Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1893-11-05
DTSGRACEFUL SCENES
In the Chicago Council Chamber over
the selection OF n successor TO the
Dead Mayor.

In the Chicago Council Chamber Over
the selection OF y successor TO the
Dead Mayor
CHICAGO, November "A disgrace
full scene occurred in the council
chamber to-day when the Aldermen
met TO elect successor TO the murder
cd Mayor, Hon. Carter II. Harrison.
Rivalry for the Craftsmanship OF the
meeting was so intense that a Eumber
Of fist fights began in the council cham
Der almost Immediately when the
session opened. The council is
almost evenly divided politically,
the Republicans having a slight
majority, while the dead ex-Mayor was
a Democrat. Added to this, there has
been a fierce factional quarrel among
the Republicans, the followers Of AL
derman George B. Swift, who beat AL
derman Martin B. Madden for the Re-
publican Mayoralty nomination, being
accused by the Madden men OF "inde-
cent haste" 20 force Swift into office.
The control Of administration patron
age and prestige in the comingelection,
November 9TH, has added fuel to the
be elected and extraordinary interest
attaches TO the result owing TO the con-
test being made by Gov. Altgeld's
friends against Judge Gary, who pre-
sided at the trial Of the Haymsrket An
archists.
Aldermen McGillen (Dem.) and Hep
burn (Rep) were nominated for chair
man OF to-day'S meeting OF the Council,
and at the call of the roll the clerk an
nounced that McGillen was elected.
He rushed to the speakers chair and
seized the gavsl. Bedlam followed.
Amid the turmoil and shouts, Hepburn,
who was an adherent OF the Madden
rep faction, mounted to the speakers
chair and the clerk attempted to throw
him out. Both Aldermen claimed the
election, aud each called for the read
ing OF different resolutions.
Hepburn, the Republican, insisted
that resolution by Alderman Madden
be heard and the latter began to read.
While the clerk was reading a Demo-
cratic resolution Madden handed his
resolution to Hepburn and the clerk
jumped upon Hepburn, seized the reso-
luton and tore ii to shreds. In an in
slant Alexander Swift, the Republican
candidate for Mayor, had run TO the
Speakers desk, leaped over the rails
aud alighted on Clerk Neumester's
back. The Democrats rushed TO the
front, Alderman Carey threw of his
coat and leaped at Hepburn's throat.
Both sides ran to the aid Of their men.
police, police" was the call Of
ficers ran in and tried TO eject Hepburn.
They also giappIed with Carey and
mode him put on his coat. For Gods
sake act like men," shouted Alderman
Campbell from the top of his desk. AL
derman Swift, Republican. rushed to
the Speakers desk and shook hands
with Alderman McGillen, Democrat.
Police Inspector Ross stood behind
them.
Take your seats" shouted Alderman
McGillen, lone at time. The chair
will recognize you in turn
81 demand to be heard" said Alder
man Hepburn.
Uproar followed. Excited cries rang
from every part Of the chamber. The
police were kept busy stopping scuf-
fies.
Finally Alderman Swift got the floor.
''I recognize you as Chairman" he
said, addressing McGillen. II ask my
friends to do so. l will put it to a
vote"
NO" No." "No vote, went up the
cries.
81 am chairman" answered McGil-
len. 81 am a man not addicted to un-
fairness, will treat you right"
The meeting then quieted down some
what and a resolution was put through
providing for a special election to be
held the third Tuesday Of the present
month, thus ending the attempt TO
elect the dead Mayors successor at to-
days special meeting Of the council.
This was 3 partial triumph for the
Madden Republicans. but the chair
manShip of the council goes to the
Democrats who, as a result Of the Swift
Republicans help to-day, are in alliance
with Swift, and he may ultimately
triumph.
Shortly 1fter a vote was taken on
Deputy Mayor to act till after election,
Swift had "a votes TO 33, and one blank.
Chairman McGinen refused to declare
Swift elected, and the Republican Al
dermen withdrew to the anteroom OF
the Council Chamber, where they pro-
ceeded Immediately 10 cwear in Swift
as Mayor. County Clerk Wolff admin
istered the oath, which was drawn up
and attested.
The matter will now rest until the
regular meeting Of the Council on Mon