The Governor’s Executive Fiat
After the state legislature deadlocked and failed to elect a U.S. Senator, Governor McGraw unilaterally appointed John B. Allen to fill the seat.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
Gov. McGraw this evening appointed John R. Allen United States senator to fill the vacancy caused by the failure of the legislature to elect, and signed the certificate of appointment setting forth the happening of the vacancy and the fact that the legislature is not in session. The governor is satisfied from his examination of the question during the past few weeks that Senator Allen will be admitted. The senator's excellent standing with the members of all parties in the senate will undoubtedly aid in seating him. Senator Allen stated this evening that he would go at once to Washington City if there was a probability that the senate would remain in session long enough to enable him to present his credentials. He has wired Senator Squire for information as to the probable length of the extra session, and will form his plans definitely when he receives a reply.
“The senator's excellent standing with the members of all parties in the senate will undoubtedly aid in seating him.”
This 1893 power play by Governor McGraw highlights the historical tension between state legislative bodies and executive appointment powers. It echoes contemporary debates over the legitimacy of political appointments made to bypass gridlock in representative chambers.
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