It was impossible to say how much was raised for Lyons' defense. Many people refused to give even though convention leaders said the money would go to Lyons' defense fund, and not to him. For Lyons, accused of racketeering, theft and fraud in federal and state courts, that was good news. The day also brought plenty of the other kind. Since Lyons' troubles began 14 months ago, the convention has skidded toward financial catastrophe.
Donations are down.
The NBC is cutting budgets and paying bills according to which one seems most important at the moment. In his annual address before a packed hall Thursday afternoon, Lyons acknowledged he has hurt the convention. He asked for mercy. And for money, especially for the World Center. Then the speech became a sermon, an emotional effort that strained his voice almost to the breaking point.