The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1880-05-10
The Cook County Republican Convention
A Split occurs, and two Conventions
are Held

CHICAGO. May l0.-Intense excitement
prevails in the city over the political COM
cation growing out of the Republican pri-
mary elections in Cook county on Satur-
day. The contest for control of the county
convention was the hardest ever had in
this city. and has created a good deal Of
bad blood. The Inter Ocean charges that
frauds were committed by Washburne
and Blaine men at several polls, and on
the other hand the Tribune alleges frauds
in the Second. Fifth. Ninth. Eleventh and
Twelfth wards on behalf of Grant sup
porters. When the county convention
met at Farwen Hall. to day. the pensions
of the different partisans had been SO
wrought up. that split took place and
two conventions are now in session. the
result of which will be, that two sets of
delegates will be sent to Springfield. Each
OF the three morning papers. Times.
1Tfbune and Inter Ocean have different
figures asg to the3 division of delegates
elect to the county convention. but all agree
that the com bined vote for Wash burne and
and Blaine is greater than for Grant. The
Inter Ocean claims "a out of l7S and the
Times comedies 81 out of u.s. 1t is
alleged that, before the convention at
Fsrwell Hall opened. committee from
the Grant side, consisting of Leonard
Sweet and h. S. Tuthill, waited on Hon.
G. B. Farweli. leader of the Blaine w ash
burne forces, aud asked that pro rata
representation TO the state convention be
conceded to the Grant side and that Far
well replied he had never heard of the
Grant people conceding anything at any
convention. and as the anti-GraDt side was
10 the minority. he would not consent to o
division of the delegates.
The chairman of the committee, MIR. H.
Nj. Singer, was known TO be Grant man,
and when he called the convention to
order, without waiting for. him to make
any suggestion. q member arose and nom
mated Elliott Anthony. Washburne man,
for chairman. Before Singer could say
anything, there were loud cries from all
parts of the house for Anthony to take
the chair amid uproar. Anthony advanc.
ed to the stand and Singer was hustled off
the stage. There was q general rush to
the stage and for moment it looked as if
as if there would be general fight, but
finally soWekiDd of order was restored,
and most of the Grant delegates withdrew
from the hall. proceeded to the Palmer
House, and there organized a second
convention. 1t is claimed by the Grant
men that Singer only wished to ask If it
was customary for committee mau to
select the temporary chairman, when he
was laid hold of violently and driven from
the stage. On the other hand il is said
iu excuse, that it was understood to be
Singers intention to put person friendly
TO the minority in the chair. but be this as
it may, it is generally considered that the
majority we're over hasty and arbitrary.
They had control and could have voted
into the chair any one they wanted. |
Grants friends claim nothing was left
them but to withdraw and organize separ-
ately.
The 18th ward delegates headed by f.
G. Klokke, Grant men. remained with the
Farwell Hall convention. The Blaine
Washburne contestiDg delegation of the
18th ward was admitted to seats in the
convention. no other changes we're
made. This convention then proceeded to
appoint a committee. to apportion dele
gates to the state convention. ON the 10Th
inst, which reported to give Washburne
So delegates apd Blaine "a.
The Palmer House convention was ad-
dressed by Messrs. Storrs, SWEET, Don
MEnu. Clough and others, after which 1t
was decided to send solid Grant delega-
ton to Springfield.