Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-12-06
MANN CLERK OF THE HOUSE.
lie il Nominated GA First ballot
Gases of fhe IndeDendcnfs

lie il Nominated Ola First BALLOT
Cases OF the independents.
1T was o'clock before the Democrats
OF the House besan to assemble in their
hall, and il was seventeen minutes later
when the caucus was called TO order BN
that time the place was thrOnged with
delegates, State officials, and others. who
had more or less interest in the proceed
ings.
Three of the independents were in the
gathering that had assembled when the
caucus opened. They were Hon. Josiah
Stickley. of Shenandoah county; DR. X.
$. Powell, Of Brunswick county, and Hon
W. W. Baugh, Of Prince George and SurrS
Counties. Messrs. Stickley and Baugh
withdrew when the announcement was
made that only Democratic members
were entitled 70 be present, along with
ex-members and State officials. Or.
Powell remained, and was heard from
later in the proceedings.
Hon. r. c. Pitcher raped the body 10
order, and Hon. J. G. Featherston. OF
Campbell county. announced that nOmi-
nations for chairman Of the caucus were
IN order.
Dr. r. s Parks, Of Page county, was
recognized, and in a short, but eulogistic,
speech presented the name Of Mr. PHI
cher. Ho spoke OF his long and useful
career in the House. and Of him as a
frank, kind, and open-hearted man, whom
all Democrats liked 10 honor. There was
no other nomination. and Mr.. Pitcher was
elected by reclamation.
CHAIRMAN PITCHERS SPEECH.
Captain Parks, Hon. Upton d. Jen-
nings. and DR.. A. S. Priddy were appoint
ed a committee TO wait upon MIR. Pitcher
and notify him Of his election. They
found him without great deal of trou-
bio.
When Mr. Pitcher took up the gavel he
said:
II appreciate this compliment very
highly. j want to compliment the party
on the fine representation in this cau-
Gus. It's size demonstrates that the people
OF Virginia are very Well pleased with
the administration of State affairs by the
Democratic party 1t shows that our aim
To give the people a clean and economical
administration has been successful. In all
departments / am satisfied that affairs
have been conducted in a most careful
and capable manner.
when we met two years ago there was
a great clamor for retrenchment and re-
form. The Legislature. which heard this
demand, evidently met that requirement.
for the people have seen III 10 continue
the Democratic paSty with so tremen-
lUuH a HldJDiiA.s anu 80 We dit htUl III
power. Let US guard we'll our State az
fairs and our finances, and this trust will
be continued 20 our party
Chairman Pitcher then called for the
nomination OF a secretary Hon. NJ :.
Newberne OF Norfolk county, offered the
name of Hon Charles r. Bland u Nor
folk. WHOM he referred 10 in the most
complimentary terms. Mr.. Bland hap
PLY thanked the caucus for electing him.
h.. h.. haI ha4p n
cher's side by Messrs. Priddy. Cardwell,
and Jennings.
CLEARED THE HALL
At this point Mr. Newberne moved
that. according 20 custom all persons
who were not entitled to seats in the
hall be asked TO retire. and that the roll
be called TO determine who had right
10 be present other than ex-memDers and
State officials The resolution prevailed,
and Secretary Bland called the roll.
showing eighty-nine members to be pres
emit The roll contained the names Of
none OF the Independents, who claimed
that they had a right 10 participate in
the proceedings because they had former
ly been Democrats.
Many OF those in the hall then with
drew. but some remained. However. none
OF the Independents wero seen among the
number remaining except Or. Powell.
But there were many others. and FOR a
moment il was poser for the chairman
to determine how 20 enforce the resolu-
ton. as some seemed disposed not TO go.
Mr.. Jennings came 10 the rescue by NOV
ing that the rules OF the House prevail
This was adopted, and then 1t was voted
that the old officers at the door be elect
ed TO their several positions during the
life OF tho caucus.
INVESTIGATE MIR. STICKLEY'S CASE
Captain X. $. Parks was recognized as
soon as tho caucus was ready To proceed
10 business. lie offered the following re-
solution:
Whereas. II appears that the name OF