The Washington times., 1905-12-10
Senator's Control of Mary
land Legislature in Danger.
OLD FRIENDS OPPOSE HIM
Democratic Organization of Both Houses
Much Mixed Because of Trouble
in the Family.

|
grams. hoping they might suit the party
managers. but none seems to meet with
approval. So the Maryland Legislature
Is no nearer being organized than it
was before the election
IL Senator German has any prefer
ences he is keeping them TO himself.
Certain II is that he has not made con-
ndants OF any Of his lieutenants They
are guessing just as are the soldiers
down the line. For fear of being left.
/ however. they do not commit them
selves Only those with candidates from
their counties care to express an opinion
and they go no further than they can
! help.
Democrats Are Shaky.
| The fact is the Democratic organiza-
ton is not bit sure of its ground. Ow-
Ing TO the strong opposition continually
growing there Is no telling when the
bottom may give way. Mr. German ap-
preciates the danger and is. therefore.
moving with care and deliberation. The
slightest mistake may lead 10 DISASTROUS
defeat. He has. therefore. concluded to
withhold his plans. and not declare in
favor of any of the candidates for pre-
siding offices in either house until lust
before the LEGISLATURE meets so as to
stave OF criticism. Between Christmas
and the New Year he will call his peo-
pie together and announce the pro-
gram.
About the only candidate of the or
ganization out in the open is Murray
Vandiver, chairman of the State central
committee. who is seeking reelection as
State treasurer, and against him the op-
position, led by Governor Warfield. is
making a determined fight Vandiver is
Germans choice and everybody knows
IT. His defeat would mean the over
throw OF the organization. and every
conceivable influence is being brought
to bear to pull him through. Until
Thursday the governors faction lacked
a candidate about whom the opposi-
ton could rally. but they have found
one measuring up to all requirements
Former President of the Senate and
Speaker OF the House John Hubner, a
regular OF the regulars, has consented
to measure swords with Vandiver. and
the battle is now on. Hubner Is not a
strong politically as his opponent. but
this deficiency the governor has prom
ised TO supply. In every other respect
he is Vandiver's equal, II not his su-
perior. possessing an unblemished repu-
tation and fine business ability Tn
fortunately these advantages are not
considered in a political contest. es-
pecially when the politicians and not the
people are called upon TO decide And
right here is where Hubner is weak
and bound 10 lose unless the governor
can succeed in breaking the combination
against him.
Talbott's Protege
In all Of his previous contests Mr.
Hubner has had the support and assist
6nce of Congressman Talbot. who
brought him out in Baltimore county. II
was Talbot who sent him first TO the
house OF delegates and then to the
senate. This time Hubner is acting in
defiance of Talbott's N.shes and will be
opposed by every member of the dele
CATION representing MS own county
This fact will undoubtedly operate
against Hubner. though he believes he
can win in spite of his sponsor. In an
authorized interview the Congressman
declares that the bringing out Of Hub
ner is n scheme to demoralize the or
thereto. Had Mr.. Hubner announced
his candidacy at an earlier date" said
Mr.. Talbot, I'VE would have gotten be-
hind him, but IL Is too late now. Every
member OF the Baltimore county dele
cation has pledged himself to Mr.. Van
diver and will vote for him.
What makes Talbot so sore is that
the injection OF Hubners candidacy
hurts that OF Carville ID. Benson, Tai
bot, choice for speaker Of the house.
and who comes from the same county.
The latter IS now apparently leading all
competitors. but the margin is so slight
that any setback may put him out Of
the running. Governor Warheld is push
Ing DR.. Hill. OF Prince George. and US
ing all the influences he can bring to
bear 10 have him elected, while German
is believed to prefer Ray, of Prince
George.
Ex-Governor Jackson undoubtedly
holds the whip hand and has il in his
power TO make or unmake any candi-
date in either house He has already
stated that In the event Of General
Seth not being a candidate he VIII favor
Col. John p. Moore. Ex-Governor Smiths
law partner. The latter had already
been promised the support of Governor
Warfield With the Eastern Shore
united upon him his election is appar-
entity assured. as seven of the eighteen
Democratic senator's represent this sec
ton Governor Warfield controls IL is
thought. al least three Of those on this
side. which would give Moore ten votes
In caucus, enough 70 nominate him.
Whether this alignment VIII affect the
candidacy OF the aspirants for the
speakershipS cannot now be foretold.
Governor Smith stated some time ago
ne was not Interested in the OrganiZa
tion OF the house. while Governor
Jackson insists he is not concerned in
any combination. II is possible. how
ever. that recent happenings may have
caused them to change their Views. any
how they are causing the other mem
bers OF the organization much concern.
German Kept Guessing.
While the selection OF presiding Of
ficers will have no immediate bearing
the fact that Smith and Jackson. who.
until recently, anJagonized each other
are now together. will keep Senator
German guessing. 1t is an open secret
that both have rod in pickle for the
Senator. and are only awaiting an op-
portunity to get even with him for
turning them down after promising each
a seat in the United States Senate Gov
palru -ls fa1 in,