Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1884-07-09

CHICAGO, July S.-[Exclusive. The
Convention hall has been changed and en-
larged since the Republican Con' ention.
The seating capacity is now $1,000. The
doors were opened at 10 o'clock, and by
noon, the hour for the Convention to assem-
Bile, the immense auditorium was packed
The press platform was arranged facing
the audience and surrounding the stage
The REGISTER desires first of all to make
acknowledgement to the Press Committee
for the excellent accommodations, as one Of
tie most eligible desks onsthe platform was
assigned this paper. Looking out from the
platform upon the immense sea
of upturned faces a magnificent sight
is presented Here are tlalsands
of leading Democrats gathered from
all parts of the union2 with hearts filled
with an earnest desire to see ticket nom-
mated and platform adopted that will en-
sure success to the party and restore to this
country the safe guards of constitutional
government 1t Is the largest political con-
vcntion ever assembled in America and is
the finest representative body Of Democrats
ever gathered together in conference to de-
wise ways and means for the promotion of
the party's welfare. 1t is in bright contrast
with the Blaine Convention OF last MONTH
in its entire freedom from corrupt methods,
bargaining politicians and machine maniPu-
ulators, as well as the absence Of commercial
colored delegates from the South There
never was a Convention in which there was
so much.
Tone and Character. ..-.
The canvass Of rival candidates is being
conducted with carnestness but fairness'and
gentility. So strong has this fact i'm
pressed itself upon the conception that even
Ben Butler has discarded his old time tricks
and is conducting his canvass as a gentle
man.should. At quarter past eleven the
West Virginia delegation filed in and took
The seats assigned them near the front to
the right of the presidents stand only five
tiers back from the platform. As they en-
ter, whether accidentally or purposeiy can
not say, the Seventh New York Regiment
band in the gallery strikes up, "See the
conouering hero come" and the applause
that follows shows that the convention is
satisfied that Blaine will not carry West
Virginia this year. Promptly upon the
stroke of noon a thick-set, sober looking
man with sandy hair and beard tinged with
gray streaks, advances to the desk and
rayping his gavel sharply called
the convention to order. This is
Barnum. Chairman of the National Com
mittee. At the rap of his gavel, the Four
teenth National Democratic Convention is
in SESSION. Parson McGuires prayer was
a model of beauty and earnest Christian
spirit, and was listened to with devOut at
tention. Governor Hubbards speech on
taking the chair as temporary Chairman
was one of the finest Oraterical effects ever
heard in This country. Hubbard is q tall,
DOrtY man, WITH u lOiiSi hO"ihS DS"'N'
Bright Eye.
His gestures are fine. and hi! words flow
like melodious music. His voice is strong,
and could be heard in every nook and cor
ner of the great hall The power Of his elo-
ouence was in touching tender chords in
the heart Of the convention with delicate
hands. The climax of feeling was reached
when he referred to Tilden and Hendricks,
the patriotic statesmen who had been greater
in their defeat than Hayes and Wheeler
were with fraudulent certificates. AT this
roint the convention went wild with
demonstration