The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1925-01-15
Few Attend Blaine Caucus.

rev ALteU4 Diane NdGSNs2e
The fifty-seventh Wisconsin legisla-
ture converting at noon today, may
witness a closer contest on the selec-
ton of a speaker of the assembly
than was forecast several days ago.
when Blaine adm nistration forces
claimed majority of pledges for Her
man Sachtjen Of Dane county. In
Republican caucus last night, at
which stalwart Republicans were not
in evidence, Sachtjen was able to mus
ter only thirty votes, although ne
claimed strength among absentees.
Called as a Republican caucus by
Robert NJ. La Toilette, Jr., chairman
of the party's state central commit
tee, the meeting resolved itself INTO
a conference of the progressive wing
of the party when more than thirty
members representing part of the
stalwart faction went on record yes
terday denouncing the call and de-
Gliding to remain away.
Sachtjen was almost the unanimous
choice Of the progressive caucus, seat
tering votes being cast for Clinton
Price Of Mauston, James Goodman OF
Argyle and William Olson of Monroe.
Five members attending the caucus
cast no vote.
Claiming to hold balance of power
in the situation Socialist members of
the assembly openly declared last
night that their vote may decide the
election of a speaker on the floor OF
the House today. Where these votes
will go was not indicated by spokes-
men of that faction in view of the
fact that Socialist member, Frank
J. Weber of Milwaukee is the Socialist
pre-caucus choice for speaker. Their
caucus was scheduled for this morn
ing and in it may be decided where
the votes ultimately will go in the
event that the Socialists decide to
withdraw their candidate. AT all
events. it is conceded that the en-
dorsement of a nonparty candidate
if any is made, will be unanimous on
the part of the Socialist bloc.
Conservatives We're Hopeful.
Conservative members of the assem-
bly who bolted the Republican caucus
were of the opinion that the Blaine
administration forces would be unable
to poll sufficient votes on the first bal
lot in the house to name SachtJen
8hey were confident that the candl-
date Of their faction who received the
largest strength from the conservative
wing. would receive the solid support
of the stalwarts on succeeding ballots
and thus stand an even chance for the
ultimate election.
Secrecy of the progressive Republl-
can conference in the Senate late yes
terday prevented much news of what
had transpired from becoming public
but the-general opinion Is that How
ard Teasdale of Sparta has received
the endorsement of the faction fol
president pro tenn and that Senator
George Staudenmayer of Portage has
received the endorsement as chair
j man of the finance committee.
| The meeting is said to have been
/ harmonious.
| Later it became apparent that the
Socialist group in the house would
not be for Sachtjen in the final speak
ership vote.
In the Senate, Socialists are play
ing an Independent role with virtual
" no indication that a switch may bt
made to conservatives or antl-Blaint
progressives in the organization OF
! this branch of the legislature.
Anti-Blaine progressives and con
servatives were prepared today tt
make vigorous fight against the &C
ton of the progressive senate con
ference, when committee on com
mittees was endorsed.
| iffoo Includes Senator i
E. eastman, Denmark, chairman; Sen
ators A. E. Garry, Edgerton and 0. H
Johnson, Gratiot, and would, if elect
ed by the Senate, control the naming
Of important committees.