The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1897-02-19
A SECRET CONFERENCE.
Thirty-one Were Present, But Accom-
plished Nothing.

plished Nothing.
Thirty-one members of the Mitchell
joint assembly met at the capitol in
Salem Monday and discussed the sena-
torial situation at length and in all its
phases. 1t was secret conference, but
it is known that no formal action look
ing either to continued support of
Mitchell or his withdrawal was taken.
Driver, Sommers, Patterson of Marion,
Taylor, Reed, Gowan, Noslers David,
Veness and others spoke. Some Of
these advocated supporting Mitchell to
the end.
Taylor made several earnest talks. It
was to the effect that the interests of
the Republican party were higher than
those of any one man; but he added
that the members of this conference
ought to have the right to name the
candidate, if it is seen that Mitchell
cannot be elected.
Reed wanted to fight it out on this
line if it took all summer. He did not
believe in allowing the minority to die
tate to the majority.
Senator Patterson, of Marion, thought
the thirty one could afford to hold out
in their present attitude, and he invit-
ed the opposition to clay on, Macduff.
There was some talk Monday that it
was the purpose of the opposition to
come in and organize the house during
the afternoon. But it was without
foundation.
While the number of absentees from
the Mitchell joint assembly was six,
,,c& TO- h
drawal. That was Representative
Mitchell, of Marion.
Mr.. Mitchell is no orator and did not
think it necessary to set off any fire.
works in joint assembly, announcing
his purpose. He simply stayed out,
which is quite as effective as any way
of getting at it.
The Mitchell cause has suffered Sc
verely through sickness. Representa-
tive Hudson, of Washington, who had
been in bed since last Wednesday, was
sent to the Salem hospital. His ply
sician says he has typhoid fever in a
mild form, and that he will probably
not be able to leave his room for several
weeks. Representative Wagner is i'll
at his home in Portland, and it is said
that it will not be safe for him to ven
ture out for several days, if, indeed, he
can be here during the week. Repre-
sentative Vaughan is still quite sick,
but he may be able to answer roll-call
tomorrow, though this cannot be stated
with certainty.
The Davis house met at 11:45 Mon
day night Sixteen members were
present. Adjournment was taken till
five minutes after IL. When that time
arrived, the house was again called to
order, and adjourned till $50 A. M.
Wednesday.
Thirty-three in Joint Assembly.
Monday session of the joint conven-
tion developed nothing new. Chairs
man Borwnellcalled the joint assembly
to order at 10 O'Clock. He at once sub
mitted letters from Vaughan, 9tHison
and Wagner. They were not read, but
the clerk was directed to mark them
excused.
The roll was called and showed. the
following thirty-three in attendance:
Senators-Brow4ell, Driver, Dufur,
Gowan, Harmon, Hughes, johnson,
Patterson of Marion, Price, Taylor-I0.
Representatives = Benson, Bridges,
Brown, Chapman, Conn, Crawford,
David; Gratke, Gurdane, Hogue, Hope,
jennings sLangell, Marsh, Merrill,
Nosler, Palm, Rigby, Smith of Marion,
Somers, Stanley; Thomas, Thompson
-23. ~.s- .u.
Absent-Senator Reed. Representa-
tives Hudson, Mitchell, Vaughan,
Veness, Wagner-6.
The absence of Representative Mitch
ell of Marion, was significant. It is
known that he has definitely declared
that he will not return. twas expect
ed that Mitchell would formally with
draw, but he appears to think speech
Representative Venness,
of Polk, was probably not able to return
from his home, whittier he went Fri
day, on account of the storm. Senator
Reed remained in the senate chamber
during the entire time the convention
was in session. It is not known that
his absence indicated an intention to
stay out hereafter. There were no
speeches. After the reading of the
journal had been dispensed with, the
On motion of Senator Har-
mon, adjourned.
A number of Republican members of
the opposition have received the follow
ing self-explanatory dispatch:
New York, Feb. 15.-Hon. George
II. Hill, Salem, Or: Failure to elect
a Republican United States senator
will jeopardfze Republican reorganiza-
tion of the senate March 5, and en-
danger tariff legislation. Oregon then
would be responsible for continued hard
times and the embarrassment Of the in
coming administration.
American Protective Tariff, League.
Cornelius M. Bliss, President"
The senate committee, appointed to
examine the ground of the proposed
portage railroad between The Dalles
and Cello, was shown over the ground
Monday by committee from the Com
mercial Club of The Dalles.
From now on to the close of the pres
ent session of congress it is expected
that everything not on the active list
will make way for the appropriation
bills, which must be passed before final
adjournment on March 1.
The San Francisco police made a
general raid upon the Chinese gambling
joints of the city, rounding up total
of 800 Celestials, all of whom were
found delving deep into the mysteries
of the enticing game of fan-tan.
A report is being circulated in Wash
ington, D. c., to the effect that Binger
Hermann will be appointed general
land Office commissioner, as soon as