New-York tribune., 1876-06-28
A FORENOON OF LIGHT SKIRMTSHiNG.
wATTERsoNs CAPITAL LsPEGCH-ANTI-uLDENC CHEERS
AND yUTIoNs-AMUsING ECIDENls-A WOMAN 5
SPEECH.
fly TELEGRAPH TO rng TRrruSE.l

[BY TELEGRAPH TO rHg TRfEuSE1
ST. LOUIS, June 27.-The selection of Henry II.
Watterson, editor OF The Louisville tow1G-JorRdt,
to be temporary Chairman OF the Convention, was
one of the best pledges which could be given that
the Democratic Convention may possibly be saved
from its almost irresistible tendency TO b.under.
Since the failure of tine Liberal movement in 1872,
some of the Bourbons, all of whom are by 70 means
dead have been opposed TO anything that looks like
progress in the party. Ever siace tie Democratic
hosts began to assemble in ST. Louis the remark has
been common that whatever this Convention does
there must be no repetition OF the Greeley foly.
The leaders of the movement in favor OF Gov. Iiden,
which was developed almost on the arrival OF the
first delegates, showed disposition hardly expected
on the part of many Democrats from mauy states to
frown down the narTow-Ininded men who have so
often brought the party into dsTcprte ana led II 10
defeat. Mr. Waterson was one OF the iirs! oi tine
Southern Democratic editors political headers TO
recognize in 1872 the necessity OF rcgenera;ng the
party. Unlike others. he has never since
thought it necessary to apologize for the part ho
took in forwarding the Liberal Increment HIS Sc
lection to preside during the preliminary proceed
ings of the Convention therefore indicative Of
purpose on the part of some of the representative
men in the Democratic party to prevent II possible
any retrOerade movement.
Mr. Watterson's speech on being installed in the
chair to-day struck the chord that vibTaed III
the Democratic Convention at Baltimore four years
ago. 1t was broad and liberal in it's spirit, and
although the Convention was not In very demon
strative mood, passages were received with en-
thusiastic rounds Of applause. The prominence ana
influence Of some of the younger and more liberal
members Of the Democratic party i'll tins Convention
is one of the most hopeful signs for ITS future Gov
Tilden's nomination. if il is brought about is ex-
peced to bring this element of the party more prom
uentIy forward and to place it in responsible
position than it has heretofore held; and although
Gov Tldens name does not inspire that popular en-
thusiasm which other candidates might arouse, he
is no doubt the first choice of great majority OF the
young men in the party.
ANTI-TILDEN ACTIVITY.
Mr. Watterson's speech followed by prayer.
When he then announced that the Convention was
ready to proceed with its business resolution was
offered adopting the rules of the last Democratic
Convention until the Committee on Rules should
make its report. The introduction OF tins resolution
furnished the occasion for the first antIilden DEM
onstration. Dewitt c. Littleiohn of the New-fork
delegation, rising in his place. asked il those rules
included that which required the concurrence OF
two-thrds in order to effect a nomination. When
informed by the Chairman that they did, he ex-
claimed All right with such an air of satisfaction
that lie TOOK his seat &IllIu great anu
pause The adoption of this resolution was vic
tory for nobody. Gov. Tldens friends have made no
movement toward the repeal Of the two-thirds rule
and have as yet given no evidence of an intention TO
do so.
little skirmish between the Tildeni and anti
Tilden men occurred over the order in which the
routine business of the Convention should be con-
ducted but the matter was of 30 little Importance
that no excitement could be aroused. IL simply
showed the disposition of the antl-Iildcn men to
fight desperately for every inch of the ground, and
seek rather than avoid opportunities for contest
During the call of the roll Of States for the nonna-
ton of the necessary Committees, some slight dem
onstration made in honor Of the State OF Penn
sylvana, which was loudly applauded by the anti
Tilden men, probably for it's decision to give a
united support to Gen. Hancock. The opponents OF
Gov. Tilden's nomination have thus far been unable
to effect any combination for his defeat; but there
are great possibilities the united vote Of great
State like Pennsylvania, and as long as it remains
solid for Gen. Hancock the nomination Of Mr. Tlden
will be the more difficult.
NEAT LITTLE TILDEH VICTORY.
The anti -Tilden men undertook to make demon
sration in favor of the appointment Of E. o. Perrin
TO be reading clerk of the Convention. This gentle