The Washington times., 1905-12-17
WAKEFIELD GETTING
FORCES INTO LINE
Holds Conference With
Members of Legislature.
RESULT Is KEPT SECRET
Reported That General Baughman Is
Flirting With the
Executive.
RESULT Is KEPT SECRET


number of the mcmbers-elect of the
general assembly, to whom he made
overtures- A majority called at the
office of the executive in this city
while others saw him at Annapolis
How many of these he captured only
he knows, for the visitors declined to
repeat the conversation or say where
they stand.
From other sources 1t is learned that
the governor did not intimate he was
ready to trade offices for votes, and
some Of those who called ready to
make dicker were therefore greatly
disappointed. One of the local MEM
bers said the governor SIMPLY referred
to the coming session and said he de-
sired to renew acquaintance. He then
called the members attention TO some
needed legislation, which he hoped
would be enacted, but not once made
any reference to the organization in
either house. The presumption is he
was sounding his men so as to be pre-
pared to make overtures later on.
Blair Lees Call.
Among others who called upon the
governor at his Annapolis residence
and spent the evening with him was
Senator Blair Lee OF Montgomery. Mr.
Lee is just breaking into political com
pany. and the various factions are play
ing for his allegiance 1t was thought
that the Montgomery senator was
closer TO Senator German than anyone
else, for the reason that their family
relations were very close. Friends of
Col Spencer c. Jones charge German
with helping Lee in the primaries. and
contributing materially to Jones de-
feat. IL is also known that the Senator
helped Lee, or rather the Democratic
candidate, with cash on election day.
Hence the visit of Lee 10 the governor
has created no end of talk
There is a report current in political
circles that General Baughman, who
has more influence with the new organ
ization in Montgomery than any other
one man. had advised Lee to get neal
the governor. In view OF the fact that
Baughman, who has always been Cor
mans right hand man, and by his grace
was made national committeeman. this
report is not credited by organization
leaders. Still. the visit of Lee Is re-
garded with suspicion. General Baugh-
man is a candidate for governor. and II
Is barely possible he may be playing for
position on the warfield fence. so that
in the event the present governor should
fail 10 land the prize again for himself
he might be with Baughman as against
Frank Brown, who is already an avowed
candidate
Conditions Badly Mixed.
Political conditions are so mixed that
the leaders are entirely at sea. They
appear to be distrustful of each other.
and each Is looking out for himself.
Either this. or there is an understand
Ing between them to hoodwink the pub
lie. They are not sure of their ground.
that much is certain. One OF the hest
posted Organization senator's informed
a colleague the other day that State
Treasurer Vandiver. whose election Ia
claimed by large majority, had not
yet received enough pledges from mem
bers-elect 10 insure his denomination in
caucus. Governor Warfield is deter
mined to defeat him II such a thing is
possible, and he will go TO almost sny
length TO accomplish his purpose
Had he brought out ex-senator Hub
ner, who is his choice for State treas
urer, at an earlier date. the Iatter's
chances would be very much better. but
the Baltimore county delegation, which
he expected to get behind his candt
date. had already been pladged to Van
diver by Congressman Talbot. and
without the support OF his own deIeea-
ton Hubner can hardly expect outside
aid The governor sent for one of the
county members and appealed 10 him
to pledge himself 20 Hubner. but the
delegate said he could not afford to
break faith. He had given his word
he would vote for Vandiver.
Looks Like vandiver.
Surface indications point to Vandiver's
denomination, provided Ex-Governor
Jackson does not break away. In an
authorized interview he declared that
as between Vandiver and Hubner he
would prefer the former. Governor
Smith has also come out for Vandiver.
When he made the combination with
the governor by which Warfield agreed
TO do all in his power TO bring about
the election OF Senator Moore for presi-
dent of the senate, he informed the
governor that he was for Vandiver. and
he is. Smith is one OF the few politi-
clans whose word is his bond.
Jackson is not so certain. In business
circles there is no one more highly re-
SpeCIeO nor more nOnOrdDle tnan he, but
he is liable 10 change his mind when
engaged In political dealing He is for
Moore for president Of the senate, he
says. as against any candidate except
General Seth. This reservation is re-
garded with suspicion. Seth is the ex-
governors friend and counsel. and II
is, thought he might be induced to aban-
don the combination and go with Cor
man < Co, II his man vera accepted.
He has also intimated that he does
not favor Benson for speaker of the
house. Benson Is the organizations fav-
orlte. and he would have a time of IL
securing the nomination If jackson was
opposed 10 him Should Jackson, there
fore be playing double this quiet tip may
be part of the game TO compel Mr.. Cor
man to come TO Seth. Until his return
from Mississippi. the end OF this week,
no conferences will be held.
Several Of the local leaders have called
upon Senator German, but were in
formed he was too i'll 20 discuss politics,
besides he thought 1t better to wait
until after Christmas. MI Rasin ad-
vised all OF his people here not To com
NIT themselves TO any candidate, and
then left for New York. returning yes
terday after a weeks absence. Before