New-York tribune., 1873-07-22
THE MINNESOTA REPUBLICAN, CONTEN-
TTON.

SAINT PAUL, July 1.-THE Republican State
ConFenton which met in this city yesterday is the most
notable event ia the history OF Minnesota politics. The
nomination OF the Hon. Cushman X Davis for Goveor
is the first check given 10 the Ring which for years has
controlled the politics Of Minnesota. The full strengh
of the Ring yesterday brought forward to effect the
nomination Of William d. washburn Of Minneapolis
and the Opera House in which the Convention met
swarmed with Federal officials of all grades
from Commissioner Of Pensions Baker, who
came from Washington to assist the Rng, down
to the small postmaster With but two or three eX
cepons they all abored hard in the Washburn interests
the few who did not given to understand that Iher
places were lost them. For days previous TO the Con
venton. Senator Ramsey had been issuing orders,
making threats and promises, inyening new combine
tons and strengthening those already made and when
the Convention opened the RnC was full OF exultaiioD
III members confident OF success, while the or
posing forces we're divided and entertained but title
hope Of being able TO make hcadway against the
Washburn ioterest The contest was evidently
TO be between washbuu and Davis. for
Gov Austin who had declined so often, made little by
his announcement at the eleventh hour that he would
accept the nomination II offered II only served 70 dis
gust many who had not before been aware Of his tricky
intens. Mr.. Armstrong; the fourth candidate. stood no
chance at all In the election Of President OF the Con
venton the majority favorable 10 the Washbum in
erest and the question Of final choice admitted to
DC settled by all but few who determined 10 fight
TO the last On the informal ballot Washburu received
llg votes Austin and Davis each II, ana Armstrong 49,
On the third formal ballot Wasbburn lacked only one OF
the number requisite for nomination; DAVIS lacked
Ave- and there i've scattering votes TAenfo few
minutes the Convention was 10 tumut, The Wash
burn party had but vote to gain, and there l5
men to pick from. 1t seemed incredible that all would
be able to resist the temptations OF the Ring managers
who rushed francay through the crowded alslcs com
mandng this delegate, bcseechng thet one, threatening
anotnef ana making promises OF anything that could
he asked OF them There was no money used far as
known but the absence OF bribery due TO want
OF tine than TO any unwllngness the part Of the
Ring. In the few minutes between the votes and In the
great confusion and excitement there no safe
opportunity to select suitable individual for
purchase The Chairman then quelled the uproar by
calling for the presentation OF ballots. TIE interest
so olnteuse that the eers did wait for the whole vote
to be poed but as soon as handful or two Of ballots
had fallen into the hat, it passed to other parties
who counted the votes while more were being taken
Three hats counted. and Washburu had 133 votes,
and Davis 121. Another minute, and whisper ran
through the crowd that Washburn was defeated. The
Ring managers turned pale and stared banhy in each
others faces. The Davis asOnlshed as 10
be unable TO express their JOY and trembled for fear
tue report was Then the Chairman
stepping the front OF the stage announced that Mr.
Davis had received 155 yoes-one more than the requ
site majority The Ring had not only failed secure
the they needed but had actually lost a vote
The Convention rose one man, the Davis delegates
and the crowds in gallery and lobby cheering as only
cheer who have been suddenly raised from the
gloom O defeat the exutaton OF victory. The sue
cessful candidate found led upon the stage amid
tremendous greeting, and thanked the Convention
briefly. Immediately afterward the Convention adj
0uTned until evening when the other nominations
we're made. The reaction from the excitement attend
ing the contest for the GOvernOrshp caused compare
lively little interest be taken I'm the choice OF the
other candidates. The ticket is fair one as a whole
the nominees represent the younger progressive
and more honorable portion Of the party and have good
average ability and experience.
The influence OF this defeat OF the Ring upon the
politics OF the State Is Of the first importance. It Will
undoubtedly prevent Senator Ramsey's return the
United states Senate, which had been put down az a
certainty, together with the election Of either Mr..
Washburn william King to the House OF Representa-
II Will lean 10 dissolution ot the great comblha-
lion which has ruled the state. for scores Of persons
have only been prevented by fear s'n turning against
defeating It Is established thero Wi be widespread
desertion from its forces. Arcdi, Mr. d. ass n.1e s
mentioned freely the coming LiIu I.s ,Go senate,
alh among those most ready 10 40 An lip
most bitterly during the struggle ius ended.
Another noteworthy circumstance of tic overthrow
this Is the share taken 70 lie ihJepeudrht ptss
The neons> who usually select tlc siAte officers had
everything arranged Last Mtt,r for Mr.. Washbuins
nomination No important O.J ctli was expected uhtl
!he ST. Faw DLpateh pa oI hepuDcan an.gee
Mr.. Davis candidate, AID followed the suggestion
up with "a continuous assault upon Tue Ning Inc dcital
Of The Ramsey faction ~ lOhp aohho"leuRrd 1 Hi 10
a signal victory for tho independent press The full
State ticket ~ as follows:
GOreyJOT-C Cushnau n. Davis
A., rsEHf GOrc9iOr-A toipf BartO.
fceret0JB Of Sfate-Gcu r. r. .'cIulapn VenomlnlL')
state lTcaaTtr-N0us Gruas',.
4HlrtLSt 0utDai-Gtv =. W lgyn. J.