The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-01-10
NO SENATOR HAS
BEEN NOMINATED
Nominating Speeches Made
in Caucus Last Night.
ALL CANDIDATES HOPEFUL
Galleries Crowded With Enthusiastic Friends of
the Various Candidates -Baloting
Had not Begun at
Midnight,


Midnight.
1t was the night of the caucus which
was to name Democracys candidate for
the United States Senate.
When the doors were opened to the
Hall of the House of Representatives
the Legislators and the public flocked in.
The gallery doors were closed until
Senator oMrton, chairman of the caucus,
arrived shortly before eight o'clock. The
steps leading to the galleries We're crowd
ed, many ladies being among the num-
ber.
Chairman oMrton Immediately gave
orders for the galleries to be opened and
soon every seat was occupied. The SOM
breness of the background in the gall
leries was relieved by ribbons and gay
colors, and the bright faces of many
beautiful women.
Senator Mann, of Hyde, moved to ad-
NIT all ex-members of the Legislature
and State officers. Senator Donnell Gill
liam said there was not room to accom-
modate all the legislators would be
pleased to accommodate. Therefore he
moved to table the motion 1t was tabled
by rousing majority, and the original
Limitation to Democratic members of
the General Assembly, representatives of
the Democratic press and the officers of
the two houses was the order.
1t was s: 80 before the hall was celared
of those not entitled to be present, and
then Representative Murphy. of Rowan,
began TO call the roll He went at it
with a vim and 'here" came as each
name was called, there being LAG present.
only one absent, this being Senator Nc
Mullan, of Elizabeth City.
At the close of the roll-call Represen-
tative Smith. of Gates, created a great
laugh by rising and calling TO the atten-
tion of the chair that his overcoat and
hat were gone. At once every man was
watching his own overcoat and headgear
while the employees started on a search
for Mr.. Smiths wearing apparel
Then there came a tangle about the
time of adjournment, that was mixed up
with various sub-issues. This begun by
Representative Gillian, of Edgecombe,
moving that the caucus adjourn at mid
night until eight o'clock Monday night
Representative Daugl ltridge, of Edge
combe, moved to amend by making ad-
journment after three ballots had been
taken, and Senator Blow moved to table.
This was lost by a vote of 81 against 65
Then Senator Travis, Of Halifax, pre-
sented the view that it was unfair to
the State and to the candidates to name
an hour for adjournment, and as for
Monday night, it might be found that
members might be absent Monday night.
Mr.. Gillian expressed his desire to have
things move smoothly and said that later
in the night some member might wish
to prolong the caucus. and there would be
misunderstanding, that now was the time
to settle the matter. There is no need
to rush. said he, 1.-THE State will lose
nothing by our sleeping over this mat
ter" He urged that time be set to
close the caucus.
Representative Curtis, of Buncombe.
suggested that it was time to get down
tune to talk of the last thing first.
Senator Travis substitute to adjourn
till Monday night was next considered.
Senator Justice said the matter of the
time of adjournment should be settled.
Representative McNeill, of Scotland,
moved the previous question and the re-
suit of the ballot decided that the eau
Gus would meet Monday night and would
not limit this session.
Representative Abell, of Johnston,
moved to limit the nominating speeches
to ten minutes seconding speeches to
five minutes. Representative Watts, of
Iredell, moved to amend by giving five
mi fo
as a substitute that fifteen and five min
utes be the periods. The substitute was
lost. Representative Graham, of Gran
vile. was in favor of no limit. Repre-
sentative Watts withdrew his amendment
and Representative Abe1rs motion of
ten minutes and five minutes won.
1t was now a few minutes after nine
o'clock and Senator Justice moved that
the roll of counties be called for nomi-
mating speeches. This was lost and
Chairman Morton said, Nominations for
United States Senator are in order"
There was but a slight delay, and then
Gen. Theo F. Davidson, of Buncombe,
arose and in a speech vibrating with
earnestness and intensiveness placed in
nomination Hon. Locke Craig, of Ashe-
Vile. He was warmly applauded when
he said that his purpose was to nom-
nate Mr. Craig He made a splendid
speech, full of the highest patriotism and
one that paid splendid tribute to Mr..
Craig. Gen. Davidson had not finished
when time was called, but two minutes
extra was given him to conclude.
DAVIDSON'S SPEECH.
mir. Chairman: nominate Hon. Locke
Craig. of Buncombe, for Senator from
North Carolina to the Congress of the
United States.
In doing so I discharge one of the
most agreeable public duties that has