The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-06-06
THE THIRD DAY.

Blaine Still Predominant, But 1t May Be
Sherman and Porter.
Special to the indianapolis Journal
CHICAGO, June 5.-The eve of the battle
has arrived. 1t is probably well that all de-
bate upon vexed questions has been practic-
ally confined to the committees and has not
come before the open convention, as it did
four years ago. A struggle was ex-
pected over the report of the committee on Gre
dentials. and possibly over the platform, and
there was perceptible expression of relief
when the chairmen of both committees an
nounced that their reports were unanimous.
The Blaine men concluded it would not do to
antagonize the Malone delegation, but that
their best card was to be magnanimous and to
win the sympathy of the Southern delegates to-
whom they look with great longing. Th<
Blaine managers had the opportunity to exprf
their devotion to the South over the effo'
change the basis of representation, and they to,
advantage of it. The sentiment of the country
was overwhelmingly against the proposal, and,
with great tact, Governor Long endeavored to
extrieate Massachusetts from the position of ap-
parent antagonism to Southern Republicans. The
only speech of practical importance during the
discussion was by exChairman Lynch who
deepened the already very favorable impression
he has made upon the convention. He has shown
excellent good sense and wisdom from the first.
Mr.. Bishop, of Massachusetts,, that his
proposition had practically no friends, and he
hastened to withdraw it,
Indiana's first speech was made by Judge
Gardner in favor of Mr.. Bishops proposal, and
a very good little argument it was, spoken with
precision and force.
There was an opportunity to get into squab-
bic over the report of the committee on rules,
which. in places, needed the amendments that
were made by the convention. Fortunately,
Mr.. Henderson relinquished the chair to Mr..
Mckinley, of Ohio, and under his skillful and
emphatic conduct the convention came speedily
and safely out of the difficulty. Mr.. Mckinley
is splendid presiding officer and in all respects
a man of ability and force He read the plat
form in superb manner, the satisfaction with
which it was received being enhanced by the way
it was punctuated. The salient points of the
somewhat lengthy document were greeted
with emphatic applause, particularly in refer
ence to the tariff, which is much stronger and
palmer than was generally expected. The re-
peated declarations in favor of the greatest pro-
lection to American labor; the explanation by
Senator Hoar of the civil-service law of Con
gress which prevented any federal officer from
serving upon the national committee, and the
allusion to the subject in the resolutions, were
also received with applause that leaves no doubt
as to the temper of the Republican party upon
this great subject
Galusha A. Grow occupied the chair during
the reading of the platform, and at the close
promptly put the question upon its adop
ton, tho vote being entirely unani
NOUS. The action of the convention to-day
emphasizes the assertion of Congressman Horr,
in his speech, last night, to the effect that the
Republican party would have no difficulty in ex-