Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1877-10-15
The Caucus.

Correspondence OF the Alexandria Gazette. !
WASHINGTON, Oct. l3--mldpight.-The
democratic caucus, at the Capitol, tonight, dis
appointed many, in that there was no 'noisc or
confusion" and that the result was 30 fellcl'
tious. Mr.. Randall was chosen Speaker Oh the
FIRST ballot, resolving 100 votes TO % Tor MIR.
Goode, and II for Mr.. Sayer. Mr.. Thompson,
of Ohio, had no opposition for Sergeant at,
Arms, AID Was chosen by reclamation. For
Clerk there was a sharp, short and decisive con-
test between Mr.. Adams, incumbent, and Mr..
Caldwell, cx member from Alabama; resulting
in MIR. Adams's selection, by vote Of 10 to g..
For Doorkccper there were no less than ten ap
p!icants, Polk of Missouri Patterson of New
jersey, Mccoy Of Maryland, Wcdderburn Of
Virginia. Barnum of New York, Gales of North
Carolina, nephew of the late Joseph Gales,
Hickey, Semmes, Jennings and Daley. There
were thrco ballots, the last resulting in MIR.
Folks selection, he receiving on this ballot lOl
votes, MIR. McCoy and MIR. Patterson -. Mr..
Wcdderburn received II votes on the first bal
lot and IS on the second, and was withdrawn.
MIR. as. NJ. Steuart was nominated for Post
master on the first ballot, receiving 70 votes to
AZ for Goodal, OF Illinois, and IS Tor Snyder, Of
New York. formerly of Alexandria, Va. Rev
DR.. Poisel, Of the NJ. E. Church, South OF
Baltimore, was chosen Chaplain on the first
ballot, receiving IS votes, while MIR. Townsend,
of the p. Il. Church. Chaplain of the last
House, received 80 votes. A plumber OF scat.
tering ballots were cast, two being for Henry
Ward Beccher.
The successful candidates were all warmly
congratulated by host OF friends who filled
the lobties and passages leading to tho Hall OF
the House.
Mr.. Randall was informed of bis selection by
Messrs. Wood of New York, Goode Of Virgin.
ia, and Sayler of Ohio, and, upon entering the
Hall, was greeted with loud applause. lie
said -
MIR. Chairman and Representatives thank
you. Your action to night is most gratef ul 10
me. | will, 10 administering the high Office to
which have been called. endeavor to do my
full duty to my country, believing that in such
a course | will best promote the interest and
success Of our party. secure your confidence,
and receive the approval of my countrymeD.
The caucus was 10 session until near ii
o clock, but everything was conducted In the
most orderly and harmonious manner, aud the
result will, doubtless, give general satisfaction.
Most Of the defeated candidates took the result
very phylosophically, and acqulesced with
good grace.
Now that the contest is over, it seems pity
that Mr.. Goode should have allowed himself to
have been made to occupy position 30 entire
ly antagonistic to his original intentions, which
were to have remained out of the fight. Repre-.
sentatious we're made to him of results that
could not be realized, and others saw this and
retired, leaving him to assume role not only
embarrassing to himself but to his colleagues.
several of whom, though desiring the election
of Mr.. Randall, felt compelled to cast their votes
for Mr.. Goode from personal considerations. and
because Of his beiog from Virginia. Mr.. John
r. Harris, it is understood alone of the delega-
ton refused to vote for Mr.. G., and cast his
ballot for Mr. Randall. Others of the delega.
ton who had been pledged to Mr.. Randall, we're
by him relieved of their obligation.
The attempt to combine the friends of the
opponents of MIR. Randall proved failure, as
the vote showed, and only strengthened him
With many, who thought they saw in it spirit
of persecution which reacted in Mr.. R. 8 favor.
MIR. Steuart's re election was assured from
the first. A more popular officer has never
been 10 the Capitol, and one who has the es
TEEN and lone of the members and employees.
There was not one of the latter who did not use
all bis Influence 10 behalf of the noble Virgin.
ian.
Au attempt was made 10 the caucus TO take
from the Speaker the appointment Of the com
mittees and let the House make it's Own seee.
tons, but the attempt was a signal failure.
Gov Walker, of Virginia. it is understood,
made the motion, but had only two supporters.
DR.. Poisel's selection as Chaplain gives great
satisfaction, and, among his most jealous sup
porters, we're two Catholics. 1t is understood
that pledges we're given that the old gentleman
would make his prayers brief but fervent.
Six now cases Of yellow fever occurred ct