The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1909-11-15

been few plums of a substantial char
acter to give out. Most of the places
were in the nature of institution trus-
teeships, administrative positions with
no great salaries or inducements, and
minor places, for which there was no
great scramble. But when a senator
ship Of the United States was the
stake, the big ones OF the old guard
came co the front and many of them
feel that their claims have not been
taken at their proper value.
The candidates had been gradually
eliminated until toward the close of
the fight the names of w. E. Purcell
of Wahpeton, M. A. Hildreth of Fargo,
George e. Duis of Grand oF'rks and
D. III. Macarthur of Bottineau were
about all that were left in the lists.
1t was confidently expected by DEM
ocrats generally and by these candi-
dates in particular that the selection
would be made from among them. All
of them but Hildreth were in the city
when the appointment was announc-
ed, and the hottest conference of the
three weeks of struggle was held in
the afternoon proceeding TN announce
ment. This was on behalf of w. E.
Purcell of Wahpeton, one of the old
line democrats of the state, state sem
ator from Richland county, who had
the support of large part of the con-
sentative democracy of the state for
the place.
Purcell made a previous trip to the
capital and his claims were presented
to the governor. but at that time he
was informed, so it is said, that his
chances were small. Subsequently a
request was made to the governor from
various leaders to reopen the case so
far as Purcell was concerned, and
Purcell, Tracy r. Bangs of Grand
Forks and others urged the appoint
ment of the Richland county man.
Why Purcell Lost Out.
1t is stated chat the anti-pass legis-
lation of last winter was ascribed as
the reason that Purcell could not be
considered. Both parties in the state
were pledged to an anti-pass law lasc
winter, but the matter was held up
until along toward the close OF the ses-
sion. when it was too late to enact a
suitable bill. Purcell had been con-
sistent opponent of such legislation,
and did not hesitate to declare his at
titude. 1t is stated the governor took
the view that Purcell was OF the re-
dictionary class, and that his apoint-
ment would not in in line with the
best party policy. Hence the turning
down of Purcell and the appointment
Of Thompson.
The attitude Of John L. Cashel Of
Grafton state chairman for the demo-
Gratis and the nominee of the primar-
les. was dignifed throughout the en-
tire struggle. Cashell presented his
claims without ostentation, merely
stating that he had been chosen by
the democrats of the state as their
candidate for the senate, and that he
believed he was entitled, both for that
reason and from his services TO the
party, to the place.
Cashel had only one interview with
the governor, and that is said to have
been at the request of the executive.
That lasted for only an hour or so, and
nothing has been learned as 20 the ex-
act nature of the discussion. 1t is
enough to say that when it was over,
the name OF Cashel was stricken from
the list OF probabilities.
Friends OF Cashel feel that he should
have had the place and chat his turn
ing down was an unnecessary humili-
alton Of faithful and strong party
worker.