Townsend Gets Out of the Way for Hank Smith

Appearance Are That Helber Will Back Mayor Copeland for Congress--The Other Candidates Who Would Like to Have Smith's Berth.

Who are the republican candidates for congress in the second congressional district?

First there is Henry C. Smith, the present incumbent, otherwise known as Heinrich Schmid, and formerly termed in this neck of the woods, "my beloved chief," alas beloved no more. The congressman will be in the race for all he is worth.

Then there is W. W. Wedemeyer, of Ann Arbor, an open and avowed candidate, popular in republican gatherings, a good speaker and emphatically the young men's candidate. He got within reaching distance of the nomination four years ago, and rallied loyally to Smith's support.

Then there is Bacon, of Wayne, the man with a barrel, towards whom those who are looking for cash in politics are looking with longing eyes.

These are all that are now openly in the race.

It is said that Burton Parker, of Monroe, is being carefully groomed. He is an old timer, used to politics and on to the ropes.

The friends of "Doc" Smith of Adrian, are talking of seeking the nomination for him. He has just retired from the Adrian postmastership unwillingly, and if he goes in, the present congressman will have a fight on his hands for his own delegation.

Everybody in this section has supposed that Townsend, of Jackson, would be a candidate. A dispatch from Jackson last night in the Detroit Journal intimates that Townsend will not enter the race. The dispatch will sound odd to Washtenaw readers, as it has always been supposed here that Wedemeyer was to be Smith's heir if he had one. It is here given as a contribution to the congressional campaign literature:

"It is a well known fact that at the convention four years ago that nominated Smith a pledge was made to Charles E. Townsend that in payment for the support the latter and his friends gave to Smith, which made his nomination possible, Smith, after two terms, was to turn in and help nominate Townsend.

"The congressman is a man of his word, and is prepared to deliver the goods. When he was here he walked into Townsend's office and asked him if he proposed to hold him (Smith) to his promise. He frankly said that he would like another term, but was ready to step down and fulfill his promise to the very letter, if Townsend said the word.

"The two men, who are the best of friends, talked the situation over for some time. Mr. Townsend asked for time to consider the matter.

"As he has not announced his candidacy, and as H. C. is moving along like a man with a third term appetite, it is presumed that he has received assurances from Mr. Townsend that his ambition will not be blocked by the Jackson delegation."

There are other Washtenaw men who may enter the race. The Neue Washtenaw Post, which boomed Wedemeyer four years ago, now calls him "a holiday statesman," and it is intimated that Helber may boom Mayor Copeland for congress. It is believed that the mayor would like the job. Friends of Judge Kinne intimate that the judge would really make the most available candidate, and with him as the nominee there would be no danger of the sly and wicked democrats getting a congressman from this district. It is also said that Hon. Reuben Kempf might take a notion to round out his political career.