The Democrats Drum Up Candidates—and One Staged His Own Surprise Party

The 'unterrified' are entering the campaign in earnest, and clubs are forming in all the wards where there are enough Democrats left to organize. Names are being suggested as candidates for office and little boomlets are being formed in their interest.

John Collins and his lambs are holding meetings regularly, fixing up the slate, and the probability is that fusion will be attempted by indorsing the Populists and independents.

A sample of the boomlets being gotten up is the following story told to a Post-Intelligencer reporter yesterday by a prominent Democrat:

'A member of the now defunct and once notorious kid committee, who lives at Latona, had the senatorial bee buzzing in his bonnet bad, and spent many weary hours studying up a scheme that would bring his name prominently before the people of his district, the Ninth. After considerable effort on the gray matter of his brain, he evolved what he thought was a 'corker.' In other words, he concluded to give himself a surprise party, at which all the Democrats of the district would be invited to present him with a cane, of his own purchase. The people were invited, refreshments provided and a handsome gold-headed cane purchased, which was hid in his house until the eventful night. A prominent Democrat was secured to make the presentation speech, and the affair came off to a 'crowded house.' The cane was presented to the 'surprised' kid, who responded in a 'feeling' manner, and all went along merrily until some knowing one let the cat out of the bag, and a number of the party went home in anger, especially the man who made the presentation speech.'

Of course, this 'kid's' boomlet is exploded, and the Democrats are looking for another candidate from that district.

The office of sheriff and treasurer seem to be occupying most of their attention, and numerous names are mentioned for the places. For sheriff, W. H. Moyer, who is a candidate on the People's ticket, may be indorsed by the Democrats. Moyer previously has been a Republican, but has been a strong supporter of James Hamilton Lewis, and upon this he and the other members of the American Railway Union look doubtless to Col. Lewis' friends to urge this indorsement. He claims to have Lewis' friendship in this effort. Addison Smith, a former Democrat, but who lately allied himself with the Populists, seems anxious to escape his new alliance, failing to get the nomination in that convention, and will shy his castor into the Democratic 'ring.' William Cochrane, the White River farmer, who is the standing refuge in every hour of blackness for the Democrats, can be nominated if he will accept the office. But he seems sick of his old compatriots, and is now a declared Populist. Ed Powers, of the Nevada saloon, is understood to be a candidate for the office, and is thought to stand as good, if not better, chance of securing the doubtful plum of any candidate mentioned. It is said that Dr. Askam is also a candidate for the place. Considerable talk has been had of late on nominating John Y. Ostrander for the avowed purpose of 'elevating the office,' Ostrander being a lawyer.

For prosecuting attorney much depends whether a fusion or straight ticket is offered. L. C. Gilman, who has been named, positively refuses to accept the office. The knowing ones say he has his eye on the superior judgeship. E. F. Blaine, therefore, the 'great fusionist,' will probably be the candidate. Alfred Battle, defeated candidate for corporation counsel at the spring election, and Thomas B. Hardin are also mentioned for the place. John B. Hart, of the Populist ticket, desires the indorsement, but the only Democrat of any prominence who thinks he is favorable to him is Dewis. There is strong opposition to his indorsement under any circumstances. It has been hinted that W. E. Crews will again be a candidate and will have the support of John Collins and his lambs.

For treasurer, E. C. Cheasty seems to stand the best chance, and the knowing ones say he will get it beyond a shadow of a doubt. They say he is the strongest man in the party for the place, and will be chosen to make the race upon the theory of 'vindication.' John Schram, James S. Goldsmith and Ed L. Terry are also mentioned for the place. Andrew Chilberg is also prominently mentioned in connection with the nomination, and next to Cheasty is the favorite.

For county clerk Douglas Young is again being named, and W. Kierski has averred his intention of being a candidate. A. G. Lane, of the First ward, is being pushed forward by John Considine, who says: 'He can't lose, see!' Andrew Bakistone, ex-deputy city comptroller, is mentioned by a number, and is said to have a large following.

For auditor there is little choice between ex-City Clerk Fred D. Ogden and David E. Durie, as both have a large following. Durie's friends say he is not very anxious for the place, but he can have it if he so desires.

For assessor, Jesse F. Cochrane, late of the board of public works, is working up a boom and is making a strong bid for the nomination. Patrick Hayes, of White River, George Yank, the German farmer, and D. Van de Vanter, of White River, are also mentioned.

It is conceded that George Moore will secure the nomination for assemblyman in his district, the Fourth, and they say it will be an interesting fight between the two Georges, Moore, the Democrat, and George Kittinger, the Republican. William H. Whittlesey, secretary of the chamber of commerce, will probably be nominated for the assembly from the Sixth ward. Whittlesey and Moore are the only two mentioned at present for assemblymen.

For state senator the only names mentioned are several for the First district. Cohn, the cigar dealer on Front and Cherry, and M. Y. Backus are prominently mentioned for the nomination, but a few of the favored lambs say it will be George F. Gund, of the Seattle Brewing and Malting Company. They are working for him to accept, but as yet he hasn't agreed.

It is said the big four, Collins, Lewis, Considine and Lane, are bent on having O. F. Wegener, who was before the Republican convention for surveyor, nominated.