The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1919-01-08
By CHARLES II. ADAMS
Staff Correspondent

Oklahoma City, Ian. 6.-EXcept
for good natured dispute as to
the manner in which the vote by
which the three scrgcants-at-armS
should be chosen, the business OF
the Democratic caucus yesterday
was disposed Of in 4 harmioious and
rapid manner. The selections were
in line with those forecast in the
Ardmoreite and are regarded as an
igtdication that in the house at least
auycrnor-elect Robertson will have
little TO worry him and that the
lower body will be in time to sup
port his program.
The selection OF Speaker Wal
drcp has been conceded since Sat
urday when he emerged from a
field of four aspirants assured OF
election. The adjustment OF the
speakcrship contest was brought
about in most harmonious man
ner and Mr.. Waldrep goes into Of
flee unhampered by any procession
obligations. Only once was there
the slightest indication OF a lack
understanding between the speaker
elect and his colleagues. One mem
ber in the caucus proposed that
the representatives proceed to the
selection OF a chief clerk OF the
house. Chairman Ne'' It remind
ed the members that oiore this
had been left entirely in the hands
OF the speaker and the suggestion
was dismissed Immediately.
The caucus was called to order
by Porter Newman OF Durant,
temporary chairman, and Paul Mes
bitt was selected for the position
OF permanent chairman and Bert
Hodges OF Okmulgcc was elected
permanent secretary.
There were four candidates for
sergeant-at-arms and for a time
there was considerable confusion
over the method OF voting. Mem
bers insisted on a ballot and it was
auggested that the three securing
Sac highest number OF votes be de
,,lared elected. Then it was shown
that this would bring several conf
plications and after a ballot had
been collected the tellerS read the
first name only on each ticket anc
declared George Thomas OF Nc
Claim county elected. Chairman
Nesbitt ordered that the secon1
name on each ticket then be rcaC
and the nominee securing the high
est number OF votes be declared
elected first assistant sergeant-at
arms. There arose a storm OF OBJ
lection and finally the Chairman
threw up his hands and admltte'
that the matter was in such a mud
die that he did not believe it coul'
be Strengthened out except by tax
ing another ballot. The origina
motion was reconsidered as to it
application to the election OF tn
assistants and by rising vote Mar
cum and Ford were chosen.
Country Editor Made Chaplain
No little humorous debate de
veloped during the selection OF
chaplain. The name OF the Rev
Isom Roberts OF Oklahoma Cit
was presented and Ben Harrison c
Hughes county arose to nominat
the Rev. II. y. Blackwell, q super
annuated Methodist minister VIII
resides at Calvin. Representatly
Harrison declared that Mr.. Blacb
well had no idea that he was bein
presented for the office. lie r.
lated that Mr.. Blackwell operate
y little newspaper at Calvin an
&bcn he is not engaged in pre-
noting the interests OF the govern
ment in urging the purchase
Liberty Bonds, War Stamps an
supporting the Red Cross, u
/ spends all his time working for II
Welfare OF the Democratic party
"Then when does he preach| II
ouired Representative sid Whee
er Of Marshall county, When Il
uproar following this sally h'
been quieted Mr.. Harrison plac,,
Mfr. Blackwell's name before Il
caucus. Representative Cheatem
Creek county asked permission
second the nomination, saying,
intend to vote for the gentlema
for | want to say for once IN n
life, honestly, that | have voted +
n man who is not seeking the @
fice" Mr.. Chcatam insisted
referring to MIR, Harrison as Vt
gentleman from Calvin county II
n he was set right by a memb
from the western portion OF t
state who said; "You mean t
member from Ben Harrison Cou
N." 81 don't know whether n
Blackwell can pray or not, and
have my doubts about it since y
Harrison admits his candidate
newspaper man, but want
add my voice to the second OF t
nomination OF Mr.. Blackwell" 81
Asa w. Walden OF Love coun
lNhen the rising vote was count
Ythe gentleman from the FORK
tbe creek has AZ votes and the ge