The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1893-01-13

THE SENATORIAL CONTEST.


THE SENATORIAL CONTEST.
T~wenty-seven democratic members OF
the legislative assembly who hold the
good Of the party paramount to per-
sonal ambition-more than three
fourths OF the democratic senators and
representatives, we are glad to say-met
in caucus last night and named the
Hon. w. A. Clark as their choice for
United States senator. The caucus had
been duly called by a majority of the
members in accordance with the time
honored usages Of the party everywhere,
the procedure was in the form always
observed in party organizations, and the
action of the caucus is binding upon
every democratic member who believes
in the foundation principle of our gov
eminent that majorities must rule and
minorities acquiesce.
We understand that eight or nine
members, a majority the supporters
Of Mr.. Dixon, and the others adherents
of hopeful aspirants in the background,
refused to sign the call or attend the
caucus. Their reasons for such action,
at a time when the gravest peril con-
fronts the party, are not stated. We
cannot believe that these gentlemen
have set out to defeat the party, or that
they ssume that thirty men must set
aside their own judgment and obey the
dictates of five or six. We hope and be-
lieve that when the balloting begins to-
day every democratic member will be
found in his place ready to vote for MI.
Clark, who was fairly chosen by a ma
jority of a regularly constituted caucus.
Calm reflection will reveal to them the
folly and the danger of pursuing any
other course in the present crisis.
II any member has been listening to
the soft and seductive hinnying of i'm
possible dark horses let him leave those
impatient animals in their stalls. They
are buoking bronchos, Of whom it is we'll
to beware. There are two or three dark
horses-shadowy candidates they are
who have had much to do with making
the present situation as bad as it is, and
they should be dropped in the rear in
the future.
Men who have won party honors
through party loyalty and who seek
to defeat regular forms OF party pro-
cedure are guilty of base ingratltude, if
of nothing worse. We shall have some
thing more to say OF this subject later.
AS to the course pursued by Con.
gresham Dixon and MI. DAILY in asking
their friends not to go into caucus, We
shall be able to speak more fully when
we have heard the reasons which they
will doubtless be able to give for theil
action. At this writing it seems to us
they have made a grave error of judg.
ment which we fear may cost the party
dear.
In an interview with Gov. Haul
ser, which we publish in another col.
umn, that gentleman clearly states the
reasons which actuated him in with
drawing his name before the caucus
He was nexl to Mr.. Clark in the mum
Der OF his supporters in the legislator,
and might have O the nomination
perhaps, by keeping up a protractet
triangular contest such as was threat
ened. But the perilous situation of tn
party, its slender hold on power and hi
sense Of loyalty to democracy impelle,
him to put forth every effort to brin,
the party into the contest will
united front. His attempts t,
bring about a caucus Of all tn
members failing, he would not consen
that personal ambition should stand TO
n moment in the way of party success
For his patriotic course he deserves tn
thanks end gratitude Of every true dem
ocrat.
To-day, everybody for William A
Clark!