The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1908-08-06
FIERCE
Is WAR AMONG THE
FACTIONS
Of the Republican Party
in Ohio
Taft People Will Flay
Foraker and His
Friends on all Occa-
sions--Fight is Capital
For Democrats.
For Democrats.

the political situation, so far as the
Republican party is concerned in this
state:
Fires are to be set smoldering under
every Republican candidate for seat
in. the next general assembly who is
even suspected of having a soft spot
in his heart for Senator Joseph B.
Foraker. The smoking out process,
which will be concerted movement,
is to include candidates already nomi-
mated as well as those seeking place
on the legislative ticket.
Pilgrims to state headquarters are
received with the easy statement that
the first business at hand is the cleo
tion of a Republican Legislature. 1t
will be time enough then, the inquirer
is told, to settle the senatorial tangle.
But the men and interests now con-
trolling the Republican state organiza-
tion are not doing business that way.
Holding the whip hand, they purpose
to use it as far as Foraker is concern
ed
The determination to force every
Foraker man to lift his banner aloft
where it may be seen of all men can
be traced straight to the men with
chairs at the organization round table.
Whether Foraker and Dick are al
ready treating for terms or not, the
new organization, working as yet
within the inner circle, proposes to
make that the only alternative-beg
for terms or pass on and out.
Unless he can secure it in an open
fight Foraker is not going to be per-
mitted to obtain any balance of pow
er in the next assembly. Such a sit
uation is feared at state headquarters
in the event of close legislature,
such-d one as the present assembly,
for instance, which is barely Republi-
can on joint ballot.
DIR. A. j. Crawford, of Athens coun-
ty, who has done much more than
sympathize with Foraker, will be one
of the first to smell the smoke. Re-
nominated for a third term he is mark
, the senior senator.
Any Republican who has we'll de-
Veloped or lingering ambition to go
10 the senate is being encouraged at
state headquarters. The more candi-
dates the easier it is for the machine
leaders to play their present game,
which is to keep everybody guessing.
Fear of stirring up storm which
would result disastrously election day
was the motive actuating the breaking
of a platform pledge and the refusal
90 indorse a senatorial candidate at
the state convention. The same mo-
tive is responsible for the absence
of a definite program on the eve of
the campaign.
The qualified announcement of Con-
gressman Burton that he aspires to
the toga now held by Foraker has
brought forth growls AMI barking all
ever the state. The Foraker strength
will fight Burton to the last. Any
body else would be more acceptable
4he controlling forces in the organ
fzation are not for Burton, whose sup
port Of Frank Hitchcock for national
chairman, among other things, still
fankles.
There is an earnest desire at state
Headquarters to prevent any factioDal
fight in Cuyahoga county. Without
q split within the party the state lead
ers are figuring on a substantial ma
60 he
The word is being passed that Burton
must be permitted to have the Cuya-
hoga legislative delegation if neces-
sary to prevent serious row.
That is as far as it goes. Not
finger will be lifted to assist the
own county. And nothing will be
done in Cuyahoga unless the welfare
of the state ticket demands it,
Harry A. Daugherty, of Columbus,
is a real factor in the senatorial sit
uation. That he will control votes
in the next assembly is certain. Bur-
ton is the last man who will get any
support from Daugherty, determin-
alton that is stated with emphasis.
Any more than that, Daugherty has
a lieutenant in Cuyahoga, in the per-
son of James w. Holcomb, poaching
on Burton's preserves.
Or. Charles A. Reed, of Cincinnati,
is at present the one avowed and un-
der any and all circumstances sena-
torial candidate. His candidacy is
causing no comment at Etate head
quarters or out. Reports are that he
will not have vote from his own
delegation Of Hamilton county. This
would seem TO put him out of seri-
GUS consideration. Yet the doctor is
persevering. He is out with an elab-
crate statement of his position on
the tariff, labor problem and similar
questions of the hour.
The Democratic publicity factory is
already under full steam. The first
shafts are directed at the Republican
senatorial controversy. Here is one
Of the opening passages:
'It will be pleasing indeed to the
adhorents Of Senator Foraker to OBJ
serve the enthusiasm with which other
eminent gentlemen are taking up the
fight to eliminate him. The astute