The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-12-17

Each Member Has a Favorite,
but Unity Prevails in the
Caucus.
Fruit-Growers' Interests to Be Repre-
sented Before the Ways and
Means Committee.

WASHINGTON, D. c., Dec. 16.-The
Republican members of the California
delegation met to-day in the committee
room of Representative Loud to consider
the Endorsement of Californian for ap-
poin tment in President McKinley's
Cabinet. There were present Senator
Perkins and Representatives Loud
Johnson, Bowers, Barham and McLach-
Ian. Senator Perkins was chosen chair
man of the meeting.
1t was the unanimous sentiment of the
delegation that all should unite upon
some one candidate and that harmony
should prevail if California was to receive
this distinction. An informal talk de-
veloped the fact that nearly every one of
the gentlemen had some favorite to
suggest. Among the names proposed
were those of Horace Davis of San Fran
cisco, James a. Waymire of Alameda,
ex-senator Charles N. FELTON, of San
Francisco, Colonel Harrison Gray Otis,
editor of the Los Angeles Times, M. H.
de Young and others. 1t is understood
that the latter was only supported by
Grove Johnson.
The caucus was 8 secret one, held behind
closed doors. The participants declined
to divulge what took place at the meeting,
but it is understood that Senator Perkins
had kind word to say for nearly all of
the distinguished Californians and espe-
cially of his friend Waymire. Repre-
sentative Loud championed the cause of
ex-senator FELTON,, with whom he was
associated in Congress. Representatives
Bowers and McLachlan thought that the
southern section of the State should be
recognized. Mr.. Barham supported Judge
DeHaven of Santa Rosa.
After an informal talk around the table
only the names of Davis, Feiton, Waymire
and De Young were considered. No
formal ballots were taken, according to
one of the members of the delegation, and
it soon became apparent that the senti-
ment was about evenly divided between
Horace Davis and Mr.. FELTON,, the result
being that the former received the in
dorsement of the delegation, before which
Mr.. Loud withdrew the name of Mr.. De
Young, Johnson stating that he would
support De Young to the end. Mr.. Loud
thereupon said that he had authority from
Mr.. De Young to withdraw his name.
One member of the delegation present
at the meeting to-day said to the CALL
correspondent that Mr.. Davis was selected
as the choice of the delegation because he
was the only one of all the Californians
mentioned who had achieved reputation
which would entitle him to place in the
Cabinet.
All of the members united in eulogy of
Mr.. Davis, who had served two terms in
Congress and who has been president Of
the State University of California.
Mr.. Johnson said: HE is man who
represents no factions in the party. but
whose appointment would tend to con-
ciliate all Republicans of California and
would bring the party together. His
education peculiarly fits him for Cabinet
position. and while he is not a million
aire he mas worldly goods enough to enter
tain in style.
Mr.. Loud said he believed the indorse-
ment of Mr.. Davis would be very satis-
factory to San Francisco and to all Cali
fornia.
Representative Barham approved the