Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1873-09-17

III tuo hth uiiuuelpnIa ulhlrlCt con-
test the seat as delegate was given
TO Chas. II. Doughcrty over John
O'Neill.
In the Allegheny county contest the
committee decided to admit five of
each ofthe delegates who favor Hutch.
inson or Barr for State Treasurer.
The temporary President decided
the matter promptly, and, amid pro
testations, Mr.. Josephs took his seat
as a member Of the Convention.
| The Convention here took recess
of 30 minutes, at the expiration OF
which time the Committee appointed
TO report on permanent officers of the
Convention presented tho result of
their deliberations through the Chair.
man, Col. Robert P. Dechert, of Phil
adelphia
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The Convention rc-assembled at 3
O'Clock, with the temporary Presi-
dent, DR.. Andrew Nebinger, in the
chair.
The Chirman Of the Committee on
Contested Seats then presented their
report with the addition that in the
contest between the Philadelphia con-
testants, VIM. Kendall and George S.
Coburn, from the Seventh District the
seat awarded to Mr. Kendall.
After the rendering of the report
Mr.. James III. Heverin, of Philadel-
phia, moved its acceptance, when the
Hon. George S. Wundcr, of Berks,
quickly rose and objected to Mr.
Samuel Josephs being admitted as
member of the Convention.
FOR PERMANENT PRESIDENT, R. MILTON
sPEER.
The scene which followed the nom-
ination of r. Milton Speer, for per-
manent President of the Convention,
will never be forgotten by any one
who witnessed it. For twenty min
ules before the committee on perma-
nent organization entered the hall, it
was known that Mr. Speer's friends
had succeeded in having report made
up in his favor. The rumor run from
lip to lip, and the announcement was
received with mingled ncreduity and
indignation. Following the announce
ment came a rumor that motion
would be made to reject the report of
the committee, and this was received
with unmlstakable and almost univer,
sal signs of approval. When the
chairman Of the committee handed
in his report there was breathless ST.
ence in the convention. The an
Douncement that Mr.. Sncer had hann
recommended by the committee for
the position Of permanent chairman
did not break the solemn and portcn-
tious pause. Quietly, in tone OF
voice which was decidedly low, but
with measured enunciation that made
every syllable audible in the remotest
corners of the large court chamber,
A. Hiestand Glatz, Of York county,
moved that the report of the commit
tee, so far as it related 10 permanent
president be non-concurred in. In
briei phrase, without circumlocution,
Mr.. Glatz announced that he made
the motion because he had been relia.
bly, informed that Mr.. Speer had taken
back pay as a congressman. As Mr..
Glatz took his seat murmur of ap.
plause rose which swellcd until il filled
the room. 1t was not boisterous, but
the spectator could readily perceive
that ii indicated the opinion of ma
jority of the delegates. Mr.. Speer
must have noticed this, for his face
was gbastly in its paor as he rose in
his scat and addressed the chair. He
was well known to most of the men,
bers of the convention, having been
u regular attendant at State convcn.
tions. He possesses the advantage of
tall figure and commanding pres
encc. With high forehead, pro
fusion of black hair and marked fea-
lures, he is man who would attract
attention in any assembly. Here he
was among his friends and intimate
acquaintances, men whom he had
known for years, men who had trusted
and confided in him.
1t is safe to say that thero was not
a man upon the floor of the Conven-
ton or among the crowds in the aisles
and galleries who entertained the
slightest feeling of personal animosity
towards him. On the contrary, he
had the sympatbies Of the assemblage
with him The delegates sat there i'm
pressed with the same sense of respon-
sibility which wei hes down tender
hearted Judge when he is called upon
10 pass the scvorest sentence upon an
offender who has elected his sympathy.
Tho silence was profound when Mr.
Spcer began his remarks, and it con-
tinued so TO such marked extent that
the speaker could be heard TO draw
his breath between the periods of his
speech There was quaver in his
voice as he began which continued
until near the close, when he turned
towards Mr.. Glatz and hurled defiance
at him, accompanied by recrimination.
Then his voice grew harsh, as he made
harsh charges and then a flush of in.
dignation swept over his blancbed
cheeks. Once or twice during the
speech of Mr.. Spcer some of the Phila-
delphia delegation clapped their hands
and stamped with their feet, and this
attempt at applause met with faint
response from scattered delegates
throughout tho hall. For tho most
part, however, the delegates and audi
cnce preserved complete and respect.
ful, but an ominious and dishearlen-
ing silence. Mr.. Speer did not dofy
public sentiment. His speech was an
earnest and very humble plea in his
own behalf. He made no demands,
bc asserted no rights, he merely i'm
plored and begged the convention to
spare him from the threatened humiI-
alton. AS he turned from side to
side, as ho appealed to delegates by
name, he could not help seeing that
in the breasts OF vast majority q
sense of public duty was repressing
and smothering the sympathies oxcit-
ed by personal friendship and the
moi IONS which h;a boeaonhipa, fonal