Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1899-01-19
A BREEZE AT HARRISBURG
Discussion Over Appointments An.
nounced by Governor Stone.
THE FIGHT WAS AGAINST ELKlN
Action Upon Two Nominations
Was Divided,
CREST, FOR SECRETARY, CONFIRMED

Associated Press Dispatch by Special Wires
Harrisburg, Pa. Jan. 10. Gov.
Stone this morning sent to the Senate
the nominations Of John p. Elkip Of
Indiana county as attorney general
and of +. W. Greist Of Lancaster as
secretary of the Commonwealth.
Mr.. McCarrell thereupon moved that
the rules be suspended and that the
Senate go into executive session for
the purpose of confirming these ap-
ppintments. Then MIR. Finn inquired
whether the question of the two ap-
pointments could not be divided. He
stated that he was willing to go into
executive session and consider Mr..
Greist's nomination, but that he
would protest if Mr.. Elkin's nomi-
nation was considered at the same
time.
To this Mr.. McCarrell replied that
after the Senate had gone into execu
tive session, he would move that the
appointments be considered separately.
upon these appointments jointly.
Mr.. Finn retorted by saying that he
wanted more time in which to con
slider Mr.. Elkin's nomination; that the
rules provide that the nominations
should lay on the table for five days,
and that he was opposed to the sus-
pension, of the rules In Mr.. Eikin's
case. He renewed his motion that
Mr.. Greist's appointment should be
considered and this stand was also
taken by Mr.. Cochran. 1854
II object to the sweeping aside OF
all senatorial precedents,' declared
Mr.. Grady. II have been member
of this body since Gov. Hartranft's
time, and never has q gubernatorial
nomination been set aside by this
Senate. We are today without an at
torney general or a secretary of the
Commonwealth and why should We
throttle the wishes Of the GOVERNOR"
A vote was taken on the Finn
motion to consider nothing hut Greist's
appointment, but it was defeated by
vote Of 30 to Is. The original motion
to consider both appointments was
adopted by vote of 30 to 10, two
thirds Of the members present voting
10 the affirmative.
The Senate, then being in executive
session, Mr.. McCarrell moved that Mr..
Greist's nomination as secretary of
the Commonwealth be first acted upon.
The appointment was confirmed by
unanimous vote.
When the Senate proceeded to con-
slider Mr.. Elkin's appointment q hot
fight ensued. Mr.. Henry started the
ball rolling by attacking Mr.. Elkin,
and charging that only recently he
had been removed from State Office
for malfeasance in office.
The chair called Mr.. Henry to order,
and reminded him that be must refrain
from making personal attacks.
Mr. H0nrv noptinuoH ap6 azi6 Tint
Mr.. EIkin had been connected with the
famous indemnity bond, and for this
he had been removed as deputy attor-
ney-general. Gle broke the Constitu-
tion,'' continued the! Philadelphian,
aud he took moneys out Of the State
treasury. This appointment is an in
suit to the Senate.
Mr.. Magee came to Mr., Elkin's res
cue and made a speech which was
heartily applauded BY the Quay Sena-
tors. :" As far as this indemnify bond
is concerned, -, said Mr.. .Magee, .Fit
was vicious habit of long standing
and one from which che administration
which expired yesterday was not free.
Applause. III 1895 there were more
legislative employees engaged THAN was
provided for by law. In 1897 the Leg-
islature appropriated. money for this
extra help and Gov. Hastings, the man
who was instrumental in removing Mr..
Elkin as deputy attorney general, APP
proved that bill.
"Mr. Elkin," continued Mr.. Magee.
''committed an error Of judgment, but
he is an honest man. However, he
had an example from the administfa-
tion which dismissed him. ! hope this
indemnity bond custom has been
abandoned forever. knew Mr.. Elkin
when he was a boy. hare opposed
him politically, but I always found
him fair and courteous. He was q poor
boy, and no was incapaoitatcd for farm
labor by deformity; but no went to
college and passed ut the head Of his
class. I can checrfully and cordiaily
vote for his confirmation because
know he is honest and Capable ZAP
plause. 4-... .ss- b
Mr.. Osbourn and others defonded MIR.
Elkin and said that lie had been 70
moved from Office through factional
politics, but that his personal integrity
had never been questioned. Mr.. Finn
ended the debate by saying that Mr..
EllSip was not dishonest, but that ne
was % foolish man.
A vote on the question of confirms
tion revealed the fact that 80 Senators
voted afiirmatively and Is negatively.
| Two thirds of all tho members having
voted yea, the nomination WIS declared
| to have been confirmed.
The announcement Of Mr., Elkin's
confirmation was received with great
| applause,