The Seattle Mayoralty Race: A Chronic Candidate Returns

It has generally been supposed that the Democrats of the city are practically united for J. T. Ronald for mayor, but such is not the case. Early in the campaign half a dozen candidates were talked of, but the leaders decided that D. H. Gilman should have the nomination if he chose to accept it, and if he declined, J. T. Ronald, though a bad second, would perhaps be as available as any one else. However, when Mr. Gilman refused to stand, everybody said that Mr. Ronald was the next in line. A few days ago, rumors began to circulate that Ronald would not have everything his own way, and yesterday John Collins squarely declared that were he nominated, he would run for mayor. In short, John Collins is now fairly in the fight. This action, though it will surprise outsiders, is clearly understood by those who have watched the course of events here for several years. In the first place, Collins is a chronic candidate for mayor, and his friends feel that no city election is complete unless he is running for the office. He has sustained defeat twice within two years, but he cannot break himself of the habit of trying for the office. Another point to be mentioned is that Collins and Ronald have been antagonistic for a long time. Collins makes no concealment of his contempt for Ronald's political idiosyncrasies and executive ability. If Collins tosses Ronald overboard again, as he did in the fall of 1890, there can be no hope of harmony.