The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1898-10-04
CONVENTIONS.
Three Conventions Meet in chaI1is
on Saturday, the 24sh.

On Sept. Oath, three county
conventions for Custer county
the Democratic, Silver Republi
can and Populist assembled al
Challis at 2 o'clock p. m. of saio
day for the purpose of placing
county tickets in nomination. Il
brought large delegation Of
people as delegates and Office
seekers from the other precincts
here, besides the delegates and
office seekers of this precinct.
The Democratic convention met
at the appointed hour in the Odd
Fellows hall; the Populists had
to take the reception room in the
same building, and the Silver
Republicans occupied the County
Court room. The Democratic
convention was organized by
electing w. HI. Felkner, chair
man and Miss Margaret keenan,,
secretary; the Populist conven-
tion elected M. M. Sweet, chair
man and Geo. e. Reyes, secre-
tary; and the Silver Republicans
organized by selecting F. B.
Schermerhorn, chairman; and
Chas. Baker, secretary.
From the time that the con-
ventions assembled until the
close there was a bitter contest
between certain factions and the
fusionlsts and anti-fusionists, and
at one time it seemed almost GER
tain that each party would go it
alone, but the boys who wanted
office were quite numerous, and
realizing the fact their chances
for election, in case they we're
nominated, would be brighter on
a fusion ticket, set to work and
brought about the marriage cere-
mony between the Silver Repub-
licans and Democrats, thus leav-
ing the Populists out. The Dem
ocratic conven ton treated the
Populists with contempt and in
suit, while the Silver Republi-
cans treated us gentlemen. But
1T was never intended that the
Populists should be allied with
the fusion, although some of the
other parties claimed that they
were for triple alliance. The
Populists offered everything that
was fair and honorable on the
fusion question, but were only
laughed at. The two other par
ties wanted us to join them but
but did not want the Pops. TO
have any nominations, except
Surveyor or Coroner. They
claimed to be greatly in favor of
silver, as the Chairmen of the
National Committees wanted all
silver parties to unite, but actions
proved that there was only one
issue in their conventions--offiee.
Principle was laid aside. When
1t comes to such a pass that the
silver elements in great silver
county like Custer cannot
unite, what can be expected from
the East ? 1t was shame to be-
hold such scramble for Office
as was Witnessed at these con
ventions-labor fought capital
and the office-seeker fought both
and got away with the prize.
To say that there was a shot
time in the old town" only half
expresses the situation. From
Saturday afternoon till Monday
evening the candidate was on the
scene. The Pop. delegates were
not sought after like the others,
for they thought that he did not
amount to much anyway. The
conventions did nothing much
but adjourn and make motions
until Monday evening, the Goth.
Speaking of motions we have
special reference to McBeth, of
Custer, in the Democratic con-
On Sunday the conven-
tons all took rest, but on the
following night the fusion had
been agreed upon, and deal had
been made between the Demo
Gratis and Silver Republicans.
while the Pops. were left out in
The cold. The "slate" as arrang-
ID went through in hurry with
very little opposition. Once in
awhile an applause was heard
n a distant portion of the hall.
But at this time in the Silver
Republican convention. or at the
ime when the Silver Republican
party were allotted their portion
II nominees, the Custer, Pah-
'amori, Sunol and all but one of
Bonanza delegates bolted the