The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-10-17

and that last year, with interest at low
ebb, the candidate for justice of the
supreme court was elected by nearly
IL, 900 on a total vote but little over two
thirds of what it will be next Novem-
Der. With Mr.. Bryan eliminated as
factor in the contest the advantage
probably lies with the Republicans. in
Governor Sheldon as q candidate for
reelection they have one of the most
popular executives ever chosen, whose
term has been marked by ability and
an absence of scandal. He made the
canvass two years ago on a platform
of economical administration and regu-
lation of railroad corporations popu-
lar slogans, and was fortunate in hav-
in a legislature in sympathy with his
views, which was given credit for
adopting more reform measures in
single session than had been done be-
fore for ten years. His colleagues on
the Republican ticket who were elected
without exception, have not however,
made the enviable record of their chief,
and this fact has given the Democrats
an opening.
Ashton c. Shallenberger, Governor
Sheldons opponent. has the handicap
of being a defeated candidate, as he
was the Democratic nominee for the
smae office two years ago. He also had
a struggle this fall to secure the nom
nation in the primary, winning after
a bitter struggle. which engendered
some feeling. Mr.. Shallenberger has
the advantage of being a finished or
ator, better mixer than Governor
Sheldon, with an excellent business and
political record, and perhaps better
than all. has the entire confidence and
personal friendship Of w. J. Bryan.
Both the gubernatorial nominees are
comparatively young men, well-to-do
financially, both served in the Spanish
American war (Sheldon as captain in
faa in
Cuba). and both have a strong personal
following. The state platforms are so
nearly alike on all essential state issues
that the two candidates, with their col
leagues on the tickets, are obliged to
make their pleas on the ground OF
fealty to party and personal popularity.
Nebraska has six congressional dis
tricts. and there is a stubborn fight In
each of them, with the result uncer-
tain, save in the First and Fourth,
which are so Overwhelmingly Repub-
lican that 1t will take Democratic
landslide to overturn their present po-
litical complexion. The Republicans at
present have five congressman, and In
each instance the sitting member has
been renominated, as has Gilbert M
Hitchcock Democrat, who represents
the Second. Democrats claim to be
confident of retaining the Second dis
trict and of gaining the Third, Fifth
and Sixth, with a fighting chance for
the First and Fourth. Republicans say
they will make a clean sweep.
Both parties claim the legislature, but
the Republicans are the most confident
although they hardly expect the pro-
| nounced majority in both houses that
| they had two years ago.
The Prohibitionists and Socialists, the
other two parties represented on the
ballot, say they will make gains In
about equal proportion from the old
parties. and their claim is not disputed,
| but neither party is expected to elect
any state or congressional officer.
Nebraska is close enough politically
| to make the result from president down
uncertain, with the chief element of
doubt the inroads Mr.. Bryan is able to
make in the Republican vote. Repub-
ncan leaders assert with apparent con-
fdence that they will carry the state
| for Taft and the state ticket by not
| less than 10000 and possibly 10000. Dem
ocrats with equal assurance say Bryan
will win his home state by 10000 and
the state ticket will not be more than
| 5000 short of the national