The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-03-01
DIR. HUNTER RETIRES
WITHDRAws FROM THE RACE FOR
THE KENTUCKY sENATORsBIP.
Democrats Cast Sixty-One Votes for
Blackburn, but Republicans Scat
ter Their Ballots.

FRANKFORT. KY, Feb. 29-The fact
that there were a number OF absentees at
the Republican caucus last night made 1t
certain that, although the caucus decided
to stand by the nominee, he would fail to
get the full party vote. The absentees in
cluded Senator Landes, who sprung the
sensation yesterday in regard to the agree
ment signed by DIR. Hunter. Senator Landes,
as we'll as several others, are said to have
expressed the determination not to vote for
DR.. Hunter. Perhaps the biggest crowd Of
the session saw the joint assembly ballot
for Senator to-day. The call OF the roll
showed 100 members present; necessary to
a choice, &C., 1t was stated that Senator
Blackburn's friends intended to force the
balloting and try TO elect that candidate.
At the conclusion Of the roll call Repre-
sentative Lyons arose and read communi-
cation from DIR. Hunter. in which he with
drew from the race. He said, among other
things. that. az the session was dra wing
to close. he would absolve the members
Of his party from their pledge to vote for
him as the caucus nominee. The communica-
ton, which was addressed ITO the Repub-
licans OF the joint Assembly" follows:
"Honored by a nomination at your hands
days struggled to carry your banner to VIC
tory. Yet. as you all know, from the very
start, unfortunate complications have pre-
to close. and. although last night your
caucus unanimously agreed 10 stand by me,
feel that the same complications exist. and
prevent the election of a Republican Sem
ator and, having at heart the success OF the
party for whose t triumph 9Sst have 9sd
loyal Republican TO absolve you from your
caucus nomination In order that you may
Tnted staes wen yoa ase made
your selection, assure you that your choice
shall have my cordial support. 1 return you
your banner unstained;
The withdrawal, which caused sensation,
was taken to mean that DR.. Hunter
realized that further assertions would oc-
cur. and that. rather than prolong the
until he was forced. The Blackburn people
were smiling. They voted for their nominee
with enthusiasm. The joint ballot developed
the fact that no one as yet had been de-
cided on by the Republicans as a unit, al
though tonight caucus will be held and
some one nominated.
Because of the number Of candidates the
announcement Of the result of the ballot
was delayed fer some time, although it
was known at once that there had been no
election The ballot resulted: Blackburn
81; Bennett, 4: Burnam, 6; S. II. Stone, s.;
Deboe, Z; Holt, 8; Finley. z; Pratt, 2; Diche
1; Hunter, 4; Worthington, 2; Blanford, g.:
Buckner, b; carlisle, 1, tarlelgn, i; rest
scattering. The joint assembly then ad-
journed.
In the House Mr.. Thorne tried to sidetrack
the Werner-Tompkins contest by suspend
ing the rules, this case being the order of
business. His motion was lost, nearly all
the Democrats voting mo-" Debate on the
contest case continued until cut off by the
joint ballot
The name of Governor Bradley has been
mentioned in connection with the Republican
nomination for Senator. 1t is said that he
would not refuse a nomination IL offered DR..
Hunter left Frankfort tonight for Wash
sr,cfn