The Portland daily press., 1898-05-21
A VICTORY FOR DRESSER.
South Portland Pledges to Him Its
Delegation.
ANOTHER MOVE IN THE GAME OF
SHERIFF MAKING.

Barges, Elecsrics and Private Vehicles
Transports Crowds to the Town Hail.
Chairman Trefethen Talks of Under
handed DISQUALIFICATION Elects Dress
er Delegates.
1t the selection of a candidate for
governor had been left to the citizens of
South Portland, more interest could not
have been manifested in their convention
than was shown in the caucus held in the
old town hall, last evening, when list of
delegates to the Republican county con-
vention was selected.
Of course it was the three-cornered
sheriff contest that occasioned such a
large turnout at the caucus. Twelve barge
loads from Ferry village AMI five from
Cash's corner and Knightville were landed
at the town house entrance before the fun
began. Private vehicles in great numbers
were driven in the same direction, bring
ing citizens from all quarters of the
town. Cigars were freely passed in some
of the barges on their way to the scene of
action.
Sheriff Plummer, who has been credited
with considerable interest in the pick
ing of his successor, was not present, but
his brother, who is connected with his
office force, was observed among the agi-
tators in the throng. Neither of the three
candidates for the sheriff's offi,e was on
hand. Among the distributors of ballots
bearing the names of the Dresser delega-
ton was State Senator E. c. Reynolds.
He also figured prominently in the con-
duct of the preliminary business Of the
caucus.
was INDUCED in by the leaders of the two
factions. 1t was explained by the oppo.
nents of the Dresser element that they be-
lieved 1t wise to send to the convention
an unpledged delegation, whose hands
would be free in case of any exigency.
The Dresser men regarded with suspicion
that sort of tactics. sit simply means a
Despeaux- Buchanan mbinaJion to beat
our man." they said.
| 1t was good natured crowd that ell
| bowed its way into the town house, after
the janitor had lighted up. There were
double rows of settees along three sides
of the hall, but most of the citizens
preferred to stand, especially while the
interesting preliminaries were in pro-
gress.
| Word was passed around that the lead
ers of the two factions on the sheriff ,ques-
ton had got together and agreed upon
| chairman and caucus committee, so that
no time would be sduandered in getting
down to business.
Charles N. Trefethen, chairman of the
Republican town committee, mounted the
stage at a few minutes after eight O. clock,
and called for order. He had little state
ment to make to them, he said, before he
proceeded to the business Of the evening.
He had always been Republican. AS
chairman of the committee he had called
the other members together. few nights
ago, to talk over the situation and make
plans for conducting this caucus with
| fairness. Town politics had lately bean SO
mixed that he w0s at q loss to know how
to arrive at q decision as to who would be
ference this caucus had been called. He
added that in the course Of the commit
tees conversation he asked one of them
what his politics was, and the reply he
received was, 81 am Democrat. ;"
"Now respect Democrat II he is
honest in his convictions" continued
Chairman Trefethen. 81 respect him if
he means what he votes. This Is free
country, and We all have the same rights,
Now hope tor peace and harmony here
| tonight. -Four years ago we established a
precedent and allowed every body present
at caucus to vote. Some things have
been done which ! have not approved of,
| but when we saw tactics were being fol-
| lowed by our opponents on certain ques-
| tions, we decided to use the same kind of
tactics
81 am going to tell you that am per.
sonally in favor of electing tonight an
nnpledged delegation. If we choose suoh
a delegation, its members will be free 10
vote for any other man than those already
mentioned for certain office, providing
an outside candidate should come into the
| field.
"You always know where to find me.
Now don't say this to create any Ill feel
ing, but certain methods have been en-
ployed in this contest that are wholly
against my principles as man, and tell
you frankly that if 1 were not chairman
of the town committee, I wouldn't have
come out here tonight to take part in this
caucus"
Chairman Trefethen then proceeded to
read the call, and as soon as he had pro-
nounced It's concluding word, Senator
Reynolds offered a motion, in accordance
with the committees agreement, that the
check list be used in voting, and that
George L. Spear be chosen chairman of
the caucus and William r. Allen, Thos.
b. Haskell and J. H. Huff act as COM
mittee to receive ballots.
This motion was carried without op-
position. Then the caucus, as soon az
Mr.. Spear had taken the chair, undertook
the task of electing a secretary. Mr..
Reynolds was first nominated, but he
promptly declined. George 3. Henly was
elected, but he did not care to serve.
= John G. Chase, well known citizen
whose voice is often heard in town meet
ings interrupted the search for a secre-
tary by interspersing speech IN which he