Since Jacobs persisted in his candidacy for State Senator the Lynch faction brought out an opposing candidate in the person of a Baptist minister by the name of J.M.P.
Williams.

The contest between the two Republican candidates was interesting and exciting, though not bitter, and turned out to be very close.
The convention was to be composed of thirty-three delegates, seventeen being necessary to nominate.

The result at the primary election of delegates to the convention was so close that it was impossible to tell which one had a majority, since there were several delegates,--about whose attitude and preference there had been some doubt,--who refused to commit themselves either way.

In the organization of the convention the Williams men gained the first advantage, one of their number having been made permanent chairman.

But this was not important since there were no contests for seats, consequently the presiding officer would have no occasion to render a decision that could have any bearing upon the composition of the body over which he presided.
Both sides agreed that the nomination for State Senator should be made first and that the vote should be by ballot, the ballots to be received and counted by two tellers, one to be selected by each faction.