The Daily Republican, Monongahela, PA
November 30, 1905

John H. Jones, President of the Pittsburgh-Buffalo Coal Company, is the latest probability for the mayoralty. His candidacy is launched on the heels of the Merchants and Manufacturers association's move in having drafted a Greater Pittsburgh bill and the fight for the adoption of this measure by the legislature will be waged in connection with the Jones campaign.

The Citizens party will, it is said, nominate Mr. Jones for mayor and in the hope of securing strong financial backing for the mayoralty battles. The Frick and Mellon interests are said to look favorably on Mr. Jones' candidacy and are expected to help out materially on this campaign if he is named.

James W. Wardrop, secretary of the Merchants and Manufacturers association, withdrew into his shell with remarkable swiftness last night, when the subject was broached, but the members of the young trade organization are said to be ready to take off their coats and put in a few good licks for Mr. Jones, if he is nominated by either party.

The independent elements are slowly perfecting their plans for making a mayoralty nomination, and the formal action will probably be taken at a town meeting, which will be held on or about December 10. Up to the present time, there has been little effort made in behalf of any particular candidate, W. C. (?), W. H. Stevenson, W. K. Jennings, and a number of others being discussed.

The Twentieth ward independents are expected to have a candidate. They showed more strength at the recent election than did the independents in any of the other wards. Much of their strength came from the Democrats and some of the latter are trying hard to persuade George W. Guthrie to consent to an independent nomination with any endorsements that may come to him from other parties. Register George B. (H.?) Stengel was also many admirers who want him to lead the Independent fight.

The present board of county commissioners will during December name a mercantile appraiser to serve during the coming year. It is understood that a number of aspirants are quietly working for the place. John Kirkwood, of the sheriff's office is the only one who has so far come out in the open.