Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-12-05

s16 VI sAc S@uSus tucEc Whs ho = HS
supporters Of all the candidates continued the
struggle with desperate earnestness up to the
last moment What the Mills folks had been
doing for two days they continued. The as
sAult on Mr. Springer's line was made with
such impetuosity that at any moment a break
IN the Illinois delegation would not have occs-
stoned any surprise The assault was kept up
with increased energy during last night and it
was believed by the Mills folks early this morn
ing that they had accomplished Mr.. Springer's
destruction.
Amajority OF the delegation had declared
by resolution that they did not be-
heve that Mr.. Springer could be elected,
but they did not then decide to desert him.
The earnest Springer men said that they were
here to support Mr.. Springer, and that il he
had NO chance Of election they must stu
support him and go down with him.
PROPOSITION TO Nh. SPRINGER.
The proposition was made TO Mr.. Springer to
70 over to Mr.. Mills with the whole delegation
and surrender. The proposition was repealed
by the five stanch Springer men ami by Mr..
Springer himself.
The Mills men in the delegation would not
yield 10 any argument and the only thing that
could be done was to effect a postponement.
The situation looked very bad for Mr.. Springer,
but little later in the morning the Springer
folks braced up again and were in the fight -
much as ever, though surrounded With all sorts
o. dangers.
IL was asserted that Mr.. Mills must have the
whole delegation to elect him and that the
whole delegation was what the Mills in il
had promised to deliver. The stanch Springer
mer said that they would not desert Springer,
and that if the Mills mon forced Springer from
tho Eight they would go to Crisp at once. re-
gardless OF their personal preferences
WHAT CHECKED The MovEME-r
This, it was claimed, checked the Mills move
ment and il was asserted on Illinois authority
Just before IL o'clock that twelve o: the delega-
ton would stand by Springer for two ballots
and that Forman and Fithian would vote
for Mills the first ballot All the
while, however, the desertion OF most
Of the delegation was looked upon
as inevitable with doubt only as to the time
when it should occur. The Mills men felt that
the key of the situation was in Mr.. Springers
camp and that was what they we're fighting for.
MILLS MEN CONFIDENT.
The Mills people. in expectation of substan-
tial acquisition of strength from Springer, were
very confident, and it was generally conceded
that il their expectations in that direc-
ton were fulfilled the contest would
be close, but the Crisp people never
Thoughts for n moment that they could be
beaten In the event of failure Of the com
binasion tor Mills they expecte, Crisp to be
elected BY large majority. The other candi-
dates we're standing in their OH position OF
waiting Tor n deadlock
moaE ILLINOIS CONFERENCES.
The Illinois delegation held an informal
meeting betoIe II o'clock. and it was reported
that the fear of driving other men 10 Crisp led
them 70 resolve to stand by Springer. Again,
at 80, thew went into conference.
The earnest Springer men say that Springer
will stay in the hight and that they will stand
BY him. but there Is great uncertainty with re-
lation 10 this delegation.
GREAT ANXIETY MANIFEST.
As the hour for the ballo.ing approached 1t
became obvious that the greatest feeling of
confidence on the part Of all the candidates
melted into anxiety.
The intense feeling that has marked the con-
te.. throughout had reached almost an explo-
sive point when the caucus was convened.
The corridors Of the Capitol were crowded
and there was air OF intense excitement per-
vading the place
Villas AND DICKINSON WORKING FOR MILLS.
Mr.. Villas and Mr. Dickiuso.. late of Mr.
Cieveland's cabinet, were very active in the
crowd. doing all they could for Mr.. Mills.
1t was understood that Mr.. Villas would hold
the Wisconsin delegation. but all but one of
the Michigan delegation decided to stand by
Springer as long the Illinois men and then to
60 for Crisp Ii was stated before tie caucus thar
NcAillin would come down ard that his sup
port would divide. giving Crisp slightly The ad-
vantage IL the division
But the great interest continues IN the Tii-
nois delegation, who, it is asserted, hold the
key TO the situation.
PREPARING FOR THE FIsAL STRUGGLE.
At o'clock this afternoon the House end of
the Capitol was comparatively quiet Only q
few members hal put in an appearance in the
chamber, and there WAC but little to indicate that
one Of the greatest struggles for the speakership
was about to take place. shortly after the
hour named the candidates began to arrive and
take Possession Of the rooms. from which their
respective campaigns were directed until
the balloting commenced. Mills was first
in the neld aad very naturally took possession
OF the ways and means apartment. Here the
more prominent and active OF his followers
speedily surrounded him. and into this room a
good many doubtful members were steered for
the purpose Of conversion.
Crisp, NcMiilin, Springer and Hatch were all
on the other side Of the House. Crisp and Nc
Niilin had the two rooms ordinarily occupied
BY the appropriations committee; Springer
was In the apartment which belongs to
the committee On rivers and harbors
while Hatch was in the room OF the committee
on naval affairs All the rooms were crowded
With more or less enthusiastic people, and loco
motion through the corridors was a somewhat
d1fncult proceeding.
NOTES OF THE CONTEST.
Representative Cliff. Breckenridge, one of
Mr. Kills most ardent supporters. did his best
for a while this afternoon 10 show Mr.. Hatch
shs path in which Mr. Mills thinks SIR. Hatch
ought 20 tread while in caucus. Mr. Hatch
could not see II, though
Spr:Lger's a6Lerents could easily be dis
tinguished in the corridor crowds. Nearly all
the more active ones wore bright-colored pinks
~ boutonnieres-
THE Caucus AssEMBLEs.
The caucus was called 20 ordur at 2:l0 by Mr..
holman Of Indiana. chairman of the caucus.
and the work Of organization was begun at
once
WILL STAND BY n aiItIN.
rumor WHICH had been pervading the cor
ridors of the Capitol that Mr.. Mc3Iinin has de-
clared his intention to Withdraw was proven to
be baseless by meeting of his supporters. who,
amid enthusiastic cheers. declared as stated by
Que CT nus admirers) that We Will stand by
GeNIllin ~ the last ditch"
An OPEN BALLOT.
The frs: troubie came with tho question as
TO how the voting should proceed-Ly secret
OF open bsllot-and the Caucus decided to take
an open ballot
The question 20 low the voting should
proceed-by secret OK open ballot--was re-
fsrred to committee rules. consisting of