Ottumwa weekly courier. (Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa) 1872-1899, 1877-06-27
About the Territorial Organiza
ton of the Black Hills.
New York Ann

meyer HaNluS stcppCu uoWu,a u pOT.
ton of the convention called for w.
II. Claggett. a well-known lawyer and
anti-MIeyerite. Mr.. Claggett stepped
to the front, greeted by storm of ap-
plause and Kisses. Shaking his
clenched fist in the faces of the Mey-
critics he said: "You can't bully me-
you've got the wrong man this time.
l came up here to speak, and speak I
will. You hear me-" Silence being
restored he went for Meyer without
gloves, describing him as an impu-
dent, sclf-pushing ignoramus, and
willful liar. This provoked the wild
est confusion, during which Mr.. Clag-
gett took his seat.
Judge Miller and Maj. Gallagher
followed with strong speeches in the
interest of Meyer, and when an eff
fort was made to call up Mr.. Brearley,
ananti-Meyerite, the majority choked
of further speech making by voting
to proceed to ballot for delegates.
This rolled Claggett, who presented
substitute providing for delegate
election in September. This was the
signal fora row. Delegates Chamber
ed up on the seats, gesticulating Wild
ly, some with empty hands, others
with revolvers, all shouting at the top
of their lungs. A wilder scene could
not be imagined. The bar had been
well patronized, and, as a result,
many were shooting drunk. The
chairman's massive cane fell inces-
sanity upon the table, but with no
avail: The verge of riot was reach
ed when Claggctt mounted bench
and demanded hearing. The Mey-
critics yelled and Missed louder than
ever. Claggett stood firm and fairly
awed the mob into silence. Then he
said that a representative from the
city of Custer was present and should
be heard, although he came unaccred-
tied. Judge Murphy then tried to
speak, but the only words audible
were, "Damn man who won't.
A bully named Talent ran down the
aisle, shouting like maniac, but was
squelched by the Chairs remark !:
"Tallent, clear out; go and jump an
other lot" This raised laugh and
cleared the air. Claggett again took
the floor, and urged the propriety of
hearing the man from Custer. Gan
right" "Set him up" "Trot him out, "
"Projuce the animal" and similar ex-
pressions Of assent from all parts of
the hall. Up rose an immense black
hat and long rubber coat. They
moved down the aisle and mounted
the stage. Everybody laughed. /
stepped up to the fellow and inquired
his name. "Tamcr, sir-E. Tanner
and represent the minority" Turn
ing to the front he began a set speech
in ilowery language. Before he had
got out dozen words he stuck. "Pull
of your coat ~ "Wcigh out, pard."
sTakc a glass Of water" roared the
delegates. The unhappy man from
Custer took glass of water, and
turned to tho chairman: Gam a
fool Z" "Possibly,' said Mr.. Brearley,
with perfect urbanity. The Custerite
descended the stage steps with digni-
| ty, and was instantly arrested by
Sheriff Bullock upon a charge OF
horse stealing.
Another honr of wrangling follow
ed, and then the inevitable resul. was
reached in the election of Meyer and
Walker IS delegates by an over
whelming majority. after which the
convention adjourned. A call for
another convention is now in order