Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-12-03
ONLY FOR THE HONOR.
keffer the Choice OF the Republican
Caucus on First Ballot.

keffer the Choice OF the Republican
Caucus on First Ballot.
WASHINGTON, December 2. Aside from
little ripple caused by Hon. VIM. Walter
Phelps, who wanted to adjourn without
action, and the attempt to compliment
Hon. Geo. D. Robinson with the nomins.
ton for Speaker, the Republican caucus
which met last evening in the hall OF the
House Of Representatives passed of
smoothly. Very good feeling prevailed
among those present, seventy members,
over ore-half Of the Republican side, being
in attendance. All of the officers OF the
last House, except postmaster, were NOM
mated. There is hearty acquie 3cence in
the result by those who wished to compli-
ment Mr.. Robinson, and the harmony OF
the party, so far as the
Republicans Of the House are con.
cerned, does not seem to be disturbed.
Henry Sherwood, who was elected postmas.
ter at the beginning of last Congress, re-
signed some time ago to accept place in
the Washington city poStottice. Mr.. George
McNerr, of Minneapolis, assistant postmas-
ter, who succeeded Mr.. Sherwood, received
the caucus nomination.
The Caucus was Organized
by electipg Hon. Jos. G. Cannon, OF Illinois,
temporary and permanent Chairman, and
Hon. Samuel Miller, of Pennsylvania, per-
manent Secretary. Mr.. kaSson, OF Iowa,
was q candidate for the chairmanship OF
the caucus, but failed TO secure following
and withdrew from the race and the eau
Gus, and Mr.. Cannon was elected without
opposition.
When the caucus was organized NJ.
Phelps arose aud moved that il adjourn
without doing any business until Monday
morning at 10 o'clock, He said that the
nominations were empty hon0rs, especially
that for Speaker and there vas an element
in the Republican party opposed to the
last Speaker. Therefore, looking forward
10 future events, he thought it might be
well to select some one else, against whom
there was no particular faction arrayed. a
rising vote was taken on Mr.. Phelps mo-
tiCn, only one member, Mr.. Phelps, voting
for it and the rest Of the caucus voting
against. 1t wGs, therefore, declared lost
by the Chair.
General Tom Brown, OF Indiana, then
Presented the Name OF Ex.Speakcr
Keifer
for nomination for Speaker and made a
very earnest speech in behalf of his nomi.
nation. He was followed by Mr.. Parker Of
New York, who presented the name OF
Hon. George ID. Robinson, of Massachusetts,,
for the honor. He made very nice little
speech in Robinson's behalf and referred to
the fact that Keifer had arrayed the New
York press against him, for which reason
he thought it best not to nominate him.
He said Robinson had achieved great vic
tory for the party in Massachusetts, aud he
thought the complimentary vote OF the Re
publicans for Speaker would be proper
recognition OF his services.
Then Mr.. Thomas, Of Illinois, seconded
the nomination Of Mr.. Kiefer, saying he be-
lieved in organization, and was opposed to
drifting along without any definite object
in view. A viva vOCe vote was then taken
Mr.. Robinson receiving : |, kcifer IS.
The vote for Keifcr was very decided.
Some Of the members who voted against
him. particularly one New York member
said 10 afterward that while they person
aliy would have preferred voting for him
they did not dare do so because OF the op-
position of the New York press, which cir
Culated in their district.
The Other Officers.
Rev. Frederick u. Powers, Chaplain; Ei.
ward McPhersoN. Clerk; George w. Hook
er, SergeaEt-at Arms; Walter Browa-
low, pCorkeepe'; George McNerr, Postmas'
ter, were then al nominated ina single res
U!utiUn, WIKI the Caucus adjourned.