The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1878-09-24
MASSACHUSETTS CONVENTION.
Butler Nominated by a Vulgar Fraction Of
the Democratic Convention

most determined opposition, and show
signs of weakening before tho conven
ton meets. Charles Theodore Russell
will be nominated.
The State Central Committee is dcci
ding cases, where there are contestine
delegations, against Buffers men, ane
these proceedings are denounced by. the
Generals friends.
At about o'clock, the Butler men
having possession of the hall, placed d
Powers, of Springfield, in the char, and
proceeded to business. After long
wranglc, Mayor Platt took the platform
and said that the persons in the hall
might remain, but that no others should
be admitted.
The facts arc as follows relative to the
seizure of Mechanics Hall by tho But
lerites: About o'clock q. m, some $50
Butler delegates, headed by DR.. Sheehy,
of Boston, and other ardent Butler men,
entered Mechanics Hall, and proceeded
to elect 2. }. Hughes, OF Boston, chair
man, and declared their intention of re-
naming until the convention was fully
organized. At sos DR.. Sheehy sprang
to the platform, and nominated Gen.
Butler, fer Governor, and three cheers
were given forthwith. Then speeches
followed by McSheohy and many others.
Many Of the harang3es ware v;" 4;
and nearly every one declared that they
would stay there till forcibly thrown out.
Another shouted that he would vote for
Butler, in spite of the devil or any other
man. These remarks were loudly cheer
ed. BY o'clock the regulars had all
walked up to the situation, and at $50
tho Mayor of Worcester had arrived
with posse of fifty officers. He appeal
ed to them to dispense, and told them if
they would 60 out, he would protect
them in all their rights. A delegate ask
ed what he meant by protection? The
Mayor intimated that the police of the
city should not be used to clear the hall,
when the convention was regularly as
sembled. s.4
When the State Central Committee
fully realized that the Batter faction had
control Of Mechanics Hall, they appoin-
ted committee to see what could be
done toward procuring hall. They
waited upon Mayor Pratt about 10
o'clock, this morning, aud informed him
of the state of affairs. After the Mayor
went to the hall, he wrote to tho com.
mittee as follows:
Mechanics Hall was taken possession
of this morning, between 4 and o'clock
by some disorderly persons who broke
down the entrances thereto, and at HAS
o'clock are in possession of said hall. 1
demanded that said persons leave said
hall at the request of the State Central
Committee, which they refused to do,
and | am of opinion that said hall cannot
be cleared, except by violence, and per-
haps bloodshsd.
CHAs. B. PRATT, Mayor.
On receipt of the above. the State
Central Committee unanimously voted
to adjourn the Convention until Wednes
day, Of next week, at Faneuil Hall, in
Boston. This action was necessary from
the fact that Buffers friends have secur,
red all available halls in Worcester, and
the leaders also take tho nrnnna that "s
ter the mob-proceedings which have ta'
ken place here, to-day, they can go be
fore the people and lead a movement that
will crush Butler.
At the Bay State House, Hon. F. w
Bird addressed a crowd in the vestbulc
and at 1870 o'clock announced that, as
much as the mob had taken possession
of Mechanics Hall and Worcester the
Mayor had authority to remove it, say
ing that forcibe attempt might resul
in riot and bloodshed.
The Speaker gave the decision of tho
State Central Committee that a Demo
cratic State Convention be held in Fan
ueil Hall, Boston, on the 25th, where al
ample police force would be ON hand t.
protect the Conventions rights.
The announcement was received will
deafening cheers.
The crowd then dispersed, and a
11:40 all accredited delegates were ad
mitted to Mechanics Hall.
In his speech, Spofford alluded to tn,
wants of the laboring class, and denoun
!, ced the bondholding and banking mo
! nopolies He was heartily applauded.
At the conclusion OF Spotford's speed
John L. Rice, of Springfield, nominated
J Gen. Ben. F, Butler for Governor annie
cheers and excitement, the delegates al
rising. Cook, OF Boston. seconded tn
nomination. AT this point, amid mos
intense excitement, John G. Calvin tool
the floor, and denounced the action O
the committee, being repeatedly inter
; rupted by Kisses, groans, and cries o
Put him outw The speaker askec
), how in the name Of God any Demo
, crat could nominate Butler as a Demo
cratic nominee. For fifteen years h
: had opposed every Democratic princi
: pie" When the speaker said it wa
psoposed to put Butler in nomination
|, as Presidential candidate, there wer
! cries of I" Yes" Three groans wer
given for the speaker. At the conclu
sion of his speech, committee on reso
lutions was appointed, consisting of on,
delegate from each Congressional Dis
trict.
Mr.. Cook said it would take some tim,
for the Committee on Resolutions t.
mako resolutions to suit the convention
, and moved to take a recess, which wa
taken until 2p. m.
The following State ticket was nomi
mated:
Lieutenant Governor-John F, Ar
mold, of North Adams.
Secretary ofSlate-Charles NJ. Strauss
of Bingham.
Attorney General-Caleb Cushing, o
Newburyport.
Aud;tor-J Rovla O,Pa;ll,- of poo