New-York tribune., 1906-10-26
FIGHT FOR EMPTY CHEST.
Three-C Cormered Contest IN Chau-
t0uQ1sa Aids Hughes.

jamestown. n. Y Oct Is (speoiaD.-Engaged
in a desperate three-cornered fight for the pos
session Of the campaign chest, the Hearst
Democratic leaders Of Chautauqua County have
had little time to spend IN booming the Independ-
League candidate. George H. Armstrong.
chairman of the Democratic County Committee.
representing the Mott faction; JaInes Bennett.
State Committeeman from this district, and ]. A.
Butler president of the local Independence League
compose the trio Of oombatants in a struggle
which seems rather absurd when It is considered
that the war chest is empty. and according to
their statements there small prospects
of it's being refilled from Mr.. Hearsts pockets.
This is not the first clash of the campaign. When
the county committee some time ago announced
that Mr.. Hearst would speak in jamestown under
its auspices, Mr.. Butler much incensed to
think that Democrats should act as Mr..
Hcarst's hosts when there was a simon pure
Independence League man in the neighborhood.
He promptly came out with public statement
that Mr.. Hearst would speak under the auspices
of the Independence League not all And II
is said that he even went SO far notice
that If the Democrats get the glory he would
come out with notice to all independence League
men to stay away AS result Mr.. Hearst decided
that 1t party wisdom to cancel his engage
ment at jamestown rather than make bad mat
worse.
The county committee. which Is controlled by
Frank H. Mott. proceeded to make plans for the
taking care Of all the money that Mr. Hearst could
be induced to send Mr.. Butler also made elaborate
preparations, and announced that he would soon
open handsome headquarters for the Independence
League Great were the wrath and chagrin in both
parties when it discovered that 'Fingey" Con-
ners had decided TO recognize Mr.. Bennett as the
wisest spender of the bunch leaving them both out
in the cold Mr. Mott rushed down TO New York
to prove his undying devotion and loyalty to Mr.
Hearst by addressing the Madison Square Garden
meeting. 1t rumored IN jamestown to-day that
his mpassioned oratory had been rewarded by per
mitting him to share with Mr.. Bennett in the dis
trlbutfon of the cash. When Mr. Butler was asked
Just where the Independence League came in under
this arrs ngement he appeared somewhat annoyed
and replied:
II don't believe it's true Anyway. there isn't any
money 10 be spent by anybody, and, 10 tell the
truth, don't believe there is going to be any"
This will be sad news to those who have Guilt air
castles Mr. Hearsts reported millions.
So busy have the Hearst men been in quarrellins
among themselves that they could not find time
to TO look after the registration in
jamestown and many OF the county districts. AS
a consequence in Fredonia, jamestown enc Dun
kirk there is heavy falling off in the regisura-
ton Of districts where Hearst is stronger, II s
whispered that the shortage of Funds has hac some
thing to do with this and that those who n
gagged in the canvass very much worried
TO whether 0 not they will receive any compen-
sation for their labor The Republicans are claim
ing a heavy majority for Mr.. Hughes In this
county and investigation would TO prove the
correctness of their estimate. There is very
large Swedish vote in Chautauqua County which
is answering in its allegiance 10 the Republican
party. In jamestown all five of the Swedish min
isters are warm admirers of Mr. Hughes, and their
influence carries much weight with their parish
toner's The ''Vartland." which is published IN the
Swedish language. has come out strongly fer the
Republican candidate. and while efforts have Seen
made win this vote by whispered hints that
Mr. Hearst is thinking of doing something hand
some" for the Swedish orphan asylum the thrifty
Scandinavans have sized up his promises for what
they are worth. and refuse TO be cajoled by any
such unsubstantal bait.
With the Democrats there is the usual heavy
disarfeotion among those who believed that Hearst
spells ruin.
Arthur w. Kettle. president OF the Civil Service
Commission, OF jamestown. and who has been
candidate for both District Attorney and member
OF Assembly on a Democratic ticket. said:
do not think that any Dem9orst - pound, be-
cause OF party fsalty, to vote for Mr.. Hearst 4