The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1911-04-12

Thomas s Martin OF Virginia was
selected at the Democratic senate
caucus today "a permanent caucus
chairman and minority leader during
the present congress. He received 81
out Of the 81 votes cast, 16 going TO
Senator Benz. +. Shively Of Indiana
Senator w. Il. Chiffon OF West vir-
ginia was elected secretary. being
elected by acclamation. Senator
tary.
The expected long contest did not
develop. Prior to the session the
progressive Democrats. as follow
ers OF william J. Bryan prefer to be
designated. met In the office of sena-
tor Owen to canvass the situation.
A number found themselves in an
embarrassing position. because Of
pledges made many weeks ago that
they would support Mr.. Martin for
the minority leadership. 1t was de-
cided that the progressives should
vote for Senator Newlands Of Nevada.
as Senator Culberson OF Texas and
stone Of Missouri both declined to be-
come candidates The plan was
changed In caucus. however. when It
was learned that Mr.. shiveiy, who
was the vice chairman under the
leadership OF Senator Money during
the last congress. would not object
to receiving the complimentary vote
OF those who would not vote for Mr..
Martin.
Mr.. Martin was nominated by Sem
ator Clark (Ark.) and Senator Shive-
ly by Senator Kern Qnd.). Senator
Stone seconded the shiveiy nomina-
ton.
The 81 votes cast account for the
Democratic strength except four.
Senators Tillman Of South Carolina,
Terrell OF Georgia and Shively were
absent because Of illness. and Senator
Martin did not vote. The roll call
follows: For Martin: Bacon, Bailey
Bankhead. Bryan (Fla.) Chiffon,
Clarke, Culberson. Fletcher. Foster,
Johnstone. overman. Paynter. Percy.
Rayner. Simmons. Smith (Md).
Swanson. Taylor, Thornton, Watson
and williams.
For shIvely; Chamberlain. Davis.
Gore. Hitchcock. Johnson (Me.).
Kern. Lea. Martin. Myers. Newiands,
O'Gorman. owen, Pomerene. Reid.
Smith (s. Co.. Stone.
The fact that the battle had been
, fought In advance of the caucus en-
aoied the Democrats to keep In the
background all the Bryan and anti
Bryan sentiment manifested during
the preliminary scrimmages. The
friends Of Senator Martin decided in
asmuch as they had the votes to elect
their candidate II would be folly TO
bring this question into the caucus
which appeared to be entirely har-
montous
The appointment by Mr.. Martin Of
a steering committee which will also
serve as committee on committees
was authorized by the caucus. The
committee will have to report It's pro-
gramme for the filling OF vacancies
on standing committees to the caucus
itself.
"A statement issued by Senator
Owen. speaking for senator's who
voted against Mr.. Martin. says:
Those who supported shiveiy did
80 bscause they are militant pro-
gress've Democrats determined to en-
force the policies OF the national pro-
grrss.ve Democrats and they feared
that me country might feel that SEN
ator Martin would not be regarded as
progressive rs the coutry had n right
TO expect OF the leader OF the senate.
We shall expect the country TO be
agreebaly disappointed in this matter.
There arc at least 22 or 23 militant
progressive Democratic senator's who
have not heretofore been regarded as
In complete sympathy with the ma
tional platform will be found actively
progressive. so that there shall he in
the senate a party united In spirit and
in common purpose To control the
special interests Of this country and
restore the rights OF the common
people."
Why Did They Do no