The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-12-09
WOMAN WINS FROM SIX MEN.
Exciting Contest for School Commits
sioner of New York.

Miss B. E. H. Berbert of Hastings,
N. Y, was recently elected school COM
missioner after an exciting canvass
conducted by six masculine aspirants
to the office.
The convention at which she was
nominated lasted five hours, IA ballots
were taken and every known trick of
political manipulation was exhausted
in order to prevent her success, but all
to no avail. By a great speech deliv-
cred at the critical moment she took
the convention by storm and secured
the coveted victory.
No candidate ever started a canvass
under more discouraging circumstances
than Miss Berbert, and it is fine trib-
ute to her pluck and determine ton
that she was able to emerge success
fully. Besides the disadvantages of
SEX she was confronted by the aggres-
sive candidacy of six of the most popu-
lar citizens of the county-Jacob C. Mil
Ter Of Sing Sing, Stuart Baker of Sing
sing, Robert Flack of Tarrytown, John
H. Briggs of Tarrytown, Henry Fielden
OF Mount Pleasant and William E. Slo-
cum of Ardsley
When the convention assembled Miss
Befbert was not considered as a Ser-
Gus possibility. She had only two dele
gates out of 81 and the fight stood ap-
parently between Miller and Baker,
VINO started in to fight it out. On the
first three ballots each lacked a few
votes. Then they tried to induce Miss
Berbert to withdraw, but she refused.
only her brother and another delegate
voted for her, but she said she would
die game. Then she started in to win.
The county officials and politicians of
both parties heard of the surprise caus-
ed by the pretty blonde of q years
and they left their work and FASTENED
TO the nan. AS they came in she in
troduced herself and implored them to
assist. her. So deeply were they inn
pressed that they INTRODUCED her to the
delegates. She went through the hall
begging, coaxing, teasing the delegates.
She would not be denied Her chief
victory was to win over the district
attorney.
When she tackled Joseph B. See.
father of the board of supervisors
he could not resist. He made a speech
admitting that he had been captivated,
but said that some years ago he had
nominated woman for school commits
sioner who had fallen in love with her
democratic opponent and lost the cleo
tion. AS Miss Berbert had prom
Used not to swerve from duty he cast
three ballots for her from New Castle.
Her vote increased. Flack and Briggs
dropped out and she continued to hus-
tie, her vote tluctuating between 10 and
90 ''You make a speech said District
Attorney Andrews to her, land you
say you won't marry the democratic
candidate and you'll get more votes"
She advanced TO the stage, and when
she raised her hand every man became
as silent as mouse. She was the only
woman present, and as she started to
speak her face flushed.
Gentlemen" she said, some of you
may be afraid / might marry the demo-
cratic nominee. I'll state now that I
could not marry the best democrat on
earth. (Applause.) My word is as good
as my bond. Just as good as Mr..
l know just what ought to be done and
will do it with credit to the party"
After she had finished Supervisor
Menzies shouted: Three cheers for
Miss Berbert." The cheers were given
vigorously. The convention was in an
uproar and she stampeded it. The vote