Mountain Home Republican. [volume] (Mountain Home, Idaho) 1915-1946, 1916-05-20
LOSE FIRST ROUND
Elect Kerr Temporary Chairman by
Narrow Margin--l77 to III


credential committee, which has had
three contests before 1t most OF the
afternoon and is still considering the
last OF them from Washington county.
The Canyon contest was compro-
missed by unanimous vote ON the
committee, each of the two acts OF
delegates being recommended to be
seated with "a half vote.
The Cassia contest was decided In
favor of the Elder delegation.
The Elder side now make the toll
lowing claim, 100 votes instructed tor
Elder, 10 In Canyon aud six in Casssia
added to his strength. or total of
III.
To this the Elder side add unin-
structed yotes, six from Bingham, six
from Madison, two from Jefferson,
one from Franklin or control of the
convention by majority of seven
With Washington to hear from. Not
withstandlng these claims there are
signs that the Elder faction may be-
forced TO retire its choice In favor of
q third man.
A. B. Cummins, for Mayor Williams,
voiced a welcome to the delegates.
and Rev. w. l.. Hutton pronounced
an invocation. The first test OF
strength came ON the selection OF q
temporary chairman, and resulted In
defeat OF the Elder-Nugent faction.
Nez Perce, through George w. Tanna-
hill, presented A. G. Hindman OF
Ada as the so-called organization cam
didate. Bert Miller OF Fremont named
M. j. Kerr of that county. The first
outburst of energetic applause oc-
CURED when 1t was announced that
Kerr had been elected, 1T to III.
Chairman Kerr made a plea for
unity and fair play. Referring TO the
contest over national committeeman,
he said the choice should be one who
was representative, honorable, and a
worthy adviser of the president ON
Idaho Democratic matters. There
should be no purpose, he said. to
dominate the convention through or
ganization or other means, but the
proceedings should be characterized
by spirit of fair play and an earnest
purpose 10 promote the best interests
Of the entier party.
Mr.. Kerr is engaged in the sheep
business, which industry, he reluct-
antly admitted had been vastly bene-
fitted by Republican legislation, but
he declared he placed principle above
other considerations born of special
privilege.
Frank G. Burroughs Of Minidoka
was elected secretary and d. w.
Greenburg OF Latah assistant.
The convention was In suspension
the greater part OF the afternoon
while the credential committee
wrestled with contests. The Canyon
county contest was decided unani-
mously by the committee by giving
each delegation a seat with half a
vote for each member.
The Cassia county contest, which
was occasoned in part by the action
of County Chairman Kassatt, whose
peculiar conduct In the convention
hall at the opening attracted Surprise
and gave rise TO suspicious as to the
mans condition, was decided In favor
OF the Elder delegation by vote of
Il to 13.
The committee had not taken up
the Washington county contest at Z
O'Clock and recessed until 8.
AT $3.50 the convention adjourned
until Friday, to await final action
by the credentials committee. the
report of which viii. 1t Ia expected.
precipitate brisk tight on the floor.
Thursday night an effort is being
made to unite all unpledged delegates
III lut City LuS ouNk5%A <@A|
thing to beat Elder"
1t is said the ants are willing to
support either Ensign of Blaine or
James of Gooding. The Ederites
present a confident front and claim
here win be no compromise. Inter
est in the contest is shown by the
arge attendance, every county being
represented. Statesman
just before going to press We learn
that Messrs. Faraday, Stevens and
Smith of the fillmore delegation had
returned home and that the Elder
3orces had gained control of the con-
vention. Robert Fl. Elder was re-
elected National Committeeman.
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