The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1911-10-26

ed for a friend among the electors ant
tie vote was the result
Will Cumback, viewing the situation
as most amusing. suggested that, as a
solution of the problem. they draw
cuts" as the expression is for draw
ing lots. Thirteen plain white tickets
were cut from piece of cardboard. all
OF the same size. On one OF them was
written the name "Abraham Lincoln
1t was to be the prize winner.
Col. John w. Ray produced his hat
and the thirteen tickets were placed in
1t, then shaken vigorously
II was now agreed that the dra wine
should be according to each electors
place on the ticket. Cumhack, heading
the electors ticket. got first draw. He
drew blank and laughed about it
Mansfield followed and met the same
fate
On down the list OF districts the
drawing went until finally 1t reached
JenkinsOn. of FIT. Wayne. representing
the old Tenth district The lucky
Abraham Lincoln" ticket had not yet
been drawn
Suppose we draw together, Daley"
said Jenkinson. to David O. Daley, of
the Eleventh district. his only remain
ing competitor for the honor. I'VE
will each select a ticket and not look
at 1t until both have drawn"
agreed answered Daley, with a
laugh.
The two men then reached cautious
ly into Rays hat and took out the last
two tickets. The moment was intense
ly dramatic. Both looked at their tick
cts simultaneously, and on Jenkinson's
was the magic name "Abraham Lin
coin"
Il VIM" shouted Jcnkinson, exul-
tant over his unexpected good fortune
He was warmly congratulated all
round
The returns were then resealed in a
large envelope. and each elector placed
his signature on the outside, attesting
its legality. That evening Jenkinson,
bearing the precious electoral certifi-
Gates. left Indianapolis for his home
in FIT. Wayne, where he Immediately
prepared for his journey to Washing
ton. He wrote his friend, Col Case,
then representing an Indiana district
In Congress, asking him to reserve
room for him at one of the hotels.
Case replied that he had engaged quar-.
tiers for him at the old Washington
house. Jenkinson took his way to
via the Pittsburg, TT.
Wayne and Chicago road, now the
line.
When he arrived in Washington he
was surprised at his welcome, for he
had no sooner reached his room than a
call came announcing that Senator
the newly elected Vice-Presi-
dent, was calling to see him. There
was much interest in the situation in
Indiana at that time, the state having
Just come into the Republican column
through anti-slavery influences. Sena-
tor Hamlin and Indiana's electoral
messenger sat long discussing the af-
[airs of both Indiana and the nation
The war cloud was rising and there
was much that was serious to talk
about
The next morning Mr.. Jenkinson, ac-
by Robert breckenridge, a
young Washington lawyer whom he
knew. went to the Capitol to perform
the duty imposed on him-that of de-
ivering the returns of Indiana to John
9. Breckenridge, then the Vice-Presi-
lent OF the United States. Although
II the same name the Breckinridges
we're not related. They were friends,
however. and the young lawyer had
10 trouble in finding the Vice-Presi-
lent for 1ndiana's messenger. After
ormal introductions were over, Mr..
Ienkinson presented his envelope to
he Vice-President, who received it
With smile. The package was bulky,
Ind told a story of Democratic defeat.
That's a sockdollager!" he said
With laugh
Hears Of Secession.
Mr.. Jenkinson then began a round
II Washington life that gave him in
light to men and events. He knew
Schuyler Colfax we'll, and by his guild |
lnce was admitted to many interest |
ng places in the capital 1t was while !
lifting in the press gallery of the
house on the afternoon of December
70. 1860, that he heard of the seces-
ion Of South Carolina from the Union.
|enkinson observed member of the
louise moving nervously from his seat
o the anterooms and back again Fin
lily the man arose and asked recog-
lition from the speaker 1t was grant.
ID.
II beg to announce to this house."
lie said. excitedly. that I have just
eceived telegram saying that my
tate, South Carolina. has seeded
rom the Union"
Then he dropped into his seat
'"The announcement surprised me
most because Of the manner in which
was received relates Mr.. Jenkin.