The Washington times., 1910-10-28
Election Situation Compli-
Gated By Constitutional
Service Limitation.
MANY ARE BARRED
FROM REELECTION
Captain Oyster a Probable Nomi-
nee for Presidency, With D. J.
Callahan Possible Opponent.

Things are waxing warm politically
IN the Chamber of Commerce.
Since the tentative forecast of what
might happen at the annual election
OF officers and directors made in The
Times a week ago, there has been an
active jockeying of possible caDdi-
dates for a position in the race. and
much speculation among the rank and
file OF the membership over what is
likely TO occur.
The situation has been somewhat
complicated by the recent amendment
TO the constitution. rendering ineligi-
BILE fer recollection some of the direc-
tors who have served in a prominent
capacity ever since the organization
of the Chamber of Commerce Among
those who are barred from recollection
10 the board Of directors through the
operation of the amendment limiting
consecutive service to two terms are
j.. J. Callahan, Chaplin Brown, ScoOt -.
Bone, A Lisncr, u. }. Kaufman, Ar
thur e. Moses. and John L. Weaver.
It is further complicated by the
failure OF certain men whose names
have been mentioned as possible can
didates for election to the three high
est offices openly 20 declare their
candidacy. and allow their friends 10
organize campaigns on their behalf.
GUIDE Out of Race.
One thing is certain. William +
GUIDE, the present president, will un-
der no circumstances allow himself
10 be named as a candidate for any
of the executive offices, but his
friends insist that he must accept a
place on the board of directors
The next most certain thing is that
Capt. James F. oyster, who has serve
two terms as first vice president of
the Chamber, cannot escape being a
candidate for the presidency, Indeed,
Captain oyster is known to have said
TO his friends that he would not shirk
the responsibilities Of the office. II
they consider that he should serve as
president. He is in no sense an active
caudidte for the position, but has
made clear his Willingness to run.
The activity OF his friends now makes
his candidacy assured.
II there is to be a contest for the
presidency % the chamber, Captain
OYSTERS opponent is most likely to be
u. J. Callahan, one OF the directors
barred BY the constitutional amend
ment from reelection to the board.
Mr.. CaIllhan's friends point out
that he ha. been one of the most aC-
tive men IN the Chamber from the
time the body was organized. and was
enc OF those chiefly responsible for
the amalgamation which resulted in
the formation Of the Chamber. They
are urging him to allow his name 10
be used, and, pending definite an
noVncement of his candidacy, are
working Quietly Tor votes.
For the two positions OF vice presl-
dent, which carry with them eN Of
fcio membership in the board Of d.
rectors, there is greater possibility OF
a spirited contest For those positions
j.. C. Graham. ID. j. Callahan, Chaplin
Brown, and Charles J. Bell are men
toned. Mr.. Bell has held the position
Of second vice president ever since the
organization Of the chamber. and IL Is
the desire of many members TO re
elect him. but other believe that Mr.
Bell should be elected to the board
OF directors, and some rotation in tAle
vice presidents be had
Other Men Named.
1t is pointed out that whoever is
elected to the vice presidency will be
put there with a view TO his candi-
dacy for the presidency at the next
election. other names have been
mentioned in connection with the
vice presidency. including ". T Gal
liner, George W. White, Henry =. +.
mcfarland. and William r. Shannon,
but the lines are rapidly drawing
about the first four named.
II Mr.. Callahan should refuse to al
low his friends TO 90 further on his
behalf FOR the presidency, the vice
presidential tickets would probably
take the shape of T.. &. Graham and
d. J. Callahan on the one and Charles
J. Bell and Chaplin Brown on the other.
The treasuTerShip has injected itself
into the political situation this week in
a novel way. A LiSncr has served as
treasurer of the Chamber since its or
ion OF members that Mr.. Lisner is the
could find, for he mas shown eXcep-
tionAl ability In raising funds 10 fur
Their the interests of the organization.
But Mr.. Lisner becomes Ineligible for
reelection to the board Of directors,
and il is the opinion Of most that the
treasurer should be on the board. The
office does not carry with il TX officiC
membership on the board.
The problem then presents itself OF
how TO keep Mr.. LiSncT treasurer and
at the same time q director. To accom-
pliSh this IL has been suggested that
the constitution be amended, making
the office Of treasurer carry with Il
membership in the board Of directors
That the following week will see a
decided clearing Of Chambers political
atmosphere seems certain. for lines are
fast forming and sentiment is expected
10 crystalline definitely within a short
time.