The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1895-01-15
NKEnY W ANTS A REAL CAUCUS,
No Candidate Is Sure of . Majority Of
Republican Votes.
But Ankeny Has Nearly Enough to
Carry the Caucus-Alen Has Ten
Votes-George Turner. Twice Beaten.
In the Field Again-Ankeny's Dixni-
Eed rcsition.

practically accomplished, the way is
cleared for the senatorial campaign. and
1T has set In IN dead earnest. Two calls
have been issued. one circulated by
Senator Ide and calling for a caucus CT
Republicans 10 be binding only If s. sign,
the majority to rule. and u roll call in
alphabetical order TO be made for choice
of senators. TO this Senator Dorr OBJ
5ects. He says he Is willing to so into
caucus on condition that IL shall take
Il votes. majority Of - the Repubii-
cans to nominate. He says that under
this call % could bind the rest. The other
call is circulated by Senator Sergeant.
and summon all Republicans 10 meet
and decide whether a caucus on senator
shah be had, and under what rules 1t
shall proceed.
Wilson today issued an open letter. as
follows: ITO All Candidates for United
States Senator: The citizens of this state.
as We'll as their representatives in the
legislature, demand a speedy election of
a United States senator. in order 10 give
time for due and careful consideration of
important legislative matters affecting
the interests ana welfare of the people.
In view OF this general desire 10 settle
the senatorial question at once. 1 ask YOU
TO join me in a request TO the Republic
cans of the legislature to meet in open
caucus and by vote upon roll cali sieter-
mine by majority vote who shall be the
nominee of the Republican party. Very
respectfully. JOHN L. WILSON"
Shortly after the foregoing letter ap-
peared in the local evening paper. Ice.
Wilson's chief. manager, began to circu-
f.t1. fysfto rtv, ,Ycr rlx
for caucus: This call not binding TN
less signed by fifty-seven or more. We.
the undersigned. Republican members OF
the legislature, agree TO participate in
and be bound by caucus to be held
Tuesday evening. January Is. 1894. at the
Hotel Olympia. for the purpose OF nomi-
mating candidate for United States
senator. all votessto be taken by alpha
betical roll cali by viva voce vote"
Up to a late hour tonight only about
twenty members had signed this unique
call.
Meanwhile as soon as the Ankcny fore
es learned or Wilson's open letter to the
candidates. they promptly called his rat-
ent bluff and began the circulation of
the following call: I'VE, the undersigned
members of the present legislature, would
most respectfully request all Republicans
OF said legislature to meet In caucus In
the representative chamber OF the capitol
building, Wednesday evening January
is, 1895, at the hour of o'clock. for the
purpose OF determining the wishes of
the Republicans as to- whether a caucus
shall be held for the nomination of a
United States senator, and it at that
time II shall be deemed advisable form
al call shall be issued at said meeting
for n Republican caucus to name can
didate for the office of United States
senator, naming the time and place for
holding the same"
John Il. Allen and George Turner are
here, and their friends are endeavoring
to press their claims. While each has a
few followers, their presence has served
10 revive old anfmostties and prevent an
early settlement of the question. So far
as can be learned where there is so much
reticence. the assured vote OF each cam
didate is:
Ankefly ...............-,........
wilson ....,........-...-.......- .ES
Alien .,.......-..........-....-
AcMlsIlH .........-.......-.........
Shaw ............................
BeihnAp ......-...................
Some of the Wilson men are for Jones
for Aukeny In preference 10 Allen, and
two counted FOR Allen will vote for An
keny IL it becomes a choice between him
and Wilson The Wilson people are
keeping up their Doodle" cry, and threat
ening members that they cannot vote
for Ankeny without arcusing suspicion
that they are corrupt. Nothing could be
more unjust. Mr.. Ankeny has taken
a most decided position aud de-
ciarcd that under no temptation will
he attempt to secure election by
corrupt means. He has assured members
that while te dsriTes 20 the honor. ne
is willing TO be defeated IL he cannot be
elected by honorable methods. He has
held to the determination 30 ask no man
TO vote for hsn, while Wilson iS coaxiug
and threatening alternately and has no
corupnnctfon about even en,reating
members to pledge their support. lie re-
celyed a decided setback tonight when one
OF the most honorabie members Of the
lower house told him positively he could
not vote for HIM.