The age-herald., 1900-01-25
THE REPUBLICANS
 SELECT OFFICERS Charles Bennett of New York
 Chosen Secretary
SOME FEELING MANIFESTED
Daniel Ransdel Nominated for Sergeant at-Arms to Succeed Col. Bright cIarkson Did Not Desire
 His Name Used

Washington, January 24.-The republican caucus of the senate today decided definite ly upon the reorganization of the elective officers of that body. and nominated Hon orable Charles Bennett, of New York, for secretary to succeed Honorable William R. Cox and Honorable Daniel M. Ransdel, of Indiana, for sergeant-at-arms, to succeed Colonel R. J. Bright.
 Some feeling was manifested over the election of a secretary, caused by the cir culation of reports concerning Honorable J. s. Clarkson who was MT. Bennett's s only competitor which his friends consid- cred uncomplimentary and untrue These reports were resented by his supporters, in- cluding Senators Mason, Gallinger, Car ter Scott and others, who had known MT. Clarkson as an officer of the republican na- tional committee. A letter and a telegram from MT. Clarkson were read declining the place. but some of the senators declared their intention of voting for him regardless of these. The first vote was a tie, result ing 21 to 21. The second ballot brought out three votes not hitherto cast, and resulted 23> for Bennett and 22 for Clarkson. MT. Bennett was placed in nomination by Sem ator Platt, or New York.
 : No selection was made for chaplain, which will have the effect of continuing the blind chaplain. William M. Miburn in that office. The allotment of the minor offices was placed in the hands of the caucus com mittee
 Mir Clarkson authorized the following statement concerning the connection of his name with the secretaryship of the senate:
 ''I never have been a candidate for sec retary of the senate, nor responsible for the use of my name in its connection. In the latter part of February, last, Vice-Pres- ident Hobart called me into his room at the capitol and, telling me he had pleasant surprise for me, showed me an invitation in writing signed by some fonty of the fiftyfour republican senators inviting me to be secretary. Naturally surprised and overwhelmed by the kindness and grace of such an unusual offer, I was yet compelled to say that as I knew so little about the office rendered me that I would have to de- cline it if my answer was required then. In day or two it was decided there would be no extra session. Later, and after MT. Hobart came from the south in the spring, he told me he had received enough sigma lures to make over four-fifths of the re- publican senators and majority of the senate itself. After his death l felt less Inclined to the office, and sought to get out of 1t in some gracious manner. Several senators urged me to let. 1t go until the meeting of congress. When congress met and opposition was manifested ito me by two or three senators-who said that while I had such a strong majority, they would appeal to senatorial courtesy to defeat me, I told Senator Platt, as a senator from New York where l have lived and voted for years and Senator Allison, from my old state that opposition had appeared, l desired to have my name taken out of con- sideration.''