Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1911-05-05


friend of the struggle now going on in
the mind Of Congressman Joseph +.
RansdelI, of Lake Providence, represent
ing the Fifth Louisiana District in Con-
gress, gives a new complexion to the
whole political situation of the State. 1t
might necessitate recasting OF the en-
tire political die.
"Mr. RansdeIl,'' continued this per-
sonal friend, ''has finally satisfied his
own mind that if he does anything at all
he viii be compelled TO do one of two
things: Either run for the Thornton sue
cession in the Senate, or make the race
for governor.
His ambition is to go to the Senate,
his heart is set on it. He likes the
national life and his whole being is OPP
posed to returning to State politics and
getting mixed up in the turmoil of
gubernatorial campaign, but powerful
pressure has been brought to bear on
Ransdell during the past week to switch
him from his life ambition into the CUB
ernatorial class. He has been deluged
with letters since his arrival in the city
this trip. by personal calls, all of>which
were intended to ween him away from
the senatorial contest by pointing out the
thorny path, the rigors OF the campaign
and especially his possible defeat, with
himself, Sanders and Pujo in. the ring
after the 1915 toga.
Ransdell has clearly been the feature
of the past week. Since his arrival at
the st. Charles Hotel, last Tuesday morn
ing, from Washington, there have been
momentuous subterranean developments
in State politics.
Up to this time Mr.. Ransdell had new
err given the governorship serious
Thought. Every time it had been men
toned he had turned "a deaf ear. He
did rot like TIE sound. The idea was
distasteful to him. 1t is still, for that
matter. However, somebody finally
reached him. To have secured hearing
was in line with a gradual transition
that had been taking place in the Fifth
Districter's mind 1t is an interesting
political story and if there is anything
in it at all it is worth repeating.
Go back TO the winter months in
Washington, while the Louisianians were
at the national capital in large numbers
for the exposition crusade. Mr.. Ransdell
made up his mind to run for Senator
Fosters seat. He never said so, but in
innate friends bore the tidings back to
old st. Mary that the dean of Louisiana
politics must prepare for opposition. Mr..
Ransdell came home for the recess and
his mind was all but made up, every
thing but the announcement, that he
would oppose Foster for the Senate. But
he didn't announce. He returned to the
national capital. Soon letters began
reaching him from various parts of the
State that Foster had developed wonder
ful strength; that he might go to the
post much stronger than had been fig
ured. At first Mr.. Ransdells mind was
not disturbed, but the letters and mes
sages continued.
Foster is coming back was sam
pie of the news waited on to Washington
from Louisiana. 1t came from the low
lands of the Teche and the hills OF the
Ouachita.
Better try for the 1915 term" be-
came frequent advice rendered Mr.. Rams
dell.
After getting his affairs in shape Mr..
Ransdell slipped back to Louisiana, ar
irving here Tuesday. His mind, once
practically made up, was unsettled; he
was more at sea than ever before.
| Upon arrival he found powerful forces
lined up in solid phalanx for Foster, pre-
senting completely changed condition
in the State, and unlocked for by the
East Carroll man. Influences which he
had always had with him in every pclit-
] ical battle in the State came out boldly
"You must not oppose Foster or we viii
be against you.
Meanwhile the advice has been persist
ent and gratuitous from many sources
that be should go after the Thornton sue
cession, opposing Sanders, Pujo and 9th
/ ers that felt inclined to SHE their castor
. into that ring.
He began TO look into the hills again
GAN right" said voice, "the Mem
cry term belongs TO North Louisiana
: anyway 1t will be the natural thing fol
north Louisianian to run for that place
as it has always been conceded 10 belons
to man north of Red River"
| Settling down to muse over the pros
pect Of trying for the 1915 term, and al
most but persuaded that it was the thinS
to do, when, presto! change! Up against
it againl
''Don't do that; don't do that" came
an anvil chorus. Don't tackle Sanders
He's stronger than Foster, and is the
hest campaigner, the best explainer, thu
: best stumper and handshaker the Stat,
has ever produced. He can make tht
) Hill Billies believe the sun rises in tn,
West and the Vermillion Gains sweal
that the moon is made of cream cheese
Don't tackle him; he's buzz saw"