The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-12-10

NJ. ]. Barrett, Of the Street Car Men,
did not think it advisable for labor
unions to go into politics, and insisted
that the convention was not called to
nominate Il recorder but TO discuss the
advisabilty of making such nonlina-
ton. Chairman Dcvine ruled him out
OF order.
Peter T.. Holton, of the Painters
union. then nominated William Corless
and George Kolzwinkle, of the Cigar
makers, seconded the nomination.
Watkins Nominated.
Dennis Cannon, the Demosthenes of
the Notch" nominated Rev. Mr.. Wat
kins. He declared that his man would
sweep the city from the diadem of
Vinegar Hill on the north, to the nee
ropolis Of Shanty Hill on the south, and
from Bellevue Heights to Richmond's
farm. At the conclusion of Il forceful
and eloquent nominating speech, Mr.
Cannon averred that his man would
beat the devil himself. The Watkins
nomination was seconded by Nicholas
Burke. Stephen O'Donnell, in a very
few words nominated Mr.. Shea. The
nomination was seconded by NJ. ]. Bar
rett.
John Indian, of the Mine Workers.;
Joseph Oliver, of the Typographical
union and NJ. ]. Barrett, of the Street
Car Men, We're appointed tellers and
the balloting was proceeded with. 1t
was decided that majority was nee
essary to nominate, and that the low
est candidate be dropped. On the first
ballot Watkins received Al votes; Cor
less S6. and Shea 13. The second ballot
was: Watkins, 81; Corless, Al. Coress
received four of the SO miners votes.
On motion of Mr. Corless, the nomin-
alton was made unanimous. He de-
clared there was no one better pleased
than he that Mr.. Watkins was nomin-
ated as he had insisted all along upon
having Il mine worker as the candi-
date. He urged untirng and enthus-
iastic support of the nominee.
The nominee was called for and made
an informal speech of acceptance and
thanks.
Sketch of Rev. T. r. Watkins.
Rev. Mr.. Watkins is Sc years of age.
He was born in Wales and served an
apprenticeship at blacksmithing. He
came to Mis- country at the age of II
and took a position as blacksmith at
the Leggett's Creek colliery, In 1868 he
became a miner and has worked in the
mines ever since, The next year, when
the strike occurred, he Went to Tom
hicken, near HaZleton, and remained
there or in that region until thirteen
years ago when he returned TO North
Scranton, where he has since worked
in the Storr's shaft. He began preach
ing when he was nineteen and at the
age of 26, was ordained a Congrega-
tional minister at Tomhicken He is
called upon frequently to, fill pulpits in
and near the city. In % years, he says,
he has preached in AZ different
churches. He Is an easy. graceful
talker, has a ministerial appearance
and is highly spoken of by all who
know him. He has wife and seven
children.
Among the onlookers were County
Commissioner John ]. Durkin, Dem
ocratic County Secretary John r. Ma
hon, Senator-elect, p. II. Calpin, Re-
corder of Deeds Emil Bonn, ex-Alder-
man C. Nj. DeLong, Attorney John j.
Murphy, Representatives. Fred
Phillips, eX-School Controller John
Casey, City Controller p. W. Costello.
DR.. II. n. Dunnell, District President n.
ID. Nichols, District Secretary John r.
Dempsey, of the United Mine Workers;
Hon. John r. Farr, City Assessor Phil
Rinsland, Alderman John 4. Howe,