The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1897-01-23

COLUMBUS. Ohio. Jan. 22.-rhe spa
clous lobby OF the Hotel chittenden
was crowded this afternoon and even
Ing by members OF the general assem-
bly,, state officials and politicians, and
the all-absorb!ns topic was the senior
Ohio senatorship. a stranger would
have thought senatorial caucus was
about to be held instead OF a legisla-
tive reunion. About ninety members
Of both houses Of the legislature came
to attend the reunion and most OF
them were attracted wholly by the
talk about the senatorship. 1t was an
utter impossibility to get poll OF the
members upon their preference in
event OF a special session to elect a
successor to Senator Sherman.
Not over q half dozen would even
say they had a preference. The drift
OF sentiment, however, was against the
calling Of a special session, and in IA
vor OF the appointment OF Hon. Mark
Hanna TO succeed Senator Sherman.
This proved to be quite surprise 20
the friends OF Governor Bushnell, who
have maintained that Mr.. Hanno would
not be appointed. InaEmuch as the leg
stature 10 friendly &C Governor Bush
hell, It was presumed that II would not
look favorably upon AIr Hanna But
there were points upon which they had
not reckoned. Many OF the members
want to be made postmasteFs under the
Mckinley administration and as mat
ter OF policy. If nothing more, they are
friendly 10 AIR. Hanna.
The chairman of the national COM
nIittee arrived from Cleveland about 2
o'clock In the afternoon, accompanied
by Major Dick, and as soon as his ar
rival became known q string of callers
passed In and out OF his rooms. Mr..
Hanna maintained that he had not
come here In the interests OF his can
didacy for United States senator, but
that he was merely the invited guest
Of the members OF the general assem-
big. He was greatly annoyed by the
construction placed upon his visit. Ex-
Governor Foster. who was expected 10
be here, failed TO put in an appear
ance and it was rumored that he had
given up the idea OF becoming candi-
date for the senatorship.
The Banquet.
Itw as 10 o'clock before the msneers
q the general assembly and their guests
were seated at the banquet tables in the
dining-roorn OF the Chittenden tonight.
The tables were arranged in the form OF
the figures ~, and contained covers
for 200. about half OF whom were state
officials and guests OF the members.
Mr. Hanna was among the first to en-
ter the room. His entrance was unher-
aided. and It was a moment before the
crowd caught on and started to applaud.
A few moments later Governor Bushnell
entered and he was given royal well
come.
Governor Bushnell, the postmaster
for the evening. was seated in the center
OF the west table. After all the guests
had been seated they were greatly pleas
ed at tho electric display which followed
The room was darkened. and then
''Wclcome I'D" shone forth from the
ceiling. Then q beautiful American nag
In the red, white and blue came out Of
th, darkness. eliciting round OF ap-
plause.
II was Just midnight when Speaker
Sleeper introduced Governor Bushnell.
4 loud buzz of applause followed, last
ing several minutes. The governor
then congratulated those present upon
the fact that there were so many mem
be-s OF the legislature present aud
that no deaths had occurred since the
body was elected. The governor told
several good stories apropos TO the oc-
caslon, and called out hearty laugh
by stating that he was thankful he did
not have legislature on his hands.
Lfeutenant- Governor a. W. Jones re-
sponded TO the toast. The Seventy-sec-
ond General Assembly" the sentiment
being the evil that men do live after
them
AdJutant- General Axline responded
10 the toast. The Ohio Soldlery Cour-
ageou5 In War; law-abiding in Peace,
ever Loyal"
Governor Bushnelrs introduction OF
hon. NJ. A. Hanna was a very happy
one. the toast being "Ohio, the Mother
OF Presidents"
When Mr. Hanna arose, he was given
an ovation. He began by stating that
he accepted the Invitation 10 attend
the banquet on the condition that he
was not to be called upon TO make a
response. He had been caught una
wares. but could not refrain from add
ing his testimony 20 the sterling worth
OF the present LEGISLATURE. Ohio was
great state She had great natural re-
sources and her sons took advantage
OF them.
The country called presidents from
different sections, but after Few trials
always came back 70 Ohio for leader
when any great crisis confronted II.