The Daily Alaska empire., 1950-02-17
DEMOCRAT CAUCUS ELECTION SQUEEkS:;
 DELEGATES NAMED

A tug-of-war which at times rost to comical proportions last nigh marked the Democratic caucus 1T which delegates to the March divisional convention in Sitka wert named-51 in all. representing tho city of Juneau.
 Obvious signs of sessions held 1T smoke filled rooms" prior to the get-together showed themselves early when the three precincts went into their individual huddles in vari- ous parts of the CIO. Hall, fol- lowing introductory remarks by Sec retary of Alaska Lew M, Williams.
 Some s2 persons gathered to choose Is delegates each for the first and second precincts and 19 for the third.
 nti-administration forces dis tributed small, neatly typewriter "slates." But these candidates didn't fare too well, although they won some representation, particularly in No precinct.
 Voting in No. precinct went along fairly smoothly, but a hub bub was noted in No. and 3-par- ticularly the latter. the second largest precinct in the First Divi- sion.
 Ballot ~Stuffing"
 The third precincts voting fouled up at the beginning when 1t was found someone had made out two ballots. This threw progress back about an hour, because counting had been almost completed before the discepton was discovered.
 Or it might have been a vote by a government employee who later denied his ballot because of fear of Hatch Act repercussions. Each per son present was asked by the chair man if he had voted, after ballots were collected.
 On this precincts "smoSe-iiliec room" slate was Republican, while others were registered Democrats, although known for their anti-ad- ministration feelings.
 Calling for rules of order and par liamentary law were tactics used tc delay and confuse things, and one man was challenged as having voted the Republican ticket for years, although things were strengthened out by an explanation that if he signed an affidavit he would be ac- cepted at the convention. He was chosen on No. precincts ticket.
 After things wound up and all delegates were approved unani- mously by the caucus, it was de- cided that the chosen representa- tives would meet in the hall at 2 pm. Sunday to get themselves lined up, decide who would go tc Sitka, and arrangements made fol proxies from those who couldn't at tend.
 Just Made It
 Just before No. 3 precinct was ready to make it's report, a move was made to destroy all ballots. "as Is customary" This was challenged immediately, but the move to de- stroy squeaked by with a vote Of II to, TO-
 The plan to elect by individual precinct, set forth by Williams, was challenged at the meets outset, by it's being pointed out that the party's plan of organization called for an incorporated city's numerous pre- cincts be considered as one precinct only.
 Williams battered that move down, however, by declaring Juneau's 5l delegates would be considered at Sitka as being from one precinct but should be elected by precinct in the caucus because each should choose it own" and the choice then be ratified by the caucus as whole Chairman for the first precinct was Phyllis Maynard; second. Ear Forsythe, and third, Elizabeth Pera- troyich.
 Delegates and precinct commit tees follow:
 First Precinct Delegates
 B. D. Stewart, R. E. Coughlin Eugene Lockridge, Vern Metcalfe Lew Williams, L. R. Hogins, Phylli! Maynard, Judge Si Hellenthal Frank A. Boyle, J. J. Connors, Harr. McCrae, Gertrude Naylor, Chri Henning, Mrs. William Schmidts Elmer Friend, and Felix Toner.
 First Precinct Committee
 Phyllis Maynard, Harry McCrea Harry DeLand. and Joe Thomas.
 Second Precinct Delegates