Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1909-01-19

lican state officers-elect were inaugu-
rated today in accordance with the
plan formulated last week by the
Joint inaugural committee of the house
and senate. The hall of the house of
representatives was packed to over
flowing with visitors and spectators.
many of whom came from remote por-
tions of the state to witness the cere-
monies.
Senatorship Proves Wary.
While much interest centered today
! In the inaugural ceremonies when the
newly elected state officers were in
Quoted into Office, the possibilities of d
difficulty in selecting. a United States
senator in the joint session was the
burning topic discussed. The talk Of a
probability Of a caucus to settle the
position of the Republican members
OF the house On the senatorial ques-
tion was revived today and the gen
might be called.
Deneen For Waterways.
In his message to the legislature
Governor Deneen urges that prompt
and vigorous action be taken in the
matter of deep waterways from the
lakes to the gulf pointing out the fact
that the Canadian government is
seriously considering the construction
of the Georgian bay canal, which
would afford Canada and England a
great advantage over the United
States in the matter of commerce be-
tween the Atlantic and the Pacific
Illinois, he says, should take a lead
Ing part in the present development
and set an example which would have
the commendation and cooperation of
the other states and the federal gov
eminent.
Make Plea for Caucus.
Senator Hopkins and Charles P.
Hitch of Paris chief of his field forces,
came to Springfield this afternoon and
at once went into long conference
with Governor Deneen. They urged
the governor to exert all the high
voltage pressure possible to get his
party members together
The executive got into long dis
tance telephone communication with
Morton D. Hull, chairman of the Re-
insisted ever since the trouble began
that he would call caucus only upon
request of a substantial number Of
Hopkins men in the house.
Senator Hopkins and his lieutenants
promised to have such request signed
by substantial number of mousse
members for presentation to Mr.. Hull
as soon as he alighted from the "hum-
mer" just before midnight. On this
understanding Hull said he would is
sue the call, and the word went out
that a joint caucus would be held to-
morrow evening at o'clock at which
not only the senatorship, but all other
matters for party action would be
considered.
Want Deneen as Senator.
Hf Governor Deneen wants to be
United States senator the job is his
for the asking. This sentiment is in
evidence everywhere members of the
legislature congregate. Those who are
anxious to force the toga upon the
governor have worked, ont beautiful
and attractive scheme Instead of war
fare, the tempters have painted a ro-
seate picture of perpetual peace, with
Deneen forming the central figure and
all factions paying homage to him.
To make the proposition especially
inviting, it is said that the revised
plan OF temptation permits of Cover
nor Deneen retaining the executive
chair long enough to absorb all the
glory that will come of putting into
operation the constructive work he has
IN mind. While Senator Hopkins
term of office expires March 4. next,
1t is taken for granted that the United
States senate could get along fairly
comfortably ufqtil the Illinois legisla-
ture adiourns. Deneen could take his
own time to qualify and in this way
could remain governor of the st ltn
until congress meets next winter If