Middletown transcript., 1897-01-23
ruff GENERAL ASSEMBLY,

II -
The Legislature has done little work this
week, It was not expected since the
Cheairs- Dickey contest occupied the whole
1 time of the members early in the week and
the inauguration and senatorial election
following so closely. The COMMITTEES in the
Cheairs-Dickey matter completed their
work OH Monday finding that Mr.. Cheairs
had received 95O6 votes while Mr.. Dickey
received 9457, and after parliamentary
struggle OF two hours Mr.. Cheairs was
seated. The investigation showed that
two other men were below Mr.. Cheairs,
Mr.. Mccullough 9505 votes and Mr.. Demp-
sey 94sS The returns had been changed to
count in Mr.. Dickey.
On Saturday night when sthe committee
decided to count the unmarked ballots in
bulk to hasten the report James w. Pom
der, attorney for Mr.. Dickey and son Of ex-
Governor Ponder and cousin Of Willard
Salisbury who was really directing che
Dickey forces, ordered his clerk to refuse
to tally the vote and to retire. Chairman
Hazel grabbed the clerk who dexterously
threw the tally sheet to Mr. Ponder and he
fled with it across Dover-green. This act Of
the feet-footed attorney availei nothing.
The ballots were counted and Mr.. Dickey
was turned down and out, and Mr.. Cheairs
who was elected was given his seat.
In the senatorial caucus on Monday eve
ming Mr.. Wolcott started out with five
votes but never got beyond six. Willard
Salisbury had six to start with but
could not muster on any ballot more
than nine. Ex-Congressman Martin had
four but failed to hold them very long.
John G. Gray who was Mr.. Handy't chief
support during the campaign was
backed by the Congressman elect as free
silver man never recorded more than five
votes. Richard R: Kenney started with
three and on the twenty-ffth ballot was
chosen, receiving thirteen, Mr.. Salisbury
having eight and Mr.. Wolcott three votes.
On Tuesday Mr.. Kenney was elected in the
two Houses and was SO declared in joint
session on Wednesday. The Republicans re-
Trained from voting, holding that Col. du-
Pont was elected two years ago.
Willie M. Ross, of Seaford, sound mon
ey man, was chosen as State Treasurer and
DIR. B. L. Lewis was given another term as
State Auditor.
On Tuesday Governor Tunnel was in
augurated, the event calling to Dover the
usual crowd. The Delaware College Cadets
and State Militia made the ceremony quite
imposing. Chancellor Nicholson admins
tered the oath of Office and the Governor
delivered a very timely inaugural. He
chose VIM. H. Boyce, Esqr., as Secretary of
State and very considerably continued
with one or two exceptions Coy. Watson's
staff. Col. T. H. Gilpin of Middletown is a
member.
The Rump Legislature completed its
work and adjourned on Wednesday with
out day. A Senate was formed of three
members, Mr. Handy, of New Castle, Mr..
Alice of Kent, and Mr.. Currey of Sussex,
George W. Roberts of the Estate Sentinel
was elected clerk. Mr.. Addicks was duly
"elected" Senator and, Gov. Tunnel hay
ing refused to sign his credentials, he went
to Washington on Thursday, having his
papers referred 1t is said that he conf
IDENTIFY expects to be admitted. This body
adopted before adjourning strong paper
which as petition will be presented to
both Houses Of Congress. asking for an in
vestigation into the elections of this
State