The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1911-11-27
FORCES ARE BENG MARSHAlED
FOR ONE OF THE GREATEST
FIGHTS STATE HAS KNOWN.
THE OWEN-HASKEll CONTEST
Political Dopesters Who Have Been
Figuring on the Outcome Declare
the Result Will be Mighty uncer.
tain-other Candidates Mentioned

Gals ducls in history since the time
lhat Moses and Pharaoh had their
nttle tilt to determine whethe" tae
hing should continue in control OF
,he Hebrew party, or whether Moses
should cast the vote for his own dele
.aton at the convention. There was
chat affair between Timon and Per
lcles to see who was who" in Athens
and later the Acknowledgements fight
over the boss-ship in Rome.
All of which and numerous Others
that might be mentioned were con
sidered some political scraps in their
day. From present indications, how
ever, there Is a political fight sched
u,ed for Oklahoma within the next
nine moons that will stack up with
any old event of its kind that ever
was, and then 20 them one better.
The Owen.Haskell senatorial race is
now with us.
While former Governor Charles n.
Haskell has not made the formal an
nouncement that he will do his durnd-
es. to remove the senatorial tOga
which now adorns his fellOw.towns
man, Robert l.. Owen, and drape 1t on
his own manly shoulders it long has
been understood that such are his in
tentions, and Mr. Haskell virtually
made his announcement recently in
the New State Tribune. ...
Those who deal in political dope
have been figuring for some time on
the outcome Of the battle, and they
now are certain of one thing--that
the result is mighty uncertain. Each
man has resources and elements Of
strength which their respective adher-
ents must concede TO the other, and
from indications just now it will re
ouire a count of the ballots cast at the
democratic primaries neht August TO
be absolutely sure Of the result.
Both Have Resources.
The former governor, 1t is conced
cd, has no equal as an organizer, Is
shrewd, resourceful and good mixer.
He probably can clap more men on
the back, call them Bob or Jim or
Bill and get the first name right, than
any man in the state.
Senator Owen has his record as 4
senator as the first line OF his de
Tense, and not even his political enc
mics can gainsay the fact that 1t has
been a good one. He has stood, and
still stands, for sweeping reforms In
political methods which will make the
game a back-to the people affair. and
place indisputed political power in the
hands of those to whom, he declares,
il rightfully belongs-the people. And
he is gifted with superb oratorical
powers with which to back up his po-
sitlon
| ~
of strength between the two men.
There was talk of such issue being
put at the recent meeting of the state
democratic central committee, but il
failed to develop There Is small prob
ability that il will be put to the touch
at the state convention February -
next,
So far, the administration, which un
Questionab,y is the greatest power in
the state, is absolutely neutral and
tnat the administration will remain
neutral unless someone gets to step
ping on toes, is practically certain.
Other Possibilities.
Some political dopesters hare fig
ured third, and possibly a fourth
candidate the field. Judge Henry
Furman was candidate four years
ago. but it is improbable that mis-
health is such that he will again make
the race. Judge Robert Williams has
OtSll SuEStSltu ~ Il FuNNAhiN AN
Richmond in the field. but his silence
in the matter is taken as an indication
that he will be candidate for gov
ernor three years hence, and that III
is outstanding his strength for ina
contest. And so the field narrow
down TO two certainties. and it is hel,
that ii others do get in, II will be il
the capacity of stalking horses" Il
ass st one or other Of the real can
didates.
Senator Owen has not as Vet m
nounced who will manage mis- can
rai-n, but it has been rumorod tha
that important charge will be give
nto the capable hands Of Dr. Johr
w. Duke OF Guthrie This. however
is mercy rumor. Neither is it know