River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1885-01-29
IT is SPoONER's VICTORY.
The HUDSON Lawyer Nominated United States
Senator for Wisconsin by 81 Votes,
Fairchild Getting 20.
No Bitterness Engendered in the Struggle
Just Closed-The Candidate Delivers a
Most Eloquent Address.

MADISON, Wis, Special Telegram, Jan. 81.
The remarkable senatorial contest of 1885
closed this evening when the Republican
caucus nominated Col John G. Spooner OF
Hudson by vote of 54 against % for Gen.
Lacius p Fairchild of Madison. There are
eighty-one Republican members of the legis-
latuIe. and all entered the caucus except
| Assemblyman Friend OF Milwaukee. Fair
child supporter who was paired with Sena-
tor Stanley of Milwaukee, a Spooner man.
| The result is only what was anticipated in
the face of the Spooner caucus last evening
and it created no special excitement The
caucus met in the senate chamber at s O'clock,
only members and reporters being p esent
Senator James. chairman of the joint caucus
committee, and Spooner follower, called
it to order, and upon motion of Senator
Ginty, who has honestly labored in the inter
ests of the st. Croix candidate, Assembly
man Adams, Fairchild's manager, was chosen
chairman. The courtesy thus inaugurated
characterized the proceedings throughout,
and men who have been in many political
struggles assert that never before had they
beheld such cordial good will between those
who previously were so opposed in their
views The Spooner men appeared unable
to live up to their desires in thoughtful
treatment of their opponents, while the lat
ter accepted the kind offices with geniality
which showed that the battle had
LEFT No SCARS.
Upon assuming the chair, Mr. Adams said:
He was Republican and believed in the prin-
ciples of the party, and was ever ready TO DOW
to its will. He touched upon the responsibility
OF the duty which the caucus had to perform in
the choice of United States senator. and Thought
that the choice would be such as would keep the
Republican party in its present loyal course.
Chief Clerk Bross, Of the senate, was made
chairman on motion of Assemblyman Nor
cross, after which suggestion of call OF
the roll was made. After several minor mat
ters had been disposed of the caucus pro-
ceeded to vote eiUd goce for a candidate for
United States senator. Assemblyman Nye of
Polk county then made handsome speech
dominating Col Spooner.
He thought the caucus fully appreciated the
gravity of the labor it was called upon to
perform, and dwelt briefly on the duty the
members owed to their constituents as well as
10 the state and nation in their choice.
If selection were made in the splllg OF
loyalty it would be well made. Sixteen wears
ago the legislature elected to the United States
senate to represent Wisconsin her most eloquent
son, Matt Carpenter, and we remember the fact
with gratitude. Carpenters eloquence made
Wisconsin shine brightly in the constellation of
states. Col. Spooner was the nearest approach
10 the lamented Carpenter among those
who now candidates for the exalted
office of United senator. The speaker
honored the Republican party, and thought its
course had been in harmony with the progress of
the age He wished to see in the senate such
men as Col, Spooner, who will deal death to
every born heresy which may develop in the
highest legislative body in the world. He elo-
quentlv touched on the ability and qualifications
Of Spooner, characterizing that gentleman as
being energetic, able, vigorous and brilliant.
man and paid him many glowing tributes. He
closed by saying we had need of such man as
6pooner in The United States senate, one who is
able TO hold the flag in its place and at the same
time give the wsest counsel for furthering the
best interests of the nation.
Assemblyman NorcrOss ably seconded Nye's
nomination, and dwelt particularly on the
wisdom of choosing a candidate who will
represent the great growing interests of
Northwestern Wisconsin. Senator Kidd
placed Gen. Fairchild in nomination in fine
speech, in which he said
The old guard died, but never surrendered He
spoke of the heartfelt confidence felt by the peo-
pie of the state for the one-armed hero of Gettys-
burg and claimed that gentleman was capable
Of battling with danger IN any garb.
The roll was then called, and the vote was
as follows.
For Spooner - Senators Co1nstock, Erwin
Ginty, Hoyt, Hulburt, James. Lins, Lord, Max
WE'LL Miner, Mason, Ring, Waddington, Ware,
Warner. Wiley. Assemblymen Barthef, Bly,
ton, Beufflaver, Brayton, Challontr, &. y. Clark,
s. l.. Clark, FGirehild, Goddard, Hart, Hubbard,
Mason, Miller, Nelson, Nrcross, Nye, oddie,
Bteggy Smiley, Stanchheld, Stephens. TAYLOR,
HAYES Thomas Wallace, Walvoord, Nestcott,
Wlliams-54
For Fairchild- Senators Kidd Perry, Wech-
slsberg. Assemblymen Adams. Buell., Byers,
Cox, Dav, Dorwin, Elkert, Estabrook. Hazen,
Hobart. Helman, Klein, Lawton: Lagrand,
Linse, Morgan, Patterson, Perkins, Pierce ROLLS,
SchulZe, Ioung-25.
