The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1906-02-23
CAUCUS BOLTER IN
A FORMER MELEE
Senator Patterson's Recent
Action Recalls Row in
National Convention.
NEAR FREE-FoR-ALL FIGHT
Ex-consressman Kelly, of South Dako.
ia, Secured Recognition by Chair
man Patterson Only After
Highly Sensational Episode.

Sioux Falls. S. D., Feb. 16.-Senatos
Thomas M. Pattcrson'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-
stated a free for all fight in national
convention. J.
Patterson was chairman of the na-i
held in Sioux Falls, s. d. May $40.
1900. His refusal to recognize Ex-Con-i
gressman John F. Kelly OF South Da-l
kota, who attempted for hours to get
blood of the South Dakotan, and q
scene resulted in which a dozen Colo-l
rado delegates peeled off their coats.l
while score of South Dakota men ral-i
lied around Kelly, who. rushing up tOj
the platform, told Chairman Patterson|
wise. Several onlookers declared att
erward there were weapons drawn and
held In readiness for a general mtx-upsl
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 q VICE
presidential candidate should be chosen,
the plan generally being to support the
democrats and Bryan. Ex-Congress-l
man Kelly made repeated attempts to-
get recognition from the chair, butt
failed. the slight seeming intentional In
view OF some differences between Pat
terson and Kelly at 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 becamei
30 intense that finally one member went
to Chairman Patterson and asked him
to recognize Mr. Kelly. f. Gerry BroWnA
of Massachusetts was talking ana the{
chair said. or is alleged to have said:
II will recognize Mr.. Kelly next.
Mr.. Brown concluded and doeen
Mr.. Chairmans'' re-echoed throughout
the big tent in which the conventionI
met. Chairman Patterson arose and.
said:
After delivering these letters and
kilograms, the chair will recognize Mr..
Grece of Michigan"
Then the fireworks went of.
Pyroteehnics Touched OF.
South Dakota will be glad to get
these letters" began Ex-COngressman
Kelly, his voice trembling with anger,
state has received tonight"
The gentleman is out OF order"
roared the chairman, pounding thunder
ously with his gavel.
nave Il right 10 De NedFO, SIlOuIeU.
Kelly, advancing menacingly toward
the chairman. And then shaking his
finger at Patterson. who was just above
him he screamed angrily:
You are nothing but a common
bunco steerer and not fit to preside over
n populist convention, and you never
will again
Put him out" came from the Colo
RADIO delegation and Patterson white
with rage was still hanmering with the
.:avel.
1t was ct this juncture that the clash
between the delegations of Colorado
they met threateningly near the plat
form. some taking Off their coats on
he 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 right to be
heard. Why even Tom Reed would
permit that
The sergeant at arms was summoned
by the chair and this functfonary's
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. I viii
recognize him after Mr.. Grece has ffn-t
ished, 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
rlosed. But South Dakota is still sore
at Patterson and doubts his sincerity.