The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-01-31
How Haines was Elected Speaker.

in the present election laws so as to make fraud
alent voting difficult.
How Haines was Elected Speaker.
Springfield Special.
The ~roll-call began, while the House grew
painfully quiet. Mr.. Haines, who had been
moving about among the members with a rapid
step since Choissers arrival, took a seat in the
main isle in the last row on the Republican
side. The cali proceeded until the name of Full
Ter, the Republican nominee, was reached.
Fuller, Fuller, "'called the clerk. There was
no response, and the call went on. Haines's
name was then called. No response. Called
again. Mr.. Haines arose and answered. "Cronk-
rite, thereby casting his vote against Fuller.
Interest increased, the next name about which
there was any doubt being that of Linegar. AT
last Linegar was reached. There was no answer
as his name was called, and the clerk. pausing
awhile, went on. ODonnell was called, and,
rising in answer, cast his vote for Cronkrite.
This caused a murmur to run over the house,
but this was stilled as the clerk approached the
name of Sittig.
Sittig is a Chicago man, elected on the Repub-
lican ticket. He cast his vote for Haines for
temporary Speaker, and the most intense curios-
ity was felt as to whether he would vote for
Haines now. Curiosity was not g~ratifed, how
ever, since no answer was given when his name
was called, and the Clerk proceeded to the end.
When the end was reached the absentees were
called. On this call Mr.. Linegar voted for
Cronkrite. The result was then announced
seventy-four Tor Haines, seventy-four for Fuller,
three for Cronkrite. Another vote was ordered.
1t was felt that something would come out OF
the box in this shake, and the feeling was true.
When the clerk, in taking the vote, reached the
name of Fuller, that gentleman arose and cast
his vote for Sittig. Mr.. Haines voted
for Cronkrite. Mr.. Linegar passed.
ODonnels name was called once and
again, and the listening hundreds heard him in
a faint voice answer "Haines." A burst Of APP
plause from the Democrats welcomed this acees-
sion. 1t was perceived then that the recreant
Democrats had been whipped in. The call pro
ceeded amid momentary confusion until the
name of Sittig was reached. The clerk called it
patiently and inluiringly. All eyes turned
toward Mr.. .Sittig, who, crimson with confusion,
sat silent, next to Haines. He gave no answer,
and the clerk finished the call. He was instruct
ed to call the abSentees.
Mr.. Linegar's name was uttered first. That
gentleman rose, and in a short speech explained
that in the interest of his party, he felt obliged
to vote for Haines. 1t is impossible to describe
the enthusiasm of the Democrats on this an
nouncement. 1t took shape i loud and prolonged
applause, which was stilled only by the voice of
Mr.. Fuller, the Republican candidate for Speaker,
who was endea"oring to get the floor. Order
o. anu MI 0llCI III a OptOuS1
forcible speech, said that there now being a
united majority on the other side of the House,
he, with his brother Republicans, was anxious
that legislation should proceed. The Democratic
nominee for Speaker had drawn out ths full
vote of his party, but, failing to vote for himself.
was not yet elected. Il am not willing" said
Mr.. Fuller, NOR is any one on this side willing
that the affairs of this body should be any longer
obstructed. In order. therefore, that we may
begin our work-that we may start in peaceably
and harmoniouslyI now cast my vote for L.
M: Haines."
The amazement which this speech created
was great, and was only d~ispelled when the
purpose OF the speech was seen. A dozen Re
publican members were on their feet, endeav-
oring to catch the Speakers eye. Away back,
next to Mr.. Haines, Sittig, the Republican
who lad not voted. was making signs to the
Speaker.
Mr.. Miller, a Republican member. said: 'Mr.
Speaker, I move to make the election of e. NJ.
Haines unanimous
A roar of assent went up from the Republican
side, all of which the Speaker disregarded, as he
was endeavoring to recognize Sittig.
'"The gentleman from Cook wants to vote
cried the Speaker finally, as order was resumin,, Z.
''Too late! too later cried the Republicans.
1.-THE gentleman from Cook, said the Speaker.
9Th Clerk viii please call his NAME"
Mr.. Sittig's name was called, and that wei thy
answered. "E. M. Haines."
"Ah-h-h! ah;h-h!" yelled the Republican mem
bers, mockingly. you're too late; Haines is
elected already"
The Republicans, triumphing over Sittig, the
Democrats roaring with success, made the
chamber hideous for awhile. After some heavy
pounding with his gavel the Speaker obtained
quiet, and a motion was made to appoint a corn
mittee of three to conduct Mr. Haines to the
chair. The Speaker appointed Messrs. WEIGH.
Fuller and Moore, of Brown. The gentlemen
waited on Haines at the back of the hall, and,
as the party preceded up the aisle. the DeEao-
cratic SIDE began to sing:
Hurrah. hurrahi we'll sound the jubilee;
Hurrah, hufrah! the day we set you free.
So we sang the chorus from Atlanta to the sea,
While we went marching thro' Georgia.
AS they got to their second 'hurrah. hurrah,"
Mr.. Haines was bowed into the chair, which was
surrendered to him by Mr.. Cronkrite. The lat
ter called the House to order by a liberal use of
his gavel, and introduced the permanent Speaker
Of the House. Elijah M. Haines, of Lake. Mr..
Haines, bowling his acknowledgements to the
terrific applause that answered the introduction,
said: II have again to thank you for this re-
newed evidence of your confidence and esteem.
Perhaps there has never before been a person so
highly honored in the history of the State. Per
haps, in acknowledging this honor, and your ac-
tons indicate that it is given freely, 1 ought to
assure you that this speech of thanks is not a
mere matter of form. / shall say nothing. there
fore, but that | thank you with all my heart for
the honor you have conferred upon me-" Where
upon the gentleman who did not want the speak
ership. and would not have it under any consid-
GRAFTON, took possession of a seat generously
given him by the vote of his rival.
Brief Mention.
John Kiefer. justice of the peace at Quincy,