Olympia's Backroom Bargain Over a Senate Seat

OLYMPIA, Jan. 12.—Special.—The lobby of the Hotel Olympia presents tonight something like the appearance of a legislative session. The majority of the members have arrived, but the question of the senatorship is not the issue of the combinations. Combinations are being sought from which to work the senatorial candidates, but primarily in the interest of candidates for other offices. Of these combines the two most important are the Northwestern and Southwestern, although Central Washington has a sort of combine on Milroy for speaker.

Senators Megler and Deckebach and Representatives Curtiss, Mills, Fishburn, Bash, Campbell, Scobey, Fenton, Heath, Nims, Ham, Irving and Callow met tonight and resolved that it was the sense of the meeting that the Republican members hold a general caucus for the purpose of uniting on United States senator; also, that the Republican representatives caucus on organization, and that the salaries of all legislative officers be reduced 30 per cent. No mention was made of candidates. The members from Jefferson, Clallam, Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, Island and San Juan have agreed to unite for legislative purposes, but an effort to bring up the subject of candidates was repressed. Senator Deckebach says his county favors Wilson, but it is only a matter of preference, and he will cheerfully abide by the action of the caucus. He is opposed to needed legislation being jeopardized to promote the interests of any one man. It is the general opinion that the speakership should be decided without reference to senatorial candidates.

John L. Wilson's friends are endeavoring to force a caucus, but there is no indication at Ankeny's headquarters as to the reception it will meet. The proposition tonight is to meet in caucus on Monday morning to agree upon temporary organization, organize at noon and adjourn until 1 o'clock Tuesday. Some of the Wilson people favor forcing a caucus Monday night.

The people received an unpleasant surprise when they found that Jefferson and Clallam counties were not formed hand and foot to the railroad candidate. He had claimed almost the entire delegation, and in that case, as in many others, estranged supporters by his high-handed assumption.

George Turner arrived today and Mrs. Allen is expected tomorrow. There is no fear, however, of a repetition of a dead session. The members are unanimous in declaring that the senatorial question shall be disposed of in short order and the legislative work entered upon without delay. Both Morrison and Milroy make it part of their pledge that, if elected, they will eliminate the senatorial contest entirely from consideration in making up the committees.

For speaker, Morrison of King undoubtedly leads, but Central Washington is pleading, on behalf of Milroy of Yakima, that King shall yield the place to that part of the state. The Southwestern combine is broken up on this question, and Scobey, Morrison, Cline and Milroy each seem to have different support there. One of its members stands out sturdily for Morrison—that King is the true friend of the Southwest. Dr. J. E. Gandy is hampered by Spokane having two candidates for the senate; will stand by Dr. Cloes. For secretary of the senate, Whatcom offers Nicklin and Clallam wants Hoole. Judge Sett, of Port Townsend, as a candidate for chief clerk, divides Hope's strength somewhat. Harry Carron has been asked to withdraw so as not to stand in Morrison's way, and that he is willing to do so. Joe Mitchell, of Pierce, will be well supported for sergeant-at-arms. Ex-Senator Clausen is working for his father-in-law, A. B. Cowles, for secretary of the senate.

The legislature will assemble at noon Monday. Gov. McGraw will, of course, call the senate to order, and Chief Clerk Nicklin will perform a like office for the house. Supreme Judge Hoyt will administer the oath to the senators, and Chief Justice Dunbar, who was speaker of the territorial council in 1885, will swear in the representatives.