kraabel, the senator-elect, is said to be for
McCumber.
Congressman spalding is said in some quarters
to besa candidate, but he appears to have opened
no campaign.
The Speakership.
The suggestion that Representative Shields of
La Moure county be made speaker will be likely
to line up against him the opponents Of the drug
gists' permit law, Of which he is the author.
Representative Richmond of Benson Is another
possible candidate for speaker. and Davis of
Ramsey county is also suggested as good man
for the place. Mr.. Davis has been member Of
the house for wears. ~.