Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1875-07-23
Democratic State Convention.
[From the Baltimore Gazette of Thursday

building at noon for the nomination Of Gov
ernor, an Attorney General and Comrtrol-
Ter was representative gathering. 1t would
not be exaggeraiion TO say that it was in ey-
cry sense the most substantial, most respecta-
BILE Convention which has assembled in this
State for many year.
Looking round among the delegates il was
easy to discover that the element was not OF
the class which generally constitutes political
gatherings. The preponderance Of gray heads
among the delegates of itself suggested that
the members were of ripe experience and solid
judgment. All parts Of the State sent thei-
best Observation-Disclosures capitists, enter
prising manufacturers, wealthy agriculturists,
prominent professional men, leaders in State
and National politics, and men generally Of
recognized standing and ability. There was
a noticeable absence of the small politicians
and local wrepullers who have too often been
| the prepondering element in similar gather
ings. When it is remembered how close has
been the contest, how warm the fght in
some cases how bitter the anmosities between
the rival candidates for the Gubernatorial
nomination, the general harmony which pre-
vailed is of itself proof that the members Of
| the Convention were, in the truest sense of the
word, gentlemen. The full report of the pro-
ceedings of the day, which will be found
below, will prove that they were conducted
with dignity, Notwithstanding the fact that
| feeling at sometimes ran high and tie day was
inaugurated by bitter fight against the Bal
timore delegation.
From an early hour in the morning, al
| though the Convention was not to commence
before noon, a crowd of anxious men gather
| ed round the door of the Maryland Institute.
| AT 1914 the doors to the gallery were opened
and human stream Of anxious morials soon
surged along on both sides of the hall. A few
minutes only sufficed to fill up the entire gall
lery. In fifteen minutes the hall was jammed,
every available standing place as well as ev-
cry seat being taken.
| A little before IL o'clock Mayor Vansant
entered the hall, and circulated about among
his friends. The old "war horse' of the De-
mocTacy seemed quite at home, and after
shaking hands generally around seated him
| self in corner, and was coon surrounded by
| groups of old friends lie was soon observed
by the crowd, and the stamping of feet showed
| the impotence felt for business TO commence.
AT IL / o'clock "Honest Joshua" assembled
| the platform, and a minute later he took po-
sition in its centre, and gazed at the assem-
bled multitude. A sea Of npturned faces met
| his eyes. The centre of the room seemed Just
| a mass of human creatures while the aisles and
| benches running along the walls were also
packed as closely as possible. He was re-
ceived with cheers, and after they had sub
| sided and profound silence had been obtained,
| the Mayor said
mendation of the Democratic Conservative
State Central Committee, you have assembled
| to-day in convention for the purpose of nomi-
mating candidates for the Offices Of Governor.
| Comptroller of the Treasury, and Attorney
| General of the State, to be voted for on the I'd
| of November OF the cnrrent year. In entering
| upon the discharge of the impor tant trust COM
mitied to you, trust sincerely that your ac-
tons will be characterized by fairness, har-
mony and personal good feeling, for upon this
| depends the success of the cherished principles
of your political faith; that you will sink
cry consideration to save the prosperity of the
State of Maryland and to perpetuate the peace
and glory of our common country respecting
the influence il should have among the civil
lied nations of the earth. For the purpose Of
the temporary organization of this body, the
friends Of the different candidates for Cover
| nor of the State of Maryland have requested
| me to nominate for temporary presiding officer
of this Convention the Hon. Stevenson Ar
cher, name | am sure which challenges your
confidence and respect. CONTINUED applause.
On conclusion of Mayor Vausants remarks
and at calls for Archer that gentleman was
escorted TO the stage.
motion was then made that committee
be appointed on credentials and permanent
organization, which was amplifed by Mr.
John Travers of Baltimore city, who moved
that one delegate be named from each county,
and one from each Legislative district.
Mr.. John Richie ofFrederick, objected. He
said the Committee on Credentials should be
composed Of the representatives of the coun-
ties alone.
This created considerable merriment among
the members OF the city delegation.
Mr. Gordon, of Allegany, said he under
stood that there was contest about the Bal
tmore delegation. If there was no contest,
it was different question.
Of
stated for the gentlenans Information that he
held in his hands the protest of J. p. Somer-
lock, Mr.. Stephenson and P. NJ. Snowden, and
would present il at the proper time in obedience
to their request.
After further remarks by Mr.. Gordon, Mr..
Prettyman presented the protest.
The Chair ruled him out of order. The
Chair stated the protest and question should
go before Committee on Credentials.
Mr. Keedy, Of Washington county, said that
if he understood the motion right it was that
the committee should be appointed Of one del
egate from each county and Legislative dis
trict of Baltimore. He offered as a substitute
for the resolution, that committee of one
from each county be appointed to investigate
and report whether those gentlemen claiming
seats bad right to them.
Mr.. Dove, of Montgomery county, made
some lengthy remarks in the course of which
he wished to know il might was right in this
Convention. He was in favor of the motion
that the Committee on Credentials adjust the
difficulty in the ranks Of the Baltimore dele
cation. They were invited to Baltimore, and
wanted peace, not, however, bought at the
price OF snbjugaiion. LET us have peace"
We are willing to act tremendously If treated
fairly and honorably.
Mr. A. P. German, of Howard county,
stated that the first business before the Con-
vention was to ascertain whether there was
majority of the counties represented here. This
was no time to bring up differences with
in the party. After some further remarks he
demanded the previous question on the passage
of the resolution.
| Mr.. John Fenton said Baltimore city had
not yet spoken in the Convention, its time
having been monopolized. 1t had no orator
or special pleader. The majority of its dele,
gates had been properly elected and he thought
the proposition not to allow the delegation a
vote was very unfair. Who is to decide the
matter2 How do know that the gentleman
from Alegany is a pr operly elected delegates 2
| will pledge myself that if Baltimore city is
| allowed to vote on this question it will not
| send any man to the Contested Seat Committee
whose place has been protested against. Let
the proper committee take charge os the mat
| ter and we will do all we can 10 enlighten its
members.
|, Mr.. Prettvman here read an extract from
Cushing's Unabridged Manual, which stated
| that any person whose seat is contested could
not have any right to be heard in the matters
concerning the contest.
Mr.. p. w. Downs, of Caroline, stated the
list of counties and of the districts of Baltimore