The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1889-01-25
SENATORIAL CAUCUS.
Washburn Secures the Caucus
Nomination by a MeaRre
Majority.


62 votes, just exactly enough to decide it
in his favor. The contest has been one
of the most exciting in the history of
Minnesota politics, and last evening the
cry man i'm the chamber of the house of
representatives. From the time the
caucus was called to order until the adj
ljournment there were graphic scenes,
but even in demonstrations of any kind
the uncertainty of the result made them
subdued, but none the less apparent. 1t
was an evening in which the feelings of
the participant or spectator were greatly
cry action rather than in speech. The
members of the legislature who were
doing the voting awaited the result of
the ballots with no more anxiety than
the spectators on the floor and the hum
dreds who packed the gallery. Both
the leading candidates kept gaining, and
the friends of each were expectant.
When Mr.. Sabin gained on the second
ballot and Mr.. Washburn lost two votes,
the situation was one of such uncertain
ty that those most interested could
scarcely keep still second. So close
were the two gentlemen on the ballot
that it seemed straw might turn the
tide either wav. 1t was not strange that
the outburst which followed the nomina-'
ton was joined IN by supporters of all
candidates.
The pale face of Senator Buchanan,
who had been the chief lieutenant of the
defeated candidate, and who is liked by
his opponents as well as half-idolized by
his followers, standing in the aisle en-
deavoring. to be heard in motion to
make the nomination unanimous, while
the flying ballots and bowling. jumping,
handwriting Missionaries surrounded
him on every side, made picture that
must needs be seen to be appreciated.
Then came Mr.. Washburn's entrance,
followed by Senator Sabin and the surg
ing crowd who had been standing for
four hours in the corridors-the victor
and the vanquished. Senator Sabin's
face was ashen in color, and beads of
perspiration stood upon his brow, but he
walked with upright carriage, locking
arms with his friend Buchanan. 1t is
seldom that the defeated candidate ofso
close and important canvass follows his
successful rival in speech acquiescing
in the result.
| The whole caucus was like an intense
ly dramatic play, theN ultimate outcome
being in doubt and the climax set in
gorgeous scenery and red fire.
And yet it has ended in Republican
harmony. An honorable man has been
chosen to represent the State of Mime
sofa in the United States Senate. He
will be loyal to his constituents and to
his party, aud will be credit to the
state that sends him to Washington.
| ST. PAUL, Jan. 1S.-The Republican
caucus called for the purpose of agree
ing upon candidate for United States
senator was called to order at $40 p. m.
The restriction in regard to admission
of spectators was very strict, and when
the caucus was called to order not more
than a dozen people besides the newspa-
per reporters were on the floor not en-
| titled to vote. The caucus was raped
! to order by Senator Edwards, and Sena-
tor Daniels, of Olmstead, was unani-
mously chosen chairman. One hundred
and twenty one Republicans were found
to be present, and an informal ballot
was moved.
Senator buchanan, of Sank Rapids,
nominated Dwight NJ. Sabin, which was
received with tremendous applause from
the gallery. Senator Edwards and sew
| eraI others seconded Sabin's nomination.
Representative Morgan nominated w.
| ID. Washburn, and it was seconded by
half dozen members. Representative
Hompe, of Otter Tail county, nominated
Ignatius Donnelly in a fifteen minute
| speech. which was seconded by Repre-
McGrath, of Dakota county, and Sevat-
| son, of jackson, after which, at $50, the
caucus proceeded to take an informal
ballot, which resulted:
Sabin, 40: Washburn, %; Donnelly,
| 10; Knute Nelson, z; @. M. Start, Q; III.
B. Strait, l: Cole, 1: 1871 voting; neces-
sary to choice, 81.
The caucus proceeded at once to take
the first formal ballot, which resulted as
| follows:
Washburn, IS: Sabin, 46; Donnelly,
| 10: Nelson, 3; Start, .; Cole, 2. Whole
number voting, i21 necessary to choice,
81.
When Washburn's vote was an
nounced senators and representatives
| joined the gallery in the widest kind of
| cheering. The second ballot was at
once proceeded with and resulted:
Washburn, 56; Sabin, 55; Donnelly,
| 5; Nelson, 2; Start, 3; Cole, 1. Whole
number voting, 1872: necessary to a
| choice, 62.
During the progress of the second bal
lot, it was whispered about that Senator
Scheffer, of Ramsey county had changed
| his vote from Sabin to Washburn and
that Washburn would surely be-nomi-
mated on this ballot. The result of the
count of the second ballot was surprise
and the Sabin men yelled themselves
hoarse as the figures were announced at
10:45, as follows:
Washburn, Sc: Sabin, 55: Donelly, 8;
| Nelson, 2: Start, 3; Cole, l. Whole num-
| Der voting, 1879; necessary to a choice, 62.
| The third ballot commenced at 1850,
| and was as follows
| Washburn, 81: Sabin, 81: Donnelly,
4: Start, 2. Whole number, 1872; neces-
sary to a choice, GO.
The announcement of the final ballot
| was received with the widest cheers and
| yells, and it was three or four minutes
before order could be restored. Senator
| Buchanan moved that the nomination be
made unanimous. and F. b. Lane, who
had voted for Sabin throughout, sec
onded the motion, which was carried. A
committee was sent to inform Gen.
| Washburne, who was in the governors
rooms, of his nomination and escort him
to the house chamber. Gen. Washburn
entered the chamber at II 30 and was es-
corted to the stand. He thanked the
caucus for their cordial action. eff your
action is ratified by your convention you
can count upon me as true and loyal
Republican. | want to say that l am
pleased in the way the affairs of this
caucus has been conducted. ] have not
words to express my thanks for the &C
ton you have taken to night.
Senator Sabin was escorted to the chair
and said: 81 am much in the tired con-
dition of Gen. Washburne, only more SO.
out" He thanked his friends for their
interest manifested in his behalf. After
three cheers were given for Sabin, Dom
nelly was called for, but that gentleman
failed to respond. The caucus at 11:25
adjourned.
Ward Wants to Investigate.
ST. PAUL, Jan. 19.-The introduction
in the senate Yesterday by Mr.. Ward OF
Waseca of resolution calling for an in
yestigatlon into charges of bribery and
corruption in connection with the sena.