Show THE SPEAKERS HIP All the Contestants Seem Very Sanguine MILLS AND QR1SP ARE IN THE LEAD The Iowa Delegation I for Springer Manifesto Man-ifesto Issued from Mills Headquarters and n Counter One from Crisps WASHINGTON Dec 3The speakersbip contest con-test today shows increasing activity and it is evident to all that a crisis is rapidly approaching approach-ing Gossip is no longer directed so much to the relative claims of candidates as to speculation specu-lation regarding the probable withdrawal of the weaker aspirants At the various headquarters headquart-ers of the five candidates this morning it was conceded from present indications with everyman every-man remaining in the field no nomination would be possible on the first ballot With fourfifths of the Demo = ratic Congressmen in the city this morning indefinite claims are no longer possible pos-sible since every man is quite free to express his preference for his favorite candidate THE RELATIVE POSITIONS OF TiE VARIOUS CAN DIDATES at the present writing seem to be as follows Crisp first Mills second Springer third McMil lan fourth and Hatch fifth trt Strenuous efforts are being made today to effect the withdraws of certain minor candidates candi-dates by working the disintegration of their forces Only in the candidacy of Springer have there been any disquieting evidences of possible pos-sible disintegration The Iowa delegation which up to this time has been unfaltering in its allegiance to Springer this morning met and again expressed its individual and collective collec-tive preference for Springer but decided should events indicate Crisp might be nominated on the first ballot the vote of the entire delegation delega-tion would be thrown to Mills ere the conclusion conclu-sion of tho first ballot to prevent that result Representative Hayes spokesman of the delagation said to an Associated Press reporter We desire it understood we are for Springer just as long as there is a possibility of his election We are unanimous and will vote as a unit Should it become evident between be-tween now and the date of the caucus that Crisp is likely to be nominated on the first ballot bal-lot we will even up on the Initial ballot and CAST OUR VOTES SOLIDLY FOR MILLS to prevent such a result We will do this because be-cause we are convinced the sentiment of the great northwest is for Mills as opposed to Crisp Other followers of Springer do not seem to be at all alarmed by the conclusions of the I owa delegation as they say the contingency upon which their desertion is to be based will never arise springers adherents were encouraged today by the decision of the entire Michigan delega ion with the exception of Chipman to support their candidate This delegation will have formal meeting tomorrow afternoon and will endeavor to act as a unit Springer still claims fiftyseven votes and is counting on the support of Holman of Indiana but other candidates do not concede him over thirtyfive or forty The friends of Mills are hopeful of transferring nearly all the vctes now pledged t Springer to their candidate and on their belief in the success suc-cess of this endeavor they express confidence in victory relying upon the impetus given to Mills bj the announcement of the great I accession of votes from the west and northwest to rally to their standard nearly all the doubtful votes and to cause breaks from other candidates on the part of the representatives who wish to be on the side of the winning candidate Adherents of the two leaders express directly antagonistic views as to the probability of Springers withdrawal with-drawal being forced and also of the result of such withdrawal AN AEDENT SCPPORXER OF CRISP said he did not see how it was possible to beat Crisp even i Springer were able and willing neither of which he believed to be the case to throw his entire strength to Mills I is evident evi-dent neither leader is gving out his full strength and that in anticipation of an announcement an-nouncement of gains to Mills Crisp has some votes in reserve which ho has assurances he can count on i needed while Mills is working for a sudden and large increae in his vote At Hatchs is quiet headquarters this morning everything It has been generally reported here a caucus will be held at 2 pm Saturday This hour seems to please all the candidates except Mr Mills who wants the hour to be 730 pm Saturday Satur-day In case the candidates are unable to agree Mr Holman of Indiana chairman of the caucus will probably be wired for a decision The three minor candidates each as steadfast asever will remain in the field until the finish and the followers of each express the same hope they will be elected The statement of tho Iowa delegation who have been for Springer that they in order to prevent the election urisp would desert springer ana vote for 11s caused Springers Indiana delegation dele-gation led by Congressman Shiveley to hold a short caucus At the conclusion of the caucus Shiveley announced to the Iowa delegation that their desertion of Springer would be tho signal for the Indiana men to vote solidly for Crisp who is their second choice The announcement was a thunder clap to the Iowa delegation During the afternoon Hayes leader oftthe Iowa men after a short conference confer-ence with Mills said I am prepared to take the responsibility of being the first man to desert de-sert Springer Our present intentions are to remain with him till the end unless the breaking break-ing is led by tome of his other friends This is interpreted to mean that Fithian Forman Newberry and Wise all of Illinois Wise Ilnois must first desert Springer in favor of Mills A strenuous effort will be made tomorrow to unite the Ala Springer hams delegation on Crisp and the Michigan on It is impossible to ascertain the complexion of the Wisconsin delegation and a good deal of missionary work being done In that direction Senator Palmer Illinois arrived this even ing He visited Mr Springers headquarters where a large number of frrends called to seo him A caucus has been called to meet at 2 p m Saturday A statement was given out from Mills headquarters head-quarters late tonight reviewing the situation claims of contestants etc and asserting Mills has hid on first ballot or ten more than enough to nominate Crisp its says will get nearly his nearlylis entire strength on the first ballot while much of Mills vote may be looked up witn Springer and other friends When this statement reached Crisps headquarters a counter manifesto was issued asserting their list had steadily grown until now a gain of twelve votes would give Crisp a majority Should any candidate withdraw Crisps nomination would be inevitable on the first ballot The Illinois I delegation tonight unanimously adopted a resolution to continue to work for Springer I I |