The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1901-01-18
AN EXCITING EPISODE.
The Nomination of Mrs. Epperson as
Librarian.


Librarian.
The Nashville Banner gives the
following report of the final scenes
attending the nomination of Mrs.
EppersOn as STATE Librarian In the
Joint caucus Thursday afternoon:
The Toll-call for the twenty fifth
ballot began and it was apparent that
The supreme effort OF Miss Lauderdale's
friends was being made. A change to
Miss Lauderdale would be welcomed by
the widest enthusiasm by her friends,
" ho were massed around the Speakers
desk, the stentOrian voice If Gordon of
Dyer leadil e his fellows. AS the ballot
progressed The leaders CT Mrs. Epper-
sons campaign were heard going about
the ball say imp, Next ballot or never"
The twenty fifth ballot re suited, Mrs.
EppeTson A, Miss Lauderdale AZ, Miss
| HARRISON IL.
7 hen Miss Undertakes forces went
fairly wild with excitement aud the
OnloOk ers thought that she would be
nominated on the next ballot without
| doubt.
The Chairman announced the roll
call for the twenty sixth ballot The
! hall was quieter, but the excite ment was
T. tense and the first vote was awaited
with bsted breath.
"Senators" sang out the clerk.
"BeanP'
81 vote for Miss Hardison."
No change at the first and many
! breathed easier as it was thought
! Senator Bean could cause a stampede
to either of the leading candidates
The call went on.
Representative Murphy of Knox left
his seat where two or three young ladies'
were soliciting his vote and came to the
press table, saying, as he took his seat,
Lord, deliver me from women runnin'
for Office" MIR. Murphy said he had
promised Miss Lauderdale his vote on
this ballot.
Changes to Mrs. EppersoD were being
made and the excitement was rising
higher and higher.
Miss Anna Bell Bringhurst, the beau
tiful young sister of Mrs. Epperson,
came to Mr.. Murphy and began plead,
ing for his vote for her sister. He told
her that he had solemnly promised to
vote for Miss Lauderdale on that ballot.
The Senate roll was completed and
the Clerk called out Alternately
Miss Bringhurst fell to her knees ard
with her hand on Mr.. Murphy's arm
pleaded: "Mr Murphy, please, please,
vote for us. This is the first time [ ever
went on my knees to man in my life
please, please
Il must stand pat. must vote as l
promised"
please, now, Mr.. Murphy" pleaded
the young woman.
"Wrlte out my resignation! Oh, Lord
oh, Lord"' and Mr.. Murphy again re-
fused his supplicant.
~ urphyl" sang out the Clerk.
"Mr. Speaker, where can hand in my
resignation. want to go home"
MAYBE the gentleman will not be
here to resign when he has voted" said
Chairman Byrns, show does Mr.
Murphy voter"
81 vote for Miss Lauderdale."
The call went on. Miss Bringhurst
began begging Mr.. Murphy to change
his vote.
The call was completed, and it was
known to be tie
"Mr. Murphy, Mr.. Murphy" pleaded
Miss Bringhurst; "only yours il
needed please, please"
The Representative from Knox be-
came the centre of the maelstrom
Other ladies crowded around. Back OF
them Senator'S Peak and Eldridge
begged for the "widow lady" Tall
Senator Van Deventer, for Miss Lauder
dale, shouted, stand to your colors
, Murphyw
Smith of Dyer got in under the crowC
and took hold of Murphy's arm, saying
don't desert Miss Landerdale now
stay with us; We'll win on the mex
J ballot"
} But Miss Bringhurst's pleading with
voice and beautiful, fearful brown eyes
saying now only, "Please, please
please" was too much for Mr. Murphy
and he arose and said: II change t.
Mrs. Eppersor."
Miss Bringhurst and dozen mer
grabbed him and sfspped him ON tn,
, back, the young lady screaming will
delight.
Almost at the same moment Repre-
: sentative Meredith changed also to Mrs
Epperson, aud the fight was won.