Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1891-01-30
VIVE LE Villas!
The Distil guished Lawyer Named
for the Federal Senate.
The Horror Comes to Him by a
Unanimous Vote.
4 Splendid Address OF Accept
anco by Colonel Villas.

By unanimous vote Col. William Free
man Villas as Thursday nominated by the
democrats of the Wiscon> in Legislature as
their candidate fo1 United States senator
to succeed Colonel John c. Spooner, whose
term expires March 4, next.
The event occurred in the as
sembly chamber, and every democratic
member of both houses was present.
There was large attendance; the lobhies
were crowded and the galleries full.
None could witness ceremonies conferring
such an exalted honor without being i'm
pressed with the solemnity of the &C.
casion.
The CAUCUS met at 2:30p. IN. and on
the speakers platform were Senator F.
w. Horn and Assemblyman John Winans
chairmen respectively of the senate and
house democratic caucus committees.
Senator Horn presided and announced the
object of the meeting.
Assemblyman Ed. Keogh made a
motion, which prevailed, that the caucus
proceed to the nomination of a United
States senator, and that the nomination
be made on q roll call.
AssembIymrn Briggs Speaks.
AssembIyman Harry E. Briggs, of Madi-
son, then arose from his seat in the rear
of the chamber and made a most eloquent
| speech in advocacy of the nomination of
| Col Villas, and when he mentioned
| that gentleman name there was enthusi-
astic applause, Mr.. Briggs spoke briefly,
but the thoughtfulness of his remarks and
the choice language used. as well as the
eloquence displayed, greatly impressed
members and all with the fine abilities of
the speaker The following is the full
text of the address
The election of democratic United States sen
ator from Wisconsin Is the realization of the
hopes of many years-years when fancy often
dared not paint the picture of success
In making our choice, we have not only to con
fer an honor deserved but also and more TO select
that man whose influence vii! be most potent for
the future. Political conditions have changed.
The sun of new morning for democracy goldens
the east Sectional hatred no longer maddens,-
prejudice no longer guides The interests of self
and home and country have at last proved super
Tor to the claims OF long loved party
The democratic senator from Wisconsin must
he the man best equipped for public usefulness.
Ills the heart to feel humanitys needs and his the
power to give tn IN voice. lie must be pure and
able; loyal to parry and to his great party's trust
a ''knight without fear and without reproach.'
Proud may Wisconsin democracy be of its illus
rious men. Iueed not name them to YOU When
in 1890 the republican party appeared as the
obedent champion of special interests and in
Wisconsin as the mouth piece for false pleas to
sentiment and prejudice they stood shoulder to
shoulder in the front rank of combat Among them |
man of national fame and honor, gifted with |
a power of eloquenCe that moved men as though |
by magic and a master of every political ques-
ton. With all the ardor that led him when but !
youth of twenty-five to raise a company of |
soldiers and march to the front at Vicksburg, he
threw his powerful personality into the cam
patgn. He disdained duty. His words in |
spired the weak and gave conviction 10 the waver-
ing. Like Henry of Navarro. he fought where the |
battle hottest. From the first his name !
was on the lips of all. The enemy rec
ugnised him its most dangerous opponent-the |
people their leader. And when night closed upon
the Waterloo of republicanism, the same votes |
that elected George W. Peck governor of Wiscon- |
sin, had nominated TO the United States senate |
Colonel William F. Villas.
The scars of battle are all upon his breast; the |
shafts of malice lie broken at his feet-the oppo-
sition of his enemies has but strengthened the |
love of his friends In the full vigor of splendid |
manhood; and at the height of intellectual power:
with the students tireless industry and the states
ans wisdom, an unequ led orator: man who |
masters every undertaking; possessing that |
knowledge of public affairs which experience in |
them alone give and guided withal by the |
Saving genius of common sense in choosing |
him, we shall select one as well prepared for ser
vice in the senate any man ever, for the first or
any time, elected % that body
The senate needs such a man. Since the war. |
its democratic members have largely come from
the south. They have been able men and true
but whose usefulness to the party and the nation
has been weakened by that unjust cry of ''rebel-
brigadicr"
In Colonel Villas we shall give the senate and |
the nation man of unsuied record, one who |
proved his loyalty the field of battle The |
trusted adviser of the last democratic admfnistra-
ton he viii be in touch with the incoming one. !
Already possessing public confidence by his faith
fulness public servant he Will take that posi-
ton on the demo ratio side of the senate for
which his aggressive activity and his splendid |
attainments emientIy qualify hints leader.
In years 10 come, when tn touch of time shall |
soften the feelings engendererd by strife, Wiscon
sin Will honor him as Kentucky houors Clay or |
Massachusetts Webster
Gentlemen-I give you symbol of strength, |
proudly present the name of William F. Villas.
There was great outburst of applause |
at the close.
Seconded by Senator Kennedy.
Senator William Kennedy, of Appleton, |
was then recognized by the chair, and |
made unquestionably the most accurate
analysis of the character. abilities and |
senatorial qualifications of Col. Villas ever
attempted by any man. As high as was
his praise at times. the thoughtful audi
tor could not fail to be |
impressed with the failhfulness
of the picture presented His
speech was finished, scholary production
VIII h will bring to Senator Kennedy |
eulogium long after the present time.
Villas Named.
The roll was then called-frst OF the |
senate, by Senator John T. Kingston, Jr,
Of Ashland. secretary of the senate caucus
committee, and next of the assembly by |
Assemblyman A. H. Desmond, Of Milwau-
kee, who holds the same relation to the |
house committee. All the senators, Is |
in number, and all the assemblymen. Sc, |
voted for Vilas-his total vote thus being
81.
President Horn formally announced the |
nomination of Col Villas, and appointed |
Assemblyman Briggs, Senator Kennedy and |
Assemhlyman Keogh committee to wait (
upon Col Villas, notify him Of his nom
ination and escort him before the |
caucus.
Greeting to Villas
1t was Just $50 when the committee |
returned with Col Villas, and the appear
= h l.,