Senator Stanley was paired with Friend
THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE RESULT
was hailed with tremendous cheers. The
nomination was declared unanimous on
motion of Assemblyman Legrand Parry,
Nye and Norcross were appointed a commit
tee to notify Col Spooner of his election and
TO conduct him before the caucus, The
multitude was admitted at this juncture,
and the chamber was crowded to its full
capacity when Col. Spooner took his stand
After bowling to the ovation of applause
with which he was hailed, Col Spooner said:
am formally advised by your committee
that in discharging the duty of selecting can
didate for United States senator, your
choice has fallen upon me, From the
Uuited States senate is the highest legls-
lative body i'll the world, and l should
be either more or less than man II could come
before you under such circumstances without
some degree of treDidation. arr fully mindful.
gentlemen that to be named by a great party
for such office Is distinguished honor; but
know also that public Office Is public trust,
and that a seat in the United States senate is
not to be coveted for the honor that belongs TO
the place merely, but rather for the opportu-
nifty which 1t affords for faithful and efficient
service to the people [applausel and for the
honor which such service brings with IL.
The genius of Timothy o. Howe and Mathew ii.
Carpenter, by which they brought glory to Wis
consin in the senate, and the ability and stead
fastness by which Angus Cameron has won the
res RI Of his cOlIRapupS aud confidence of the
people, have made it difficult for those VINO
come after them to meet the popular demand IN
the senate; but if the choice of this caucus shall
become the choice of the legislature. pledge
you, and through you the people of Wisconsin,
that / shall have no interest but your interest,
and that / will give to the State of Wisconsin
the highest effort of my life until i shall
give back into your keeping the great trust with
which you have clothed me- 1t has been sng-
gested that my election to the United states
sc nate may bring disaster upon the party. Ii
could feel, gentlemen, that this suggestion is
with warrant, / should beg you tonight TO re-
verse your Judgment and record my defeat; Tor
the success of the Republican party and adj
vancement of its principles are dearer TO my
heart than any possible personal ambition. But
cordial and steadfast support of Rock county
and Walworth aud Vernon and Rlchland ana
Waupaca, and the
EMPIRE OF SPLENDID REPUBIICANIsM
stretching away to the north. have right TO
congratulate you tonight and the Republicans OF
Wisconsin, and not only the Republicans of
w Wisconsin hut the WflOle people OF N1sCOiiSbi'
that this contest which, with me ends tonight,
has been one altogether comnendable from
every standpoint. 1t has been what such con-
tests within party should be--a contest pc
tween friends 1t has been dignlned, courteous
and almost absolutely free from Islander: ana II
the fortune of the fight hadbrought this honor 10
my distinguished competitor instead OF TO me-
there would have been ~ my disappointment
no element of bitterness, for he would nave won
as he won the splendid but mournfuI honor
which he carries by his side, in manly way
Gentlemen, would not in the least degree nave
begrudged and l dare to believe that TINS sentl-
ment will find in his heart ready response as 10
me. Gentlemen cannot If would, detaln you
longer Let me say only this more that II III
the years to come shall in any wise fan you, IL
shall not be my fault. Gentlemen, thank you
[Great applause.
Gen. Fairchlld was also conducted before
the caucus and followed Col Spooner with
an exceedingly graceful speech in which he
referred to the absence Of bitterness In the
contest and his conviction that Col. Spooner
would indeed execute the promise which ne
had lust made to the people. Gen. FairchlId
was even more heartily applauded than his
successful opponent, and the caucus before
adourning gave three rousing cheers, hrst
for the defeated candidate then for the sue
cessful one Fairchlld and Spooner had a
cordial meeting after the caucus, and thus
in the most happy manner closed the sena-
toriaI contest, except formal ratification on
on the 2Sth by the legislature in open SEES
sion.
Col. John c. Spooner who will succeed Angus
Cameron in the United States senate. VIII be one
of the youngest members In that august pouN'
Only three senators-Messrs. Sabln OF Mlnne-
sofa. Riddleberger of Virginia and Mchenna oil
West Virginia are younger than Col Spooner.