The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1888-09-19
Republicans at Helena.
No One Wants to Measure
Swords With Clark.
A River Press Reporter Gives West
Side Delegations the Freedom of
the City of Helena Nomina-
ton Of Joint Councilman
and Representative.
SDecial to the River Press.

Special to the River Press.
HELENA, September 1.-THE republi-
can delegates have all arrived except the
Silver Bow and Beaverhead delegations,
forty-fve strong, who will reach here over
the Montana Central at 1:25 this after
noon. The grand old party is all at sea
for candidate. Strong pressure was
brought to bear on Commodore Power,
but it is understood he has positively de-
clined the honor and will not, under any
circumstances, accept the nomination if
rendered to him. Capt. Mills has just
responded to earnest appeals wired him at
Deer Lodge, saying that if the convention
nOminates him as it's choice he will con
slider 1t his duty to accept, though he is
not seeking the honor. Seligman, of Hell
ena, is now strongly spoken Of and it is
understood he will make the race If called
upon, but is not eager to do SO. Mr.. L. I'll.
himself to become the victim, but firmly
declines to be sacrificed. At present
everything is in a state of uncertainty
pending the arrival Of the Silver Bow
and Beaverhead delegations, who may
have west side candidate to put forward.
Your correspondent is satisfied that with
the delegates present Commodore Power
is almost the universal choice, and If Sill
YER Bow and Beaverhead join in an en-
thusiastic call he may be forced to yield.
At present, however, he firmly declines
The republicans seem to fully realize that
Hon. w. A. Clark is an invincible oppo-
nent, and the bravest and strongest of
their leaders is afraid to measure swords
with him. Choteau and Cascade are pres
ent with full delegations. Rolfe and Nc
Kay are here watching each other and to
see fair play.
The Choteau and Cascade joint conven-
tion has just closed it's session, having
nominated J. I'll. Mcknight for the coun-
Gil and W. Fl. Black for the house.
The Butte delegation arrived at 12:40.
Helena republicans treated them shah
billy, nobody being at the depot to receive
them except Judge Henry N. Blake, of
Madison and a RIVER PRESS reporter.
The Judge and the reporter extended them
a hearty welcome, and steered the process
sion, under the leadership of George B.
Haldorn and the Butte City band into
Main street, and told them how to reach
the opera house. Helena republicans
were very thoughtless in not according
the delegation decent reception.
At 2:30 the band opened the proceed
ing by rendering in beautiful style the
"Star Spangled Banner" Marching
Through Georgia." and other popular
airs. At the close the band we're encored
and gave that staunch and true scotch
air, "Auld Lang Syne," followed by "Yan-
kee Doodle" The Butte band
COVERED ITSELF WITH GLORY.
At 2:4O Chairman McCutcheon called
the band to order The call was read by
Mr.. Elbert. d. Weed. Chairman Nc
Cutcheon followed with speech, ,after which
he announced that he had been appointed
by the republican executive committee to
name the Hon. Jere Sullivan, of Choteau
county, to preside over the convention.
Mr.. Sullivan took the platform amid wild
applause and acknowledged the compli
ment in neat speech ana then proceeded
to business. Mr.. Babcock, OF Yellow
stone, was elected secretary and G. 3.
Joslyn, Of Deer Lodge, assistant secre-
tary.
From what can be learned at 3 p. M,
j. Seligman is liable to be the choice
Of the convention for delegate to congress.
THE REPUBs. CAUCUssING.
AT $50 o'clock, after appointing the
usual committees, the convention adj
ourned until o'clock. A general eau
Gus was Immediately called to meet at
Harmonic hall.