The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-02-25
The Grim Reaper Suddenly Claims
the Esteemed Colleague Of
Mr.. German.
Tho Very Unusual circumstances
Under Which His Election
Was Effected.
German Protests He Is Not Out for tho
yresidency-GngalIs'1S Successor
kyic's Eligibility.


tor Ephriam King Wilson, Of Maryland,
who has been indisposed several DAYS. died
suddenly this evening. Senator Wilson WAS
born in Snow Hill, Worcester county, Md,
Dec. 22, 1921, and WAS therefore in the 10th
wear OF his age at the time Of his death.
He was graduated from Jefferson college in
Is41 and studied lew, being admitted TO the
bar few years later. In 1862 he WAS
presidential eIector on the democratic
ticket. In 1878 the democrats Of Worcester
county elected him circuit judge for n term
Of fifteen years. He only served part OF his
time, however, being elected TO tho United
States senate in 1884, and taking
his seat there in March Of
the year following. Judge Wilson'S
election to the senate was brought abont by
one Of the widest, but best managed STAN
pedes ever known in the history Of politics.
Ex-GOv. James Black Groome, the then
senator, ex-Gov. Phillip Frank Thomas,
Comptroller Thomas J.. Heating. Judge
Wilson and Judge Robinson were the dem
ocratic candidates. All were from the
eastern shore, n sort Of unwritten law de-
manding that one OF the two senators from
Maryland should come from the geoRrapbi-
cal division OF the state lying east Of the
Chesapeake bay. All the candidates were
men of prominence in the state. One Of
them at least. ex-Gov. Thomas, was known
outside. He had been in the cabinet
of President johnson for brief
period, and been elected 10
the United States senate few
years after the war, but WAS refused ad-
mission because of his gouthern SYM
pathies. Judge Wilson WAS popular among
those who desired q man not identified
with either Of the then existing factions,
while ThomasJ. Heating WAS supposed 10
be backed by the German element. Judge
Robinson WAS strong anti-Gorman man
and had the following OF all who opposed
the present democratic leader in the United
States senate. Ex-Gov. Groome had only
the backing of few personal friends.
Contrary to custom no CAUCUS WAS held
by the democrats, and the balloting begun
in open session without the party being
united on any candidate. Day after day
the senate and house got together and voted
without coming to a choice. When thi,
had proceeded for quite awhile. the repub-
lican members, willing to do anything that
would weaken the power Of Senator Cor
Robinson. One morning when the two
bodies were sitting in the house, after just
finishing fruitIess ballot, one of the re-
publican senators arose in his seat and
asked leave to change his vote from the gem
tleman who had been receiving the compli-
mentary vote Of his party. He was allowed
10 do 40 and Immediately voted for Judge
Robinson. Another republican followed
in the same line. This unexpected move
threw the democrats into confusion for =
few moments. Then few Wilson men
who had temporarily transferred their
votes to other candidates rs compliment,
asked to be allowed TO change. They all
jumped to Wilson. Friends of other candi-
dates. anxious to prevent the republicans
making the choice of senator, did the same.
Then some cunning friend Of Judge VIII
son quietly whispered TO the man who had
been handling Judge Robinson's CANVASS,
do the same. The house was in an uproa,.
Fifty men were on their feet calling TO the
presiding officer at once. II wes
psndemonium. No wonder the Robinson
leader lost his head. He changed his vote
to Judge Wilson. His followers. taking
this rs an earnest Of good faith, followed
enough votes to elect. The result was an
nounced. and then the Robinson men saw
their mistake. II was too late. Judge
Robinson was member of the court OF mp
peals, which was sitting in the room Just
over the hall OF the honse where this excit-
ing scene was going on. lie heard the con-
fusion and some Of his colleagues were
about TO congratulate him when tho news
came of Wilson's election.
Senator Wilson, while pleasant, afable
gentleman of the old school. was seldom
heard on the floor Of congress. he was an
able jurist. however, and his opinions had
considerable weight on legal questions. He
was the only democrat in the senate who
voted against the free coinags bill.
The Maryland legislature, Il year ago, re-
elected Senator Wilson for second term.
which would have begun OH March next.
There being no legislature III session IN
Maryland .hs governor will appoint sue
cessor who will serve for q year until the
legislature elects some one.