The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1896-01-25
THE REPUBLICAN CAUCUS.
DR.. BRINE Has Conscience-Speak
er Mudd and Senator Day
Lock Horns.

The second caucus of the Republican mem
beers of the Legislature TO select candidate
for United States Senator was held Tuesday
night The caucus voted 40 for Wellington,
81 for Goldsborough, for Westcott and 2 for
Dixon. Before the ballot was announced
there were number of changes, and the re-
suit as announced was Wellington go, Colds
borough IS:
When the caucus was ready for business
Speaker Mudd started breeze, by offering
resolution, binding all present to abide by the
action Of the caucus.
Senator Randall offered an amendment to
the resolution providing that any member
whose conscience would prevent him from
abiding by the caucus action should be allowed
to rise in his seat, so state and then be relieved
from the binding effect of the action of this
meeting.
In supporting the resolution Senator Ran
dali said he knew there were number of
members present who had scruples against
voting for Western Shoreman, inasmuch as
their oath of office bound them to support the
constitution and laws of the State, of which
the Eastern Shore law was one. This caucus,
he continued, was different from any other in
his knowledge, as here constitutional ques
ton has been raised, and as a lawyer he him
self had doubts on the matter.
This brought Speaker Mudd to his feet and
he entered a vigorous protest against any
amendment to his original resolution. He
said SIT is an outrage to attempt to pass this
amendment. Any one with ordinary COM
prehension could understand why the Senator
from Anne Arundel was dragging constitu-
tional question into this caucus, which was
called for the settlement of political differ
ences, aud by doing so trying to escape the
binding effect of caucus action. 1t we are
not to be bound by the action of this body,
how are we TO know that our selection will be
supported, though he may be chosen by a
majority of this body. The resolution is
proper and should stand. If any man feels
that his conscience viii be violated suggest
that he retire at once"
Delegate Birney, of Carroll, supported the
amendment, He said this caucus should not
be placed on parity with ordinary gather
ings of this kind, which meet only to select
party preferences for certain position.
Here an issue was raised, and there was fear
that its action might be contrary to the con-
science of many. The Eastern Shore law, he
said, had been on the statute books since
1909, and had always been observed.
SIS there any one," he continued, "who
would not advise us to hesitate before over
riding statute of this long standing in the
first thirty days of our incumbency in power.
/, for one, do not intend to be driven against
the dictates of my conscience, and | serve
notice that if you attempt to do this you can
select Senator without my assistance, and
with you will rest the responsibility"
Speaker Mudd then withdrew his resolu-
ton, amid shouts for roll-call. The call
was at once proceeded with. The first name
called was Senator Day, of Howard, who
said he wished to explain his vote. He said
81 have scruples against ignoring this law and
have from the first to the last supported son
of the Eastern Shore" Then, advancing
toward Speaker Mudd, shaking his finger in
Mr.. Mudd's direction, he continued: "But,
if the Speaker of this House, who only this
morning voted for Mr.. Goldsborough, can
change, | cannot"
Speaker Mudd then jumped up and ad-
vancing toward Senator Day said he did not
propose to have his actions made personal
matter in the caucus.
''If anything of that kind is meant he
shouted at Senator Day, 81 will call on you
for settlement" The scene at this point
was one of excitement, and many looked for
trouble to follow.
Senator Day disclaimed anything personal,
but said he was only explaining why he did
not intend to change He then voted for
Goldsborough and the ineipient riot was
checked. The roll then proceeded, with ex-
plantations from many who changed and from
many who adhered to original favorites.