The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-03-12
A DEMOCRATIC VICTORY.
PALMER ELECTED UNITED STITES
SENATOR FROM ILLINOIS.

After n Long and Fierce Struggle the Demo
Gratis win in the 15ith Ballot -Cochrel
and Moore Turn the Tide-EIciting Scenes
Senator Palmer's speech.
SpRINGFIELD. Ill. Mar. 1.-THE greatest
senatorial contest in the history Of the State
Of Illinois came to an end to-day by the cleo
ton Of General John u. Palmer on the one
hundred and hfty-fourth ballot.
Cockrell and Moore voted with the Demo
Gratis. and their colleague, Laubeneck. voted
for Streeter. The one hundred Republicans
voted solidly by c. j. Lindley. The contest
has consumed more than fifty days and alb
sorbed more than $4,000 Of the peoples
money. The battle was desperately fought.
Members have voted for and against Palmer
on couches Of suffering. The chamber Of the
Joint body had been little less than hospital
for weeks.
Some Of the scenes and incidents have been
exceedingly touching. Members attended oy
their physicians and wives, turning and twisi,
ing and groaning with pain, have voted No
10 the proposition for an adjournment when
their being carried 10 their hotels from the eA-
citing scenes of the battle seemed necessary 10
save their lives. The conduct Of three of the
vi. D. y
has been honest Taunbeck went with the
Republicans before he left his home To- attend
the Legislature Moore and Cockrell have
hestated, but their entry has never been ques-
toned
NOT WITHOUT A STRUGGLE.
II appeared 10 be a foregone conclusion this
morring that General Palmer would be
elected to-day 10y the solid l0l Democratic
vote Of the Joint Assembly. assisted by those
~
Yet the Republicans were not ready 10 60
down without a struggle. They held "A caucus
TO see if they could not at least kill OF the
Democratic candidate. To that end the steer
ing committee was empowered to handle the
matter as II might think best That
committee held a consultation and at its con-
clusion sent for Representative Moore, OF the
f. NJ B. A. and offered him the solid Repub-
Hcan vote of one hundred If he and his two
cOnferrees. Cockrell and Iaunbeck, would
Join them. This offer was considered good
politics in any event. If accepted It would de-
feat General Palmer.
GENERAL PALMER ELECTED.
The roll was called at p Is. The Republi-
cans refused 10 answer 10 their names. Cock
rel and Moore both responded. The roll
showed l01 Democrats and two Alliance men
10 be present. The l54th ballot was theh
taken. it resulted. Palmer, lO3, Lindley, 100:
Streeter /. The Republicans had decided
10 support Lindley. 1t was an excl;
ting occasion. When Taunbeck voted
for Streeter he dropped back in his
chair and cried freely. One Of tho Repubh-
cans was quite intoxicated and was raising q
disturbance. The verihcatiOn of the roll-cal
showed every Republican voting for l.lndley,
every Democrat FOR Palmer Moore and Cock
rel for Palmer and Taunbeck for Streeter.
Speaker Crafts then declared John VI. Pal
mer duly elected a. United States Senator.
Deafening applause from the Democratic
side and from the galleries greeted the an
nOuncement
Later General Palmer was notified OF his
election, and WAS conducted into the chamber
by the notifying committee.
SENATOR PALMER srEAEs.
Speaker Crafts introduced him and he said
Gentlemen of the Thirty-seventh General
Assembly ought scarcely expect NE 20
sneak az this time. feel more like saying
'Aint glad 20 get ont Of the wilderness
thank you 10l members for yindicating the
rights Of the people. BY plurality OF votes
was expressed the desire Of the people to elect
me Senator, and my election is historical
You men who have labored so long
TO elect your independent candidate. also
deserve my thanks. Applause My Re
publican friends, | thank you too; you, IN
this contest. represented the old method Of
electing Senators. thank you that the con
Jest has bteu lltt rom p'i'Duhltltn' zap
plause.l The occasion does not require
long speech
The joint Assembly then adjourned sine die
GENERAL PALMRE's CAREER.
John McAuley Palmer. Governor in 1922
was born IN Scott county, KY. in 1917. During
his infancy his father. who had been a soldier
in the war of 1912. removed 10 Christian cOun-
ty. Ky. where he ramained until 1881, when
he emigrated 10 Madison county. Ill. Young
Palmer received little schooling During
the summer of 1888 he formed the acquaint-
ance OF Stephen A. Douglas, then making his
first canvass for Congress. Young, eloquent,
and in political accord with Mr. Palmer he
won his confidence, fired his ambition. and
fixed his purpose 20 enter upon the study OF
the law. and he was admitted u practice III
1889 From that time on he was much interested
in politics In 1S43he became probate Judge. In
1877 he was electe, % the State Constitutional
Convention. whe9 he took a leading part
In 1852 he was elected 10 the State Senate
He ran for Congress IN 1859, but was defeated.
In 1860 he was Republican presidential elector
for the State at large In 1861 he was APP
pointed one Of the five delegates Gall Republi-
cans sent by Illinois to the Peace Congress at
Washington.
A BRAVE SOLDIER.