The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1880-06-16
THE DEMOCRATS.
A Brief Outline of the Convention Yesterday
as It Appeared to q Sentinel Re-
porter-Landers and Gray
Splendid Days Work.

The proceedings of yesterday form 9
pleasing chapter in Democratic history.
What was merely hope became q positive
assurance. A grander Convention never as
sembled in Indiana, or one whose work evil
denced 50 complete triumph. AS magnifi-
cent body of men as were ever called to-
gether to perform q great duty packed the
vast hall, yet, despite the strength OF the
candidates, and
THE ENTHUSIASM OF THEIR FOLLOWERS,
the profoundest order prevailed. 1t is evil
dent that Democrats feel what they profess,
and fully realize the great responsibility
resting upon the party. The duty of the
hour is high above any personal considers-
are that all jealousy and favoritism Is unwor-
thy party of so exalted mission. The pres
ence of Mr.. Hendricks as Chairman gave
weight TO the gravity of the occasion. His
firm voice was distinct and he stated the
rules in the form of q compact. He called:
Gentlemen of the Convention, are you
willing to stand by the agreement Yes"
was roared in answer; when the President
replied: You have settled it,"
John w. Kern was Secretary. He has
filled that Office for the last four State Dem
ocratic Conventions. He has a splendid
voice, that is always used with effect for the
party in campaigns; fine presence, that
shows him exactly what he is-one of the
noblest hearted young men that ever lived.
The vote In response to the call OF Coun-
ties showed the nicely of the division be
tween the two distinguished candidates for
Governor; but as hot and earnest as had
been the contest il was greeted with no ap
plause.
THIS is A NEW DEPARTURE
from an ancient and thoroughly established
custom in not only Indiana, but all Con-
ventiOns.
The model teacher in a district school
never held his pupils in more complete con-
troll. Even those standing in the front aisles
knelt, that those behind could see. In the
vast audience smoke was ascending but from
one cigar The Committee on uproar, like
the one figuring In the Academy four years
ago. was conspicuously absent.
At the conclusion of the second ballot,
and before the result was made known by
the Secretary, those gentlemen, a few of
whom are present in all Conventions, who
always keep tally for their own special graft
6cation, announced LandeIs ahead. Then
for q moment there was a breathing spell-s
moment when every man turned to regard
THE FELLOW WHO WAS cRowDING HIM
Then Henry County begged leave to with
draw It's ballot and cast the vote solid for
Lapders. Then another, and another, until
some one moved to make the nomination of
1O1 Id1kllu LhuQcIb unduluOub- AlhcI
the burst of enthusiasm that followed this
Lsnders was called. In his speech he paid
high tribute to his recent antagonist, Colonel
Gray. He had learned TO respect him.
After Mr.. Landers had concluded with
wish that Indiana could have two Governor
there were loud calls for
COLONEL GRAY.
1t was q roar. 1t demonstrated what had
been apparent to all acute observers since
rl&aA- IT, - <o ~ h. TO-,
vention was with him. Such an ovation
would surely go far toward reconciling any
candidate to defeat. IL was indeed par
oxysmal enthusiasm of the widest and
most demonstrative sort. No man ever
| lived who would not have accepted Ii as q
compliment, and his very expressive face
evidenced his thorough appreciation. The
scene told of bis tremendous strength, the
wonderful hold he had upon the affections
of
THE YOUNG DEMOCRACY. H
No candidate for Governor ever before
brought so fine following to this Capital.
He was q central political son, around
which fully two-thirds OF the young
and active workers in the State revolved.
His organization had been complete, and
showed master mind. 1t was no prentice
hand..that had played upon. these cords After
he had appeared before the audience, and
before he had spoken (the demon stration
continuing wildly. Hon. Austin Fl. Brown,
of the Marion delegation, moved to make
the nomination of Colonel Isaac p. Gray, for
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR,
unanimous. At the mention of this, those
who had merely shouted before, grew
must have reached the clouds To say that
the building shook is but feeble expression.
| and falls far short of conveying the proper
| idea. Like everybody present, Colonel
Gray was evidently surprised, and he didn't
appear at all displeased.
Now, each of the candidates for that office,
| or as fast as they could gain recognition,
fastened to withdraw their names from
before the Convention and join in the unan-
imous enthusiasm. After each OF the
gentlemen had withdrawn, the vote to make
Colonel Gray's nomination unanimous was
taken and carried unanimously, after which
| the writer at once lost interest in the pro
ceedIngs.
AS THE DELEGATES LEFT THEIR HOMES
and arrived in the city unquestionably Col
| onel Gray was the choice of large majority
of them. The working, hurrah element
were decidedly in favor of him.
Mr. LANDERs'
principal strength rested in the Republican
or doubtful Counties, and with men prorni
nent in business but usually silent in Con-
ventions. He is solid old gentleman, who
seems to be perfect master OF the art of
| making friends of all with whom he has
| dealings. In this Congressional District,
and especially in Central Indiana, with
| trades people he is fsvorably known. The
character of his support throughout
| the State, even from men who
| were not delegates, was excellent.
A man of the highest order OF social
| qualities, liberal in charity, identified with
every public enterprise, and q progressive
Democrat, it is not at all strange that his
neighbors in Indianapolis should have plead
for him with all the eloquence they could
| command. However, 1t was no personal
consideration, but arguments strong
FOR THE GOOD OF THE PARTY,
| that won support to Mr.. Lsnders. Boone
is a close County, but there is no question
but that We can carry it for Lsnders,"
argued prominent citizen. "His known
iberality will win hundreds Of Republican
votes" with Landers we have hopes for
Hamilton" argued a prominent citizen.