selves.” The first sitting of the convention resulted in the nomination of Colonel McDowell for Congress against Major Potts.
The anti-administration followers of course did not appreciate the sharp turn in the proceedings, and disparaging remarks were made. Colonel McDowell promptly denied the accusation, saying it was “False, False,” and even used more emphatic language. The quick response was greeted with cheering by the apparent majority. Under the same conditions Colonel Michael Hassen was also chosen representative delegate on a close vote against Colonel George Murray. Some one with malice in his heart called out, “Put him out! Put him out!” Colonel McDowell's resolution favoring Colonel William B. Foster for the nomination of canal commissioner in the state convention resulted in a tie vote, but Colonel McGough, the presiding officer, promptly decided the contest in the affirmative. Some delegate moved to have the proceedings signed by the officers and published, when Colonel Adams made the very proper inquiry: “What would they put their names to; nobody kept the minutes!” At this juncture Colonel McGough declared the Snodgrass meeting adjourned sine die. However, the anti-delegates did not and would not leave the court room, and the Portage railroad delegates were afraid to go for fear another call would forthwith be issued. But things were moving briskly. Presently Colonel John Kean advanced in his usual dignified way and with his accustomed sang froid said: “Gentlemen, there has been a great deal of noise and confusion; let us now go to work quietly and nominate our delegates and then adjourn.” The leader the antis were looking for was found, when Colonel James H. Mitchell in a stentorian voice nominated for senatorial delegate Major James Potts, who was elected by a unanimous vote. The new convention was working so satisfactorily that some one nominated Colonel George Murray for representative delegate who was likewise chosen. Mr. Johnston notes, “thus did the Major vanquish the young man formerly from Ireland, recently from York, and now of Ebensburg and Harrisburg,” and adds, “here the Shamrock of Ireland, in the person of Colonel Michael Hasson, lay prostrate before the Thistle of Scotland.” On the motion of Sheriff Linton, Deputy Sheriff Kittell was selected chairman of the county committee, when the meeting again adjourned sine die.
The proceedings of the anti-administration convention published in the Hollidaysburg Standard showed twenty-five vice-
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