The Wichita city eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1872-1883, 1880-04-15
THAT CONVENTION.
ITs TYRANNICAL ACTION, AND How
1T WILL RESULT.


BLESDoN, KANs., April IL. 1880.
To tie Editor Of the Eagt<:
After looking over the proceedings Of
our late State Convention, as gathered
by the different newspaper reporters, l
find that, as in all such gatherings, some
good points were overlooked. 1t is
true that the Blaine men with fifty to
sixty majority took possession Of the
hall and kept the doors locked until af-
ter four O'Clock, and until they had call
ed the convention to order: and before
the Grant men could get into the hall
the 'smachinc men, were all stationed
and the President instructed The
general managers" were Colonel John
A. Martin, Major Ben Simpson, and
few others. And the ..floor managers"
were Hon. E. n. Morrill,, and Hon. W.
R. Blddle, one to present the resolutions
and the other to move the previous
question. The first point made by the
Grant party was the reading the
call of the National Committee, by
Hackney Of Cowley, who prefaccd his
reading with few remarks that brought
down the house. It was very soon
found out by all close observers that the
Grant men had no rights in that con-
vention that the other party were bound
to respect. Here the fun began. The
floor managers, unfortunately, were
badly located for fhe President. rs he
could not see them without great incon-
venicnce. A Grant man seeing the
awkward position moved ''that for the
convenience of the President the floor
managers, Mr.. Morrill, and Biddle, be
requested to take seats Immediately in
front Of the President, and on that mo-
ton moved the previous question. An
other Grant man desired to thank the
machine men for their noble and mag
unanimous action in even allowing the
Grant men standing room in the hall
and assured them that he stood ready
10 assist them. even to supporting the
previous question. After every reason
able effort had been exhausted to gain
recognition Captain Folks became Sc.
rious and desired to make ''this his last
and dying request" This created such
shouts Of laughter that to this moment
no one can tell what the Captains dy-
ing request was. The whole pro- edings
were full Of good points and SO thor
oughly mixed with fun that the most
serioas-mindcd had to smile. Now the
question is /: Can Republicans afford to
treat Republicans in this manner? Sup
posing that this ''Inagnanimous delega-
tom should find that General Grant
has pledged support of nearly two
thirds of the convention (Which he will
have without doubD consistency would
suggest TO them the consistency of
remaining outside until after the or
and then after gaining adj.
mission they should still be consistent
and stand up where they could find
room. In conclusion let me
ask: Who are the men who assume this
supreme authority? Are they citizens
Of Kansas? Are they men of influence!
Are they Republicans? To all Of which
answer: Yes; all good men men
who We have looked up to as our lead
ers; men whom we have supported for
high position. And may do SO again.
il some narrow minded, small-souled
fellows don't get possession Of the hall,
or move the previous question on us.
But under all circumstances, boys, let
us be good-aa:urcd about it.
JNO. kELT,,