The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-09-20
A Chat With Hon. William H. CIag-
gett, Who Hopes to Repre-
sent Idaho.
Ho Will Ask the United States
Senate to Give Him q
Seat.
An Old BIontnnian who Will Soon Be in
the Thr0es OF q Senatorial
a~ Struggle.

can be found for whom Montanians have
greater esteem or in whose future they are
moro interested than Hon. William H,
Claggett, Of Idaho. His presence in this
city during the visit Of tho Ceur d'Aleners
therefore attracted much attention, par
ticularly from those old-timers who knew
him so we'll years ago when he was power
in Montana politics. He was most cor
daily greeted by all old friends and many
new ones. Mr.. Claggett's mustache, goatee
and hair are snowy white and his form is
slightly bent, but these are the only signs
of age. His eyes have the sparkle of youth,
his cheeks have a healthy tinge and his
conversation is as bright and animated as
when he was known years ago as the silver
tongued orator of Montana.
His visit to this city is purely one Of
pleasure. He came down with his neigh
bors to accept of Helena's warmly ex-
tended hospitality, but he was more fortu-
nate than others in having many old friends
to visit. Mr.. Claggett represented Mon.
tana in congress for one term. beginning in
1871, when he defeated Warren Toole. This
was his only experience in congress, though
he expects to be seated as United States
senator from Idaho next winter. II am
glad indeed to come to Helena" he said
last evening. II know 30 many old Mon
tanians who live here that it is really a
pleasure to greet them in this beautiful
city. 1 think I have fully as many friends
in Montana as in Idaho, although the latter
state has been my home for some years.
Idaho is great state. believe that she
will become the greatest Of ali western
states except California, because Of the
supposed that the quartz mines of Idaho
had no permanency, but this has
been proven different. New discover
les are frequently made, and
yet the surface of the
country has not yet been scratched over.
In the Coeur d'Alene region are seven sep
arate mineral belts, all very rich. Besides
mining We have great agricultural re-
sources. The valleys are all very product
i've, and may say that We have nearly all
| varieties of climate. You sec Idaho ex-
tends from the British line almost half way
to Mexico. Near Boise and along the
| Snake river valley the climate favors the
raising of all fruits. The apples are said to
be finer than any raised west of the Missis-
| slppl TlVer' not excepting ouose ~ ofoeon.
$50 you want to know something about
Idaho politics. Yes, am after seat in the
United States senate, but not as contest
| ant. I find there is a mistaken notion OF
the situation in some places. Mr.. Du Bois
is not United States senator, because his
credentials have not yet been received, nor
has he been sworn in. His credentials have
States statute he is drawing salary ae
a United States senator. but his name
is not on the roll. My credentials were
presented after his. When congress meets
in December we will both appear to take the
the seat. What the senate will do is OF
course unknown: ! antlclpate the matter
will be referred to the committee on prlvl-
leges and elections and then the case will
be argued at full length. It is case which
will be decided on purely legal ground. The
question first to be decided is whether the
election of Mr.. Dubois is nullity. / be-
lieve it ia. Mcconnell and Shoupe were
elected under the provisions Of special
one week before the time required by law
Now, then, by concurrent resolution OF
| both houses, it was decided that a new elec.
ton must be held in place of this alleged
election, and I was the choice by vote ol
2S out of "a, a majority of one. l received
eight out OF ten democratic votes. me cass
involves legal points the discussion of whlct
would take a long time. have prepared {
printed statement OF the case and will have
my brief in full ready before long
The campaign developed many personali
ties and good deal of political trickery. il
seated will represent the people of Idaho
and work for the interests of the state al
best can.
II think the next congress will pass {
bill limiting the coinage of silver to The
product of American mines, and l believe
this will be signed by President Harrison
| Mr.. Claggett will remain in town severa
days visiting his old friends before return.
ing to his home at Osborn, Idaho, which il
about four miles from Wallace. He Liver
at Osborn because there is plenty Of goot
healthy sunshine there. Mr.. Claggett'
health has not been the best at times ant
he has lived in several different towns, in
Guiding Denver. Deadwood Butte and Port
land. He finds Osborn the healthiest of all
He is a great believer in the sun-cure ant
is in the habit of taking daily sun bnth
He lived for some years under the darl
shadow of mountain and he says he fel
like a potato vine growing in cellar. Iii
health now is robust and he seems in goo.
shape for n long contest.