The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1915-02-16
.BALLOT-STUFFINC IN COP. CAUCUS CAUSES SCANDAL Col. Eaton Warns New Ha- ven County Legislators
 They Must Be Careful DEADLOCK CONTINUES DESPITE 1S6 BALLOTS With Spectators Excluded, Extra Votes Are Counted
 In Session Today

Q. {" reached in the New Haven county caucus lon a candidate for a county commissioners, although 1S regular, three irregular and one informal bal lot were taken. The caucus adjourn ed until next Tuesday. In it's closing moments the caucus was so lively that Col. Eaton, who presided, suggested that it. was time for it to bring in the oil can and smooth the tempest in New Haven county. The total mum Der of regular ballots is now 186.
 As soon as the caucus came to- gether for it's first ballot of the day. Mir. Bronson, of Waterbury, moved an executive session to the extent that all persons not members of the dele gation or newspaper men should be excluded. He said that there had been much confusion in previous ses- sions through outsiders moving about and more votes had been cast than were required.
 It was immaterfaI to him whether newspaper men went or stayed as they did not interfere with the bal lot. He believed that times would be saved by an executive session. The motion was carried and all spectators left the room. A laugh went up when the f7rst ballot was thrown out as
 
 essary.
 Col Eaton warned the members to be careful. After 10 ballots had been taken, an extra vote crept in and this ballot was thrown out. After the 3th ballot, Senator 1sben made remarks pointing out that the caucus was be- coming a stcontfnuous performanca From a. party standpoint, he said, the contest ought to be settled without delay. No end would be reached un- til someone gave way. He said he had voted for first. second. third and fourth choice in the hope of settling the matter.
 MT. Peasley, of Cheshire, moved to eliminate candidates by dropping the lowest after three ballots and then the lowest after three more MT. Martin, of Orange, was willing to adopt any fair way, though he did not believe this was an equitable way to the candidates as they stood. MT. Peasley withdrew his motion.
 MT. Potter, of Guilford, said he had dreamt that four candidates agreed to draw each a stick of different length, the one drawing the longest to be. recognized as the only candidate before the caucus. He woks up be- fore the drawing was con7pjeted. He s5:g gested that if legal the candidates he gwen sticks for such a drawing.
 h the 14th oa.1 #. Covert's name re- eD3eared and MT Bronson remark ed
 ''Thfs is the recrudescence of Cow ert''
 After the 18th ballot MT. Aubrey, of Meriden, suggested that the, four candidates get together and draw lots to see which should be the caucus choice. MT. Stanford, of New Haven, objected to this plan as he did not believe the members were called up on to delegate their right of selec- ton. MT. Bronson believed that if the candidates could not agree among themselves the members should take them by the throat and throttle them into an agreement He said that here were S6 men wasting valuable time over an $1,SOO job. It would be bet ter to chip in and make contribution to each candidate. If there was then a refractory candidate he should be eliminated.
 MT. Isbell, of Ansonia, did not be- lieve it advisable to have it publish ed that the matter had to be settled on the lottery plan. His motion to have members vote informally on first, second and third choice was carried.
 While this ballot was being count ed there was lively discussion with various motions which were rejected as being out of order. The ballot Cor first choice gave Donovan g.; Bron- sen1; Wilkinson g.; Patten 8; Gay lord 10; For. second choice: Donovan g; Wilkinson 6; Patten 10; Gaylord 8; Smith 1; for third choice: Donovan g; Wilkinson T; Patten 5; Gaylord g, Perry 1.
 MT. Aaronson, of Ansonia, moved to eliminate the lowest candidate MT. Bronson and MT. Smith eliminat- ed themselves. A lively debate foi- lowed over the bringing in of other names in the ballot besides those of the four leading candidates. It was during this discussion that Col. Eaton. suggested that an oil can be brought in.
 As 1t was then time for the assem- bly, to meet, motions and objections and remarks flew fast the ques- ton of adjournment and the result was that the caucus stands adjourned until next Tuesday.