CASTORS IN THE RING

Names of Some Aspirants for Local Offices Now in the Arena.

Sentiment Developing in Favor of a Large County Convention.

Second Ward Democrats to Select Delegates in Mass Meeting.

Democratic Soldiers to Organize - New Clubs in the Field for Work.

Stars of more or less brilliancy are fast beginning to take position in the political firmament. Around the attractive shrievalty sun many twinkling lights are beginning to show with considerable clearness. Gen. R. W. Johnson, of the Seventh ward; Anton Miesen, of the Fourth, and John Foos, of the Fifth, are the well defined aspirants on the Democratic side. There is no certainty at present, however, that any one of the three will be chosen by the convention. Some modest but able man among the hosts of such in the Democratic ranks, it is not unlikely, may yet bob up with elements of strength and popularity of sufficient promise to win him the honor of selection for this important position. Although W. J. Freaney is sure to be well liked by many Republicans as a possible successor to the present sheriff, there is a large section of the party divided on other ambitious workers of the g. o. p., and a combination of these men would make ducks and drakes of the plumber's calculations, it is settled that the man who discovered the "big Sioux" chief of police is to take a large hand in the game of politics to be played for this prize, and the knowledge of Mayor Wright's "finger in the pie" is certain to give some people a very sour stomach.

For Auditor Kain's office there will be a general hustle. That gentleman himself is an avowed seeker after "one more indorsement," and exhibits a feeling of confidence in his chances that is perplexing to his competitors at present. Jim Burns has been neglecting no points in his canvass, and unless some man is sprung at an advantageous moment whose name has not yet been mentioned, the convention vote is likely to be divided between these two. Several desirable men have been casually suggested by those who took little stock in ante-convention fights, but not with such definiteness as to allow the printing of their names. On the Republican perch roosts in open sight Ed Bazille, formerly of the county abstract office, who is alleged to have great confidence in "five hundred relatives who will work and vote for me." Wise heads of the party, however, assert that when it comes to a show-down Mr. Bazille will hardly be ace high. The gentleman is also understood to be willing to contest for the position of abstract clerk, if it is concluded to give the nomination for auditor to a Scandinavian, which is almost certain to be the case.

Register of Deeds Haas, County Attorney O'Brien and County Treasurer Nelson cannot at present secure any clear idea of who their opponents for a nomination and election are likely to be. The friends of O. E. Holman insist he is a Democratic aspirant for Mr. O'Brien's shoes, but Mr. Holman himself is not understood to have announced a desire for office. The officials named above have commended themselves to the public in so satisfactory a manner that there is little fighting among eligible Republicans for the empty honor of a nomination that would mean depleted pockets and defeat.

The abstract clerkship is being sought by several on the Democratic side. E. C. Ives, John Hardy, H. G. Dunne and P. R. McDonnell are the pronounced candidates, with the chances largely in favor of the first-named gentleman at present writing. The Republicans have very little hope of electing any man to this office, or any of the others for that matter, and hopefully helpers of protection "pluggers" are laying low to watch the drift of sentiment as it will be exhibited in the choice of men for the greater positions.