Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1905-08-04
AWAIT DECISION
OF LA TOILETTE

Topic Of Much Interest.
Numerous Would-Be Success.
sors Bob up Prominently Over
the State.
Gov. La Follette'S plan for the
future, covering his intention as to
the senatOrship, continues to be
topic of general interest among visit
ing politicians to the city. Express
sions indicate wide difference of
opinion among men who are usually
we'll informed as to political situations,
but who, in the present case, admit
that at best all they can say is mere
guess. By some it is contended that
Gov. La Toilette will not take his
seat in the senate, and claim that the
governor himself, as indicated by his
conduct as we'll as is shown in the
interview given at Dayton, O., re-
Gently, has not fully made up his
mind and probably will not deter
mine the matter until the time
approaches when a decision must be
made.
Former Senator George P. Miller,
of Madison, who has the reputation
of standing reasonably close to the
situation at Madison. on a recent
visit to Milwaukee state that in con-
verSatiOn Gov. La Toilette has
announced his intention of going to
Washington at the termination Of his
lecture engagements. Mr.. Miller
claimed that there was not the
slightest doubt about it, and ridiculed
the iGea that any situation could
deter the governor from accepting the
prize he has secured.
Talk Of Extra Session.
Other men equally well informed
assert that for several weeks the state
has been canvaSsed in quiet manner
with view of determining what the
result of an extra session would be in
case Gov. La Toilette should announce
his declinatiOn of the SenatOrShip.
This, it is claimed, has been made in
the interest of Isaac Stephenson of
Marinette and appears to be based
upon the fact that representatives of
the Marinette man have covered
portions of the state without disclos-
ing up to this time their political
purpose in manner sufficiently
convincing to permit anything more
definite than gossip and rumOrS to
result as relate to plans for the future.
According to reports the situation
at Madison day after day is becoming
more complicated in open CONFLICTS of
ambitions. With the governor out of
the way these conflicts presage
trouble for the machine, and, it is
asserted, this situation adds to the
governors perpleXitieS. AS senator
he enters upon wider field of action,
and, while no doubt maintaining a
control measurably upon matters in
Wisconsin, it is probable that any
man selected as his successor will
seek to build up an organization
along lines independent of the men
who new exercise the power.
Speaker Lenroot Favored.
According to general report Speaker
Lenroot is looked upon as the most
suitable administration man for
governor, but his selection antagonizes
Messrs. Houser, Chynoweth, and other
politicians who have been classified
as being among the working politicians
of the organization. Mr.. Houser
wants his day at the head of affairs
and seeks promotion, having the
backing largely of the politicians.
Mr.. Lenroot is desired by the admin
istration men, who see something in
the movement beyond the spoils of
office and, it is claimed, is asSertiye
enough to build up personal moYe-
ment. Lieut.. Coy. Davidson, who
will be the direct beneficiary by the
governors accepting the SenatorShip,
appears to be at outs with practically
his entire faction.
When the time comes Mr.. Davidson
is to be side tracked by bringing
AsSemblyman Dahl of Vernon county
into the field as the administration
candidate for state treasurer. This
is the plan of those who desire to
make Mr.. Dayidson's road just as
thorny as it possibly can be made
1t is stated that the governors in
tentionS have net been made known
to Davidson, and that he is the last
man in Madison in position to speak
adyiSedly of what the future holds in
store for him.
Fear of Chairman Connor.
Then there is Chairman Connor of
Marshfield. apparently in full fellow
ship with reform, but under just
enough suspicion on the part of his
associates and crafty enough not per-
nit them to fool him to. constitute
himself trouble maker ia case things
do not GO just as he wants them to 60.
Political walls are not being blazoned
Tho la~arl fsCoonor for