Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1891-01-28
TOPEK1 LETTER.

TOPEKA, KAs. JAN. 26TH, 1891.
Political matters are lively 'enough to
suit the most enthusiastic politician.
Groups ofmen havebeen hanging around
the hotel Hobbies, and on every street
corner, and the senatorial contest is the
universal theme of conversation. IN
front OF the Dutton house this morning
abont one hundred persons. They were
coming and going all the time, but the
two crowds did not consolidate, and
neither lost any in numbers until the
dinner bells began ringing. Everybody
is trying to find out who is most likely
to get the alliance nomination for u. 5.
senator. 1t is given up by all, except
few of the more radical republicans,
that Mr.. ingalls, has no show of re-elec-
ton, and as he has no show, so much
more is the interest concentrated IN the
probable nominee of the caucus. The
caucus VIII meet tonight, and will not
adjourn until some name has been
agreed upon.
Jerry Simpson is being mentioned
freely by outsiders, and at this writing
many republicans think his chances are
better than anybodys; but themembers
of the Legislature simply smile when
asked about the matter. 1t is thought
that p p. Elder laid away his aspira-
tiOns, on ice, when he let Snow have the
nomination for printer PETER is said
to be protectionist, and after voting
for him one ballot, in caucus, to comply
with instructions, the members from
the southwest will probably drop him.
If Judge Doster ever had chance, /
have been too stupid to ''catch on, :"
though some combination may arise to
bring him TO the front. Just now the
dark horse is the favorite against the
field, though Mr.. Willis has many
friends. The city is full of strangers,
each expecting that something unusual
will soon happen. 1t is now 2:30 and
the house has not been called to order,
and nearly every member is in his seat.
the gallaries are crowded. and there are
more than one hundred standing around
the walls and in the back of the house.
It is expected that flood of petitions
from old soldiers will be sent in as soon
as the house gets in working order this
afternoon. John j. is in the city, but
only exhibits himself once a day to his
chosen friends. He don't get out among
the boys and rustic like the alliance
men do.
Since the above was written the house
has been called to order, and journal or
| dered read. Some little scrapping is
going OH over the approval of the min,
utes. y messenger has just come from
the senate, bringing in about forty OF
fifty petitions. asking the legislature to
re-elect John j. Ingalls, to the Z. S. sen
ate. A regular hay-seed smile isvisi-
BILE on the faces of about one hundred
members. The messenger hardly had
| time to return to the senate before Inc
came back with dozen or more peti
tions to the same effect. Many more
will probably arrive, but they scarcely
VIII have any effect.
This morning met Henry Oldfathel
and Mr.. HoIderby, of Coldwater; E. B
Peck, l.. NJ. Axline, j. w. Dobson. Ii
NJ. Ingraham and Clay McGrath. Miss
Jessie O'Bryan thinks she will get q
clerkship to-day.
The house has spent the entire after.
noon in hearing and discussing two ell
ection contest cases. One of them was
virtually decided without much trouble
but the other has been lively affair
The case is Maxwell VS. Rude Mr.
Rude is a republican. and is a setting
member. The majority report is in f;l-
vor of unseating him. and giving bis
seat to Maxwell. Several vigorous
speeches have been made OH both sides
of the case, and the defendant has made
| two speeches IL his own behalf. Ire is
more vigorous than polished in his re-
marks. He will stand in the aisle with
his month wide open, working his arms
while trying 90 think of word. One
remark was; "Mr. Speaker, l am nc
speaker; open my mouth. and STUFF
comes out Of IT, There is no doubt
that but the two republicans will lose
their seats, and two Peoples party men
be seated. The republicans are inter
ested in liiibustering, in order TO save
two woes for ingalls, tomorrow. Ey.
cry inch is being contested, and the
yeas and nays are called for on every
vote. 1t is now after O'Clock. and q
votels being taken to postpone till to-
morrow. A strict party vote will result
every republican being in favor OF
postponment, and every alliance mau
opposing it. Though it is unusually
late, not a spectator has left and the
| door Is crowded.
y resolution was introduced this af-
ternOon, extending TO John j Ingalls,
an inYitation,to address the house ut j.
o'clock Tuesday. IL was promptly md
emphat.eally voted down. Then came
aresolutiOn asking the legislature of
Illinois to elect Ogieshv TO the senate.
It was ANONYMOUSLY sat on.
As | close this letter. at 10 o'clock
Monday night. the alliance members
are ia caucus somewhere. and the news
paper reporters are trying TO find the
place.
/ have reason to believe that the re-
ports being published about Frank Nc
Grath are false, and that he will come
out on top