The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1893-01-10
THE sPEAKERsHIp BALLOTS

olympia, Jan. Especial. AFTER a contest
iasting two hours and requiring fifteen ballots
TO end IL, J. ". Arrasmish. of Whitman A pro-
nonneed supporter OF John B. Allen, has
oeeh elected speaker of the house. This
resuit WAS brought about by the grace
Oh democratic votes and mastsrly movement
st the right time on the part OF the Hoole man
ayers. The situation alter the first few ballots
had all the symptoms OF deadlock
aAo 10 all appearances the struggle was q
most obstinate one. The Men,zer men absented
themselves from the house Republican caucus
ara they entered upon the fight in the house
Itself, with the claim that it would soon be
ended by a stampede of Populists and Democrats
10 their candidate On the second ballot one
fopulist, Collins of Spokane did 60 to
Mentzer under pressure OF Turner influence.
but he remained the solitary third party con-
sert The prediction that Democratic votes
would bring the conflict to a finish proved
genuine prophecy, but when the change
came they did not go in the direction that
the Mentzer lieutenants claimed they would
when they promised success to Republicans to
induce them TO remain out of their party eau.
Gus. The Democrats had held a csucus in tha
morning. at which the speakership situation
was considered and proposition to decide
the contest by supporting some acceptable Re
pablican, was favorably discussed. Mr. ARA
smith was considered the most desirable man
III the Republican list, and it was decided to
offer to support him when the Hoole men
should become willing to withdraw their candi-
GATE and give their votes TO Arrasmith.
though the most absorbing interest was man.
rested In the bailoting BY the participants in
.ne contest and by the spectators who
packed the lobby, there was Iitti. ex-
citement The close arrangement OF desks and
seats to make room for all the mem bcrs for bids
Tree movement through the hall, and
she members sat In most orderly array
through bailot after basios, each o:
Rar. r.rshl xs,s,
an aspect OF grim invinc. bility. Prominent
men OF the state, drawn hers by the
pending senatorial campaign, moved along
the rear line Of members, tender
ing suggestions to the representatives
near the bar, or sending to the more distant
hghters. Judge Turner commanded the Ment-
Ger forces in person. and ii is generally believed
tonight that when Mentz-r failed of the sneak
ershlp Turner's candidacy became hopeless
In estimating the force OF the defeat OF the
Turner contingent in the light of today it should
be borne in mind that number of those who
voted Tor Mentzsr are among Senator Aliens
warm supporters. and that only traction OF
the number of votes given to the Thurstou
county man came from Turner representatives
As a matter of TACT, even Mentzer himself has
given the Turner people no assurance that he
Will vote against Allen.
While the thirteenth ballot was being taken
word was sent TO the Hooe men that the Demo-
Gratis were tired OF the fight aud were
no" ready TO go 70 Arrasmitn
Mr. Hoo!e readily agreed TO yield
his claim aud the signal for the coming
break was given when Judson. who had been
Burton with his vote, now named
the dark horse. Mr. Hoole had al
ready voted, but on the completion of the roll
call he rose from lis seat ana brough ht on the
crisis withdrawing from the race, he changed
his vote 10 Arrasmith. But for Il ruling OF the
chair Ia.
Arrasmith would have been forth with elected
speaker, men rose 10 their feet all over the
hall 10 make this ballot the last The Hoole
men ana the Democrats made ARA
smiths election an easy matter on the next
ba lot, and the defeated candidates formed a
triumphant procession to conduct the new
speaker TO the chair. He created an excellent
impression by his bearing assuming the
chair and by his little speech of acceptance
The election of Mr. Arrasmth is an rInuues-
toned victory for the Allen men. His position
on the senatorial question is well under
stood by those who elected him. aud he
showed his devotion 10 true Republicanism by
Claims are being made tonight that
deadlock will result over the senator
chip. aud that the Democrats will have
the same decisive voice III the settlement of that
that they Lad today i'll the organization con-
test, but the Alien men have no lear that any
condition of things will arise that win render
the deieat Of the senator possible.
The senate Republicans, after meeting in
caucus this morning. invited the Democratic
senators TO ioin with them and the latter
accepted, with the result that the upper
house starts out most harmoaiously. The chief
fight in the caucus over the senate secre-
farysa:p, the vote standing Allen Weir L., " E
Reed II, ". X Esiug s The organization to-
day makes It certain that the inauguration Will
.ay,.~