The Washington times., 1905-08-27
DissensiOn in Ranks of
Maryland Politicians.
BONAPARTE BLOCKED COUP
Secretary of Navy, Through Agency of
Representative Wachter, Stopped
the Stampede.

L
ment, the Republicans are not at all
sure OF its defeat. They too have their
troubles
There is considerable disafection in
Baltimore city as we'll as in some Of
/ the counties, which the organization
must quiet before the party can hope
! TO make a winning fight. In the city,
particularly, there is strong under
current of opposition to the regular
/ wing Of the party. and the slightest
encouragement would bring about an
open revolt. Thus far those in control
have been enabled to. hold in check
their rebellious subjects, but there is
no telling how long they can continue
to do so.
Ever since Representative Wachter
made his successful fight against the
organization, there has been an element
antagonistic to the local managers,
which is awaiting an opportunity to
! effect their overthrow. 1t is not so for
midable now as it was then, owing
to the return to the fold of the Con-
gressman and a number of his friends,
but nevertheless strong enough to
cause concern Some of these irrecon-
cilables had planned coup which. ha6
il succeeded, would have placed the
leaders on the defensive, but it was
blocked by Secretary Bonaparte. who,
/ through the agency of Mr.. Wachter
prevailed upon some of the ringleaders
to desfst The latter had arranged for
a meeting at which certain demands
were to have been made, and in case
of refusal. they intended to show fight
in every ward. From a party stand
point it was fortunate that this move
was headed off, for had it succeeded
I disorganization might have resulted.
Fires Still Smouldering.
But the fires are still smouldering, and
here and there are heard threats against
those in command. In at least seven
of the twenty-four wards determined
effort is to be made TO dispense the reg
ular organization. This movement is
headed by Robert OgIe. clerk of the
SUPERIOR Court, and until recently a
friend Of Collector Stone The latter
placed him on the ticket when he was
nominated for the office he now fills,
but since then Ogle has acquired the
managerial bee and wants to supplant
his preceptor. He won't succeed. for
, the collector is too strongly intrenched
I but the soreness occasioned by defeat
may cause friction afterward. and per-
( haps enable the Democrats to improve
their opportunities
! What makes il all the more enlbar-
rassing is that the trouble is centered
/ in the Republican stronghold-the
Fourth legislative district In every one
OF the six wards there are divisions and
so intensely bitter is the feeling that
/ the Democrats seriously contemplate
making vigorous campaign with the
/ expectation of victorv They have nom
mated for State senator for the district
Ned Parlett. a Baltimore and Ohio 10
comotive engineer. whose heroism in a
/ train wreck gained him many admirers.
Besides. he is very popular with the
/ railroad men. majority of whom live
J in the district.
Realize Their Danger.
The Republicans realize their danger
and the leaders are straining every
nerve to restore harmonv in the dis
affected section. Failure to poll the party
vote in these wards must necessarily re-
suit in loss of the city. for the other
three districts are normally Democratic
Collector Stone is not taking any
chances. He is now endeavoring 10
| break the backbone Of the strike. and
several days ago informed some of his
friends he is making satisfactory head
way
Weekly conferences are being held
/ which Secretary Bcnaparte aIwavs at
tends when notes are comDared and
when necessary plans are revised.
The Democrats are also confronted
with opposition in a number of the
wards. but as this is not unusual. II
causes less alarm than in the Repub-
! lican camp Rasin might have prevented
friction had he. as in previous years
clubbed Objectionable aspirants into
submission, but for some reason he
preferred to have IL appear he was not
interfering this year, and all who called
for advice were told that the old chief
tain would not interfere this time Thus
encouraged, n number announced their
candidacy who would otherwise have
stepped aside. and as n result ten OF
the twenty-four wards are in q fer
ment. NO one doubts that at the proper
time Mr.. Easin will swing his influence
to the men he prefers and secure their
I nomination. Why he should invite con-
tests when they might have been
avoided. his Heutenants are AT loss to
explain, but the foxy old fellow knows
his business. He has purpose in view
out IL VIII not ne ClScIOSed until the
close Of the campaign. The supposi-
tion is that he wants 10 bring out as
many candidates as possible. so as TO
justify nominations by direct vote in
stead OF in city convention. and thus
avoid the adoption Of resolutions with
reference TO the amendment
City People Are Wary.
IL is rot believed that the city people
will commit themselves in any way to
this question. The idea is To play both
ways. Where a candidate or candi-
/ dates are helped by opposing its adop-
/ tion, the voters are to be posted not
from the hustirgs. but on the quiet
| When, on the other hand, advocacy of
the amendment viii help their cause
they win be for 1t heart and soul. BY
adopting this method Rasin hopes to
c&tcA the votes coming and going. just
as h did last spring when the Demo
Gratis were divided on the improvement
loans.
In wards where sentiment was against
them the Democratic candidates acted
accordingly, and so. too. IN those where