The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-01-08
HOUSE CAUCUS
At Which Hon. s. M. Pat
terSOn was Nominate
ed for Speaker.

He won in the caucus last night in
fair and square fight, against three gem
erous and high-tone candidates for the
high honor.
Those three other candidates, after it
was all over Joined their voices in ask
ing this caucus to make Mr. Gattis'
nomination unanimous, and it was done
Inc names Of those three generous
rivals are l.. l.. Smith of Gates: w. II.
Lucas of Hyde, and George L. Morton,
of New Hanover.
FINALLY these gentlemen capped the
climax of general good feeling by escort
ing the successful candidate to the
Speakers chair. where Col. Lucas made
some very graceful and humorous re-
marks by way of presenting Mr.. Gattis
to the caucus. In the course of these
remarks, Col. Lucas referred to Mr. Cat
tbs as presiding over the funeral of him
self and his two colleagues.
Mr.. Gattis, by way of response, said
in part: Col. Lucas has been so kind
and so courteous in the remarks he has
made that it is hardly becoming in NE to
make many remarks at his funeral or
the funeral of any man who has spoken
SO beautifully of me as he has done"
After expressing his thanks to the gen
tlemen of the caucus. Mr.. Gattis con-
tinued: Il can only hope that l may be
able to do something to make you think
that Col. Lucas has told something of
the truth about me.
IF can do anything to serve this body
and the grand old State of North Caro-
lima L shall think l have done we'll"
Mr.. Gattis was applauded heartily as
he took his scat.
The caucus was called to order by
Harry w. Stubbs, of Martin, and that
able gentleman performed the duty with
dignity and grace that would have
marked him in any assemblage.
The caucus was called to order at a few
minutes past o'clock by Harry w.
Stubs, of Martin.
r. A. DOughton, of Allegheny, nomi-
mated Ed. S. Abel, of Johnston for per-
manent chairmon of the caucus. He was
elected by reclamation.
Mr.. Abel made brief speech upon
assuming the chair, saying that no one
more than he could appreciate the honor
that had been bestowed upon him.
A d. Watts, of Iredell then placed in
nomination for secretary, F. L. Carr, of
Greene, and Mr.. Stubs named P. L.
Murphy, of Rowan, assistant secretary
The roll-call showed that 80 members
of the House were present. Thus vote
of IL was necessary for a choice
Upon motion of Mr. Doughton, the eau
Gus then proceeded to the election of a
Speaker of the House of Representatives
A w. Graham, of Granville, after a
glowing tribute to the Scotch-Irish race,
and brief recital of the early struggles
and splendid career of the gentleman he
was about to nominate, palced the name
of Samuel NJ. Gattis, of Orange, before
the caucus.
Judge Graham spoke of Mr.. Gattis as d
man who always strove for the right,
was a cool-headed. conservative, and yet
progressive, a man of great experience
in legislative bodies. noted for his fair
ness in all matters. Judge Graham told
very graphically how dis candidate had
held the handles of the pillow in his youth.
and studied books at night, until he had
come to his present high position of USE
fulness iii the community.
F. B. Hooker, of Beaufort, placed in
nomination William H. Lucas, of Hyde.
B. S, Gay. of Northampton, nominated
l.. L. Smith, of Gates.
Thos. w. Arlington, of Harnett, in a
brief but vigorous speech, nominated
George L. Morton, of New Hanover.
j. c. Curtis, of Buncombe, seconded
the nomination of Mr.. Gattis.
w. N. Hinton, of Pasquotank, in a few
words of strong import, seconded the
nomination of Mr.. Smith.
Jones Fuller, of Durham, in clear-cut
and logical style, seconded Mr.. Gattis'
nomination. II. E. King. of Pitt, second
cd the nomination of Mr.. Lucas with a
few well-chosen words.
w. j. Phillips, of Brunswick, seconded
the nomination of Mr.. Morton
Balloting for Speaker then began.
The chair appointed as tellers Mr..
Stubs, of Martin, and Mr.. Harrington,
of Harnett.
The result of the ballot was as follows:
Gattis, 6S Morton, 10; Smith, Z; Lu-
cas-, Z.
Mr. Watts introduced a resolution for
joint caucus tonight for the purpose of
appointing time for holding caucus
to nominate a United States Senator.
Mr.. Lucas then moved very gracefully
that Mr.. Gattis, nomination be made
unanimous. He was seconded by Mr..
Smith and Mr.. Morton. All three thanked
the members who had supported their
canvass. Mr.. Lucas motion was carried
by reclamation,
A message was received at this juno
ture from the Senate reuesting the
House to concur in joint caucs tonight
to determine upon a date for caucus to
nominate a United States Senator.
Upon motion of Mr.. Watts, the chair
appointed MeSsrs. Smith, Lucas and
Morton to escort the newly elected
Speaker to the chair
The election of Chief Clerk was the
next thing in order, and Mr.. Watts nomi-
mated Frank ID. Hackett, of Wilkes.
Mr. Doughton seconded Mr.. Hackett's
nomination.
Mr. Parker, of Wayne, moved that Mr..
Hackett be elected by reclamation.
At this juncture, Mr.. Gattis entered
the hall amid cheering, and was present
ed to the caucus in few very fiattering
words, tinctured with some humor, in
which he spoke of Mr.. Gattis presiding
over the funeral of Messrs. Morton
Smith and himself.
Mr. GattjS then very gracefully OK