Page:History of Iowa From the Earliest Times to the Beginning of the Twentieth Century Volume 1.djvu/352



members, and elected Thomas Baker (Democrat), of Polk County, President. The House consisted of forty members, and elected Jesse B. Browne (Whig), of Lee County, Speaker. The Democrats had a majority in the Senate and the Whigs a majority in the House. But local issues had, in Lee County, overshadowed party considerations to such an extent that it was doubtful whether the Democrats would be able to command a majority on joint ballot for their candidates for Supreme Judges and United States Senators.

On the 3d day of December, 1846, Ansel Briggs was inaugurated the first Governor of Iowa and delivered a brief address to the General Assembly, making no recommendations. The Democrats held an early caucus and made the following nominations: for United States Senators, Thomas S. Wilson, of Dubuque; and Augustus C. Dodge, of Burlington; for Judges of the Supreme Court, S. C. Hastings, John F. Kinney and George Greene. It required thirty votes on joint ballot to elect. The Democrats had eleven members of the Senate, the Whigs eight. In the House the Whigs had twenty members and the Democrats seventeen, with three Independents. Huner, of the Senate, and Conlee and Clifton of the House, all from Lee County, had been elected on the “Settlers” ticket, and King of Mahaska had been elected as an Independent. These four votes were uncertain. Clifton, Conlee and Huner were Democrats but would not support the Democratic candidates for Senators. Jonathan McCarthy, of Lee County was the only Whig these men would support and as the Whigs had no hope of success without their votes, they reluctantly agreed to support McCarthy as one of their candidates. Huner was personally hostile to A. C. Dodge and refused to vote for him. On the 18th day of September the joint convention was held. The House was packed with people from over the State. Amidst suppressed but intense excitement the roll call began. Every eye turned upon the doubtful