The Black Hills union and western stock review. [volume] (Rapid City, S.D.) 1904-19??, 1906-02-16
CAUCUS BOLTER IN
A FORMER MELEE
Senator Patterson's Recent
Action Recalls Row in
National Convention.
NEAR FREE-FOR-ALL FIGHT
Ex-coneressman Kelly, of South pako.
ia, Secured Recognition by Chair
man Patterson Only After a
Highly Sensational Episode.

Sioux Falls, S. D., Feb. Ex-senator
Thomas NJ. Patterson's disregard Of
caucus rule in the United States SEN
ate reminds westerners, and especially
former populists, OF whom he was one,
of another display of independence by
the Colorado man, which nearly precip-
itated Il free for all fight in national
convention.
Patterson was chairman of the ma
tional populist convention which was
held in Sioux Falls, S. D., May $40,
1900 His refusal TO recognize Ex-Con-
gresham John f. Kelly Of South Da-
kota, who attempted for hours to get
the floor. finally aroused the Irish
blood of the South Dakotan, and
scene resulted in which dozen Colo
RADIO delegates peeled off their coats.
while a score of South Dakota men raj
lied around Kelly, who, rushing up to
the PLATFORM told Chairman Patterson
few plain things. personal and other
wise. Several onlookers declared aft
erward there were weapons drawn and
held In readiness for a general mix-up,
but these statements are thought to
have been the product of excitement
and not of fact.
Slight Seemed Intentional.
The trouble occurred at the evening
session when vigorous speeches were
being made as to whether or not a vice.
presidential candidate should be chosen.
the plan generally being to support the
democrats and Bryan. Ex-Congress-
man Kelly made repeated attempts to
get recognition from the chair, but
view of some differences between Pat
terson and Kelly at Il former confer
ence in which the feasibility of General
Weaver of Iowa for vice presidential
timber was being considered. The strain
in the South Dakota delegation became
so intense that finally one member went
to Chairman Patterson and asked him
to recognize Mr.. Kelly. E. Gerry Brown,
of Massachusetts was talking and the
chair said, or Is alleged to have said:
II will recognize Mr.. Kelly next.
MIR. Brown concluded and a dozen
! hfr. Chairmans" re-echoed throughout
the big tent in which the convention
met. Chairman Patterson arose and
said:
After delivering these letters and
kilograms, the chair will recognize MI.
Greco OF Michigan"
Then the fireworks went Off
Pyrotechnics Touched OF.
! South Dakota will be glad to ga
these letters" began Ex-Congressman
Kelly. his voice trembling with anger,
for it is the first recognition that this
state has received tonight"
The gentleman is out of order"
roared the chairman. pounding thunder
ously with his gavel.
II have a right to be heard" shouted
Kelly, advancing menacingly toward
the chairman. And then shaking his
finger at Patterson. who was just above
him he screamed angrily:
You arc nothing but q common
bunco steerer and not fit to preside over
a populist convention, and you never
will again.
( Put him out" came from the Colo
rado delegation and Patterson white
With rage was still hammering with the
gavel.
1t was 1T this juncture that the clash
between the delegations of Colorado
and South Dakota seemed imminent as
they met threateningly near the plat
FORM some taking off their coats on
the way there.
Tom Reed Not So Despotic.
II rose to a point of order, gentle
men," shouted Mr.. Kelly waving the
crowd back. and I've a right to be
heard. Why, even Tom Reed would
permit that"
The sergeant at arms was summoned
by the chair and this functionarys
bcllicose demonstration was so anus
Ing that some degree Of good nature
was restored and the Coloradoans and
South Dakotans separated and went
back to their respective places. Chair
man. Patterson said:
Although Mr.. Kelly has been doing
his best to intimidate the chair. will
recognize him after Mr.. Greco has fin
Shed, not because he is Mr.. Kelly, but
because he represents the fair state of
which we are guests
When Mr.. Kelly spoke he made par
tial apology and the. incident was
closed. But South Dakota is still sore
hit Patterson and doubts his sincerity.