Olympia's Ward Caucus Turns on Who Counts as a Citizen

LOCAL POLITICS.

C. H. SPRINGER NOMINATED IN THE SECOND WARD.

Gillis' Citizenship Questioned—The Convention to Meet Tonight to Select City Officers.

There were no “printed tickets” used at the citizens' meeting in the old school house of the Second Ward last night. It was a larger meeting than the one held Monday night. Millard Lemon was chosen chairman and Frank G. Blakeslee secretary. C. H. Springer, the mill man, of the firm of Springer & White, was nominated for city councilman in the place of Mark E. Reed, declined. The vote was: C. H. Springer, 49; E. S. Horton, 18; T. J. McBratney, 6; and F. G. Deming, 0; O. C. White, M. A. Root, E. T. James and B. B. Turner one each. On motion of Mr. Kleber the nomination of Mr. Springer was made unanimous.

A communication was read signed “Many Citizens,” questioning the citizenship of A. J. Gillis, one of the nine delegates chosen on Monday evening. Mr. Gillis, who was present, said he was a qualified elector, but for fear he might not be, J. C. Kleeber was chosen to take his place should the convention tonight conclude to unseat Mr. Gillis. J. C. Kleeber said there was a question as to the status of Councilman Sickels of the Second Ward. It is contended by some that Mr. Sickels is not a councilman within the meaning of the charter and that his term expires with the rest, he not having been legally classified by lot as a hold-over councilman. Kleeber moved that a second candidate be nominated for city council to take Sickels' place, but it was opposed by M. A. Root and others and the motion was lost. On an informal ballot as an expression for mayor, R. G. O'Brien received 77 votes, T. C. Van Epps 15, Pat Dolan 3, A. H. Chambers 2, and Messrs. Marr, Root, White, Hiltz, McElroy, Lacey, McBratney, James and Turner one each.

For city treasurer, Joseph Chilberg received 40, A. D. Glover 10, J. J. Armstrong 9, G. B. Hartman 8, L. F. Henderson 8, O. C. Lacey 3, and G. Rosenthal, Hugh Ross, E. F. Jones and Thomas O'Gara one each.

For councilman at large: T. J. McBratney, 31; E. S. Horton, 10; J. S. Dobbins, 3; B. McElroy, 3; Robert Marr, 2; L. Bettman, 2; R. F. Whitham, 2; Joseph Lainmon, 2; Messrs. Percival, Rogers, Scully, Sickels, Gray, James Chambers, Gowey, Gramger, Lacey, J. M. Murphy, Hellar and Prior, 1 each.

There were 81 votes cast for the expression for mayor.

FIRST WARD.

The First Ward is without a candidate for city council, Mr. McElroy having published the following card: “I respectfully decline the nomination of councilman from the First Ward of the city of Olympia, which nomination I am advised by you was made by the voters of said ward on the evening of November 30. I thank the citizens of the First Ward for the honor conferred in nominating me for this important office. H. B. McElroy.”

It is supposed that a nomination will be made tonight in place of Mr. McElroy.

H. L. FORREST NOT A CANDIDATE.

Editor Tribune:

Upon my return from the east I find that certain of my friends have been urging my name as a candidate for the office of mayor of Olympia. For this evidence of their confidence and esteem I feel very grateful, but I wish to say that I have never once thought of becoming a candidate for this office or any other. I appreciate the fact that the papers have shown a kindness in mentioning these expressions of regard from friends, and ask them to give this card a place, so that no erroneous impression may get out. Respectfully,

H. L. Forrest.

TO-NIGHT.

This evening a convention of delegates will be held in Columbia Hall for the purpose of nominating a mayor, city treasurer, city assessor, health officer and councilman at large. From the sentiment expressed at the various ward meetings it is certain that R. G. O'Brien will receive the nomination for mayor, with but little opposition. For city treasurer there are already announced Joseph Chilberg, George B. Hartman, L. F. Henderson, A. D. Glover, J. P. Armstrong and at least one other name in whose interest much work is being done, will be presented. There are 63 others who would like to have this office.

For assessor, either E. E. Stevens, Robert Whitham, C. M. Moore and T. Ford are likely to be nominated. Ambition for this office has not been so marked. Dr. Hal Wyman's name is about the only one mentioned for health officer, he having stated that Dr. Riley was not particularly desirous of filling the office another term.

The withdrawal of Harry McElroy is looked upon as a sure victory for John Miller Murphy, and unless an unusually strong man is presented, Murphy's re-election is assured.