St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-02-25
INSIDE HISTORY.
Some Peculiar Facts About the Work
ings of the National Demo-
cratic Committee.
How the Southern Members Failed to Keep
Faith---Analysis of the Vote.
Especial Telegram to the Globe /


WASHINGTON, Feb. 24.-What purports to be
the 'inside history of the recent campaign
to secure the national Democratic conven-
ton for Chicago, was given to-day by a
gentleman whose word cannot be questioned
and whose position enabled him to obtain
facts that were known only to favored
few. 1t sheds considerable light on the
duplicity practiced By certain politi-
clans from the south, and furnishes an
explanation for the confidence and bragga-
docios of the st. Louis men.
Gen. Singleton came here month ago,
and set resolutely at work creating a senti-
ment in favor Of Chicago. He visited every
senator and congressman who was consid-
cred able to influence one member of the
committee. The six votes of the northwest,
including Illinois, were supposed to be safe
for Chicago. The New England and middle
The south, therefore, with its seventeen votes
was the section from which Chicago expected
to draw sufficient strength, together with
the unpledged vote of the north,
to control the twenty votes necessary to a
choice. Gen. singleton's efforts therefore
were directed particularly among the south
ern senators, many of whom where his init
mate and lifelong friends. Excepting Mis-
souri, and one or two others he
received assurances that sat
isfed him that at least twelve votes,
south of Mason and Dfxon's line, were safe
for Chicago These promises were iterated
and reiterated up to the very hour the com
mittee met. Analysis of the vote shows
that but five Of them, Virginia, South Carroll
ma, Maryland, Georgia and Florida
respected their pledge. Louisville received
three votes, two Of which were the votes OF
the Kentucky members and Pat Kelly, OF
Minnesota, a staunch friend of Chicago, but
who cast complimentary vote for Louis
vile, with the understanding that on the
second ballot they should both vote for Chi
cago. On the third ballot the Louisville man
voted squarely for st. Louis. Gen. Single
ton had all along counted upon from twenty
one to twenty-three to vote for Chicago on
the first ballot and this was the condition OF
affairs when the Chicago delegation ar
rived.
1t was then discovered that many of the
southern people were playing fast and loose
with both the principal contestants. A fur
ther investigation showed that they we're real
ly in sympathy with st. Louis, and that city
would receive their support. Outwardly they
were loyal to Chicago 1t was next discover
ed hat
Louis, although it does not appear that he
threw any obstacles in the way of Chicago
But it began to be whispered about that send
ing the convention to st. Louis meant the
packing of the galleries in Morrison's in
terest. Some of the Morrison men claimed
that the Kentucky delegation could easily
be made solid in his favor, and that
the same might be said of Missouri and Ar
kansas. This with the full vote of Illinois
would give him good send Off Mr.. Ran
dali called ON member of the Illinois dele
cation and asked if these rumors were true.
Being satisfied that they were, he held a hasty
consultation with Mr.. Barnum and dis
patched several kilograms to Mr.
Flower, of New York. The result
was that the vote of Pennsylvania
intended originally for Saratoga, was cast fol-
Chicago. Mr. Flower dispatched an agent
here on receipt of Randall's telegram, and
two other votes which the Chicago men never
counted on were added to their strength. On
the second ballot Mr.. Barnum voted fo1
Chicago also. In this way the detection of
the southern members was offset and start
ing in with fifteen votes the Chicago men
gained steadily, until the third ballot decided
the contest in their favor.