Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1880-07-09
POLITICAL

the question asked by ever so many.
He is very confident still, is Colonel
Harry M. Hill.
All public interest hereaboutS was
yesterday centered in the exposition
building.
Delegates from the civil districts
were strong in their adherence to Il.
il. McGowan. They claimed the
country to be properly entitled to the
sheriff. McGowan is a representa-.
tive hard working, fair dealing, popu-
lar farmer, a good citizen, a clever
man, and universally liked. His
friends are doubtless fully satisfied
now, as the place he is put up for is
equally as responsible aud as lucrative
an Office as that Of sheriff.
Popular and efficient officials are
Judges Horrigan and Mcdowell,
Sheriff McGowan and Chief Athy.
Having been thoroughly tried, they
should be continued, merely swinging
corners slightly on the two last.
The position Of county trustee is a
very responsible one. Our present
sheriff, McGowan, will fill the bill
and the place beautifully. He is hon
est and capable, can give the neces-
sary bonds without difficulty, and will
take good cart of the interests of the
people.
The interior delegates were shy Of
their coadiutors from the city. When
it was proposed to withdraw Nc
Gowan's name and to put him up for
trustee, the yeomanry doubted the
sincerity of the offer. However, they
soon saw there was no trickery in
tended, and the denouement proved a
happy one, after the usual style of a
skillfuily wrought drama.
Eight votes were takep on the first
ballot in the convention yesterday to
secure McGowan's nomination to the
candidacy for sheriff. When the count
was halfmade the impression prevailed
that McGowan had the requisite two
thirds, but the result proved other
wise. Subsequent ballotings widened
the Schism and complicated the situa-
ton until MCGOWAN was withdrawn.
Then Athy went through with a
whirl and MCGOWAN was, by unani-
nous consent, transferred to the trus-
teeship candidacy.
The bare poll Of that stalwart of
the Third ward, o. Woodbridge,
was FIRE Quently observed bobbing
about among the country and First
ward delegates yesterday, straighten-
ing things out and shaping it for Athy
to be run for the sherif7s billet and
McGowan for the trustees place. His
arguments convinced his country
friends.
Barister Patrick NJ. Winters, some
times called Chief Justice Winters,
made a few eloquent remaks in the
convention, giving his views on the
political situation in general, and that
of the present local canvassin particu-
lar. He also told all he knew about
the conference business in behalf Of
Mr.. McGowan and Mr.. Athy.
There was scarcely a dissenting
voice yesterday, when the convention
voted to test the strength of Mr..
Athy's candicacy,i in response to Sher-
if McGOwans proposal to release him
from the embarrassment oftheir pre-
vious agreement.
Quick work was made at the CON
%vention yesterday, after it got squarely
to business. The balloting for sheriff
began a few minutes before 2 o'clock,
Mr.. McGowan being the only regular
nominee. First ballot, MCGOWAN,
l07; Athy 81, blank s; necessary to a
choice, ll5. Second ballot, McGowan,
so; Athy, 76; blank, l. Third ballot,
McGowan, 50; Athy, 76; Holman, /;
blank, 2. Fourth ballot, McGowan,
80; Athy, 81; Holman, /; blank, l.
McGowan was withdrawn, and Mr..
Athy, after discussion, came forward.
said he felt he was first choice, gave
proper pledges, and on the fifth bal
lot the vote stood; Athy, 81; McGowan
81; Holman, L. Mr.. McGowan ther
asked to be withdrawn in person, anC
the sixth ballot resulted in l07 fol
Athy, G7 for McGowan, l for W. D
Cannon, and | for blank, l1S beinl
necessary to a nomination. Mr. Ath!
was her nominated by reclamation
He came forward, expressed thanks
and said he felt sure he would b,
Shelby cOunty's next sheriff. Mr.
McGowan was then nominated 70
trustee by reclamation, and he thanke,
the convention for the honor con
fcrred. l.. B. Horrigan was nomi
mated for criminal court judge by tn,
unanimous voice Of the convention
and the same action followed regard
ing Judge w. w. Mcdowell 70.
chancellor. By3 o'clock or a littl