The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-03-05
He Is Nominated on the First Ballot
over Mr.. McGOOgan, Who Makes
a Remarkable Speech.
POLITICS AND PAVING MIXED
DEMOCRATS ARE IN A BAD TANGLE
AT LAPORTE.
Forced to Run to Vindicate Them
seIyes-BIackfOrd County Repub-
icans-Other State Politics.
Special to the Indianapolis Journal.

Special TO the Indianapolis Journal
FORT WAYNE, Ind, March 4.-Clarence
G. Gilhams. auditor of Lagrange county
and now serving his second term. was this
afternoon nominated by Twelfth district
Republicans as their candidate for Con-
gress. The convention was held in the as
sembly room of the new courthouse and
was packed to the doors in the expecta-
ton of hot contest. The only other can
didate was George b. McGoogan, Of this
city He Is an aggressive campaigner and
his duties as a travelling collector of in
ternal revenue had given him an extensive
acquaintance over the district. He was not
able however, to secure the solid support
of the party workers in this county and
went into the fight handicapped that
account The Gihams forces from La
grange county came down in force yester-
day and spent the day in working among
Allen county delegates. Their work this
morning as the delegates came crowding
in increased in energy. and when at ?
o'clock the convention was called to order
by Chairman Leonard the chances were in
favor of Gilhams.
Lieutenant Governor Gilbert was chosen
to preside He spoke briefly and the con-
Fort Wayne News, secretary. o. N Hea-
ton. of Allen county. Or. j. H Rerick, of
Lagrange. DR.. Fuller. of Steuben. John w.
Baker, of Whitley county. and Clyde Willis.
of De Kalb county, were selected as the
committee on resolutions. Mr.. McGoogsn
on the call of counties was placed in nomf-
nation by T. ]. Logan. and Frank d. Mer-
ritt, of Lagrange, presented the claims of
Mr.. Gilhams
Before proceeding with the balloting a
motion was made that inasmuch as the
candidates were not known by face TO all
the delegates they be requested to appear
and address the convention. Mr.. McGoOgan
told the convention that he thought he
ought TO have the solid support of his coun-
ty. He had grown up within its borders,
had known the burden of toll, had been
taught in its schools and had taught its
schools He could not claim the prestige
of wealth nor social prominence, but If he
was honored by the convention he would
assure the Republicans of the district thar
his speeches would not bring reproach upon
his party He had been attacked. he said,
with the charge that he was illiberal in his
religious views, this referring TO his former
membership I'm the A. p. A. when that in
stitution hourished He said his creed
could be found in the Declaration OF In
dependence; the Constitution OF the United
States and the golden rule. He pro-
claimed his absolute faith in Repub-
Iican principles. and said that no matter
If defeat-"bitter biting wounding de-
feat''-was his portion at the hands of the
convention he would give his best strength
and earnest support TO his competitor. His
adherents often appla uded his periods, and
gave him cheers as he concluded.
Mr.. Gilhams then took the roStrum. and
after alluding TO the trying situation In
which the turn OF affairs had placed him
he made brief speech along party lines
saying nothing about himself except that
he was a true Republican from principle
and not for profit. and whatever the result
he would support the ticket
The ballot proceeded in great excitement
Allen county gave McGoogan 81 votes and
Gilhams To- De kalb county gave each
candidate s. this being the home county OF
Judge Roby. Lagrange went u solid fol
Gilhams- Noble gave Gilhams IS and Nc
GOogan T. Steuben gave McGOOgan only
7-l6 of a vote. throwing the rest Of sts i
votes to Gilhams- This gave Gilhams ths
So needed 70 nominate. but Whitley added
: TO Gilhams and TO McGoogan. making
the result; Gilhams. 63 9-l6: McGoogan
AZ 7-16 AcGoogan moved 10 make the nom
instion unanimous. which was done
The resolutions were along usual lines
except that tribute was paid 10 the mem