The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1895-07-25
THE DELEGATE FROM WYOMING.
From the Philadelphia Press.

Some of the tactics pursued by Sena.
tor Quay's representatives In Wyoming
county are of a nature to reflect no
credit upon them; 1t Is. In fact. not un-
likely that they will result to their mis-
fortune. One incident Is Of very gen.
eral interest. as the question raised by
1t may reach the state convention for
determination, and there can be but one
way to determine 1t justly. As far
back as last January. when 1t was nec-
essary for the Republicans Of Wyoming
to hold a county convention to nom-
mate a candidate to fill congress
sional vacancy In the Fifteenth district.
1t was concluded-as was perfectly
proper under the party rules-to elect
delegate to the coming state conven-
ton at the same time. r. p. Northrup
was elected such delegate. although he
had not sought the honor and there had
been two other candidates. The result
was entirely satisfactory to the Repub-
Means Of the county. The Quay sup
porters in Wyoming knew at the time
that Mr.. Northrup was an anti-Quay
man, but Senator Quay had not then
started his war on the governor. and
they were not much concerned about
the delegate.
They have acquired some interest
since, however. and are taking indecent
advantage Of the fact that Mr.. North
rup had neglected to get his credentials
signed by the officers of the convention.
These officers all lived outside the
county seat and 1t was not convenient
for him to see them until a short time
ago. The president of the convention
did not hesitate a moment to perform
his obvious duty in signing Mr.. North
rup's credentials. but the secretary, F.
I. Wheelock. refused to put his sigma
ture to them for no other reason than
that Mr.. Northrup would not support
Senator Quay In the convention. This
is most extraordinary position for
a mere secretary Of a convention to
take. Mr.. Wheelock is very naturally
called upon by Republicans Of Wyo-
ming county to explain by what right
the man who accepts the place OF Sec
retary Of a convention refuses to per-
form one of its simple duties. There
was no agreement when this secretary
was chosen that ne should sign the
credentials II the delegate was Quay
man but refuse to sign them II he was
an anti-Quay man. The plain fact Is
that the secretary was elected to per-
form mere clerical duty and not to at
tempt to bully the delegate elected. We
should judge that Mr.. Wheelock has
made an unfortunate mistake as to
the functions of secretary.
What does he expect to accomplish by
such petty behavior? 1t would be pre-
posterous for him to suppose that he
can either drive Mr.. Northrup into
change Of position or deprive him of the
seat In the convention to which he is
entitled by regular and undisputed
election. No Republican state conven-
tion. no matter by whom controlled,
could afford to assume responsibility
for such an injustice to the whole party
as the refusal of Mr.. Northrup his seat
would be. There need be no fear of
that. With the undisputed facts OF his
election and the signature Of the presi-
dent of the convention to his certificate,
Mr.. Northrup will get the seat to which
he Is Justly entitled. Nor will any such
tactics as have been attempted have an
influence In inducing Mr.. Northrup to
change his position. He Is not the sort
OF man to be trifled with In that way.
He has opinions and Judgment Of his
own and the courage to stand by them.