Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1893-11-08
ALDERMEN IN A RIOT.
DiSgraCefuI SC3n9 in the Chamber of the
Chicago Common Council.


day when the aldermen met to elect q
successor to the murdered mayor, Car
ter H. Harrison. Rivalry for the chair
manship of the meeting was so intense
that number of fist fights began in the
Council chamber 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 Democrat. Added to this there
has been a fierce factional quarrel
among the Republicans, the followers
of Aid. George II. Swift, who beat
Republican mayoralty nomination,
of Indecent haste to force Swift
into office. The control of ad-
ministration patronage and prestige in
the coming election November has
added fuel to the fire. A large number
ofiudges are to be elected and extraor-
ordinary interest attaches to the result
owing to the contest being made by
Gov. Atgeld's friends against Judge Gary
who presided at the trial of the Hay
market Anarchists.
Aid McCillen, Democrat, and Hep
burn, a Republican, were nominated
for chairman Of to-day's meeting of the
Council, and at the call of the roll the
clerk announced that McGillen was
elected. He rushed to the Speaker
chair and seized the gavel. Bedlam fol-
lowed. Amid turmoil and shouts Aid.
Hepburn, who is an adherent of the
fwadden Republican faction, mounted
to the Speakers chair and the clerk
10, 4~l - HI
Both aldermen claimed the election and
each called for the reading of different
resolutions. Hepburn, the Republican,
insisted that resolution by Aid. Mad
den be heard, and the latter began to
read, while the clerk read Democratic
resolution. Madden handed his resolu-
ton to Hepburn and the clerk jumped
upon Hepburn, seized the resolution
and tore it to shreds.
In an instant Aid Swift, the Repub-
ican candidate for mayor, had ran to
the Speakers desk, leaped oyer the rail
and alighted on Clerk Neumister' back.
The Democrats pushed to the front.
Aid. Carey threw off his coat and leaped
at Hepburn's throat Both sides ran to
the aid Of their men.
''Police police - was the call.
Officers ran in and tried to eject Hep
burn. They also grappled with Carey
and made him put on his coat.
For Gods sak Ike, act like men =,
shouted Aid. Campbell from the top of
his desk
Aid Swift, who is Republican,
rushed to the Speakers desk and shook
hands with Aid. McGillen, Il Democrat.
Police Inspector Ross stood behind
them.
Take your seats,' ordered Aid. Nc
GiIlen, zone at a time: The chair will
recognize you in time"
81 demand to be heard" said Aid.
Hepburn.
Tproar followed. Excited cries rang
from every part of the chamber. The
police were kept busy stopping scufhes.
Finally Aid. Swift secured the floor.
Il recognize you as chairman" he
said, addressing McGillen. Il ask my
friends to do SO. | will put it to a
vote"
mo! no! no vote" went up the cries.
81 am chairman" answered McGillen.
81 am not man addicted to unfair
ness. will treat you right"
what and a resolution was put through
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 ECouncil.
This was partial triumph for the Mad
den Republicans; but the Craftsmanship
Of the Council goes to the Democrats,
who as a result of the Swift Repub-
leans help to-day are in alliance with
Swift and he may ultimately triumph.
After the vote the Republican mem
bers left the Council chamber, but the
Democrats feared to leave as they were
afraid that the opposition would return
and With its quorum and maiority-335
votes-elect temporary mayor. After
an absence Of an hour the Republicans
returned and the session was regularly
adjourned. Counsel was called in but
was unable to decide whether or not
Swift had been elected.
Later in the session Aid. Madden
presented a resolution providing for
the selection by to-day's session of a
introduced similar resolution,
and in the attempted discussion
which followed another disgraceful
scene Of disorder ensued. The police
were called ups1 to restore order and
the bowling aldermen were forced to
take their seats. Trips resolution was
finally passed. and Swift was placed in
nomination by the Republicans, while
McGillen was nominated by the Demo
Gratis for mayor pro tenn. The balloting
resulted in "a votes for Swift, 33 for
McGillen and 1 blank, and the chair
ruled mo election" The excitement
in the corridors outside the Council
chamber was intense during the row.
Special details Of officers were called
and with difficulty handled the crowd
which wildly surged back and forth in
an endeavor to gain entrance to the