The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1924-04-14
MAYORS STRENGTH IN
G, 0, P, FIGHT UNKNOWN
Shank, Jackson and Toner
Chief Republican Contend
ers - kIan, Entertaining
Ability and Press Figure in
Claims for Candidates,
BY FELIX F. BRUNER

Two three-cornered contests for gu
bernatoriai nominations in Indiana
appeared TO be developing today with
the primary election three weeks in
the future
The three Democratic candidates
who appear to be leading, according
to dopesters. are Dr. Carleton B. Nc
Culloch. Dale j. Crittenberger and
sistent reports also that George r
Durgan. who is seeking the nomina-
tion on an anti-klan platform, is max
ing some progress.
In the Republican contest. the lead
ers at this stage appear to be Ed
Jackson. Samuel Lewis Shank and
Edward c. Toner. with Edgar j. Bush
showing some strength.
There appears to be less chance
than ever uf a nomination in the pri-
mary. making necessary nominatio
for Governor in the two party CON
ventions.
McCulloch TagGart Man
DR. McCulloch is running under the
Taggart banner His candidacy is a
test OF the leadership OF Thomas Tag
gart. The race has evolved into a
question OF whether Taggart can show
his old-time power and control the
convention. Friends of McCulloch say
there Is no question about it. Friends
OF Crittenberger and Cravens are ex
pressing their doubts.
The McCulloch forces seem to be
oentering their attack on Cravens.
Accusations have been made that ne
Is linked with the public utility in
terests. Cravens is emphatically
denying this charge. In a speech he
said he would shed no tears" II the
Legislature abolishes the public serv-
ice commission. Utility interests are
frankly in favor OF continuing the
commission.
The principal strength Of Cravens
is I'm the southern part OF the State
with some strength in Marion County,
where he is said to have the support
Of the faction opposing the county
organization.
Crittenberger's Support
Crittenbergers principal strength
lies in. the Eighth and Twelfth Dis
tricts. with same claims of strength in
Evansville and vicinity. Critten-
berger's opponents are declaring that
he has the support Of the anti-prohi-
bition element due largely TO the
declaration of Stephen B. Fleming.
former brewer, that he is supporting
Crittenberger.
The Republicans have no such lead.
ership as the Democrats have in Tag
gart. Friends of Jackson declare that
the Klan vote will give him the edge
His opponents, Shank principally, are
declaring that he approved the ac-
tivities Of the r. L. Dollings Company
in Indiana. Jackson is denying this
Some observers have expressed the
opinion that he made a mistake in
thus taking the defensive.
Shank Unknown Quantity
On every side there are reports that
Toner is rapidly gaining strength He
has considerable newspaper support.
His opponents declare these stories
are being manufactured in his head
quarters. There is some indication,
however, that the regular" Repub
lican organization is behind Toner.
Shank is being looked upon as an
unknown quantity at this stage. Ex-
perienced politicians are refusing even
to hazard a guess as to what will be
the outcome of his campaign. He is
continuing his intensive tour of the
State, with big meetings at nearly
every stopping place. His friends
point to these meetings as an indica-
ton Of his strength. His opponents
declare the size Of the meetings is
due to the mayors entertaining
ability.