The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-07-24
Yesterdays Sessions Devoted Chiefly to
Speech Making, Song Singing, and Effect
ing Permanent Organization.
Indications that Gov. st. John, Of Kan
sas, Is the FavOrite for President.
Professor Samuel Dickey, of Michigan,
Chosen Permanent President-Noisy and
Boisterous Scenes in the Convention.
PRELIMINARY pRoCEEDINGs.
The Welcoming Address and Response-Tem.
porary Organization.


porary Organization.
PITTsBURe, July 23-The number of visitors
to Lafayette Hall had grown so large by $50
this morning, fully ninety minutes before the
time appointed for calling the prohibition home
convention to order, that Major Dunn, Of Pitts
burg, chairman Of the committee of arrange
ments, found il necessary to request all but del
egates to leave the floor. This was good ma
turedly complied with, without second invita-
tion. Kindly feeling and unity of aim were ap-
parent everywhere.
The meetings of State delegates for consulta-
ton were more in the nature of social gatherings
crowded somewhat for room to be sure, but
there was an absence of fiery, untamed delegates
who fight for or against unit rules, tariff planks
and planks ad nauseam, favorite sons, etc.
Lafayette Hall has not, since it was turned
over now from the builders. presented SO fresh
an appearance as it did this morning. The gal
leries and stage were tastefully decorated with
evergreens, rare plants, banners, flags, notices,
etc The hall is all that could be desired, ex-
cept perhaps, in the matter Of size; the venti-
lation, however is SO excellent as to reduce the
discomfort Of crowding to minimum.
The Pennsylvania delegation had lively eau
Gus this morning, and decided to present the
name of of Hon. James Black for the presiden-
tial nomination, and to stand by him as long as
there is a possibility of his getting it
OPENING THE CONVENTION
The convention was called to order promptly
at II o'clock by Gideon T. Stewart and prayer
was offered by Rev. DR. A. A. Minor, Of Boston.
He prayed that the delegates would remem-
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the responsibilities for good govern
ment and their duty as citizens before
God and before all the world; that the well-de-
termined truths of human experience and social
life may sink deeper and deeper in their hearts,
and may constrain them to seIf-sacrifce and no.
BILE endeavor that the thrall of party may be
broken, and that the self-seeking may have to.
stand aside; that devotion to the welfare of man
and those things that endure and make for
peace shall fill all hearts, that she delegates
may be moved by true patriotism, by sincere
philanthropy and by Christian devotion; that
the hearts of the people of the Nation may be
turned unto righteousness; that the clouds may
be swept away from the horizon; that the sun
light of truth and duty may shine in clear devo-
ton and unstained patriotism
The call for the convention was then read by
w. R, w. Nelson, of Chicago, the secretary.
This was followed by the air America, by the
band.
The address of welcome was delivered by O.
L. Rose of Pittsburg. He considered it as
to Pittsburg the delegates Of the national pro
hibition convention. Never did party more
justly plead for help than this one. Back of
them was century Of desolation, caused by a
Iegalized liquor traffic. The demands Of the age
could not be met without q prohibition party.
As Noah's ark would not do for a steamship,
neither were the old political parties suited to
this day. This was the only political party that
offered to the women of the Nation equal rights
with men in managing the affairs of the govern
ment. The prohibition harvest could not be
gathered without the cooperation of the women;
if asked what is the influence of women in pub
lie places, the answer was, Lucy Hayes. y,
Every nation was interested in the work of
the convention, and when it came to
choose candidate for the presidency he
should be one whose labors have most richly
blessed the cause of prohibition.
Gideon 7. Stewart, chairman of the national
committee, responded in behalf of the conven-
tion. The hall in which they met added, he
said, its historic welcome. Nearly thirty-two
years ago the anti-slavery patriots assembled in
it to organize another national campaign against
the colossal crime which then ruled and well
nigh ruined the Republic. He thanked the citi-
zens of Pittsburg for Lafayette Hah, for it's
majestic memories to teach and inspire them for
the great conflict
MR. sTEwARTs ADDRESS.
When he had finished his response to the ad-
dresses of welcome, Mr.. Stewart proceeded to
deliver the opening address He referred to the
relation between the liquor crime and the slav-
cry crime. Thesmti-slayery men, he said. were
strangely blind to the coalition of the two evils
Their platform Of thirty-two years ago was si-
lent as to the apparent crime of which
slavery was but the natural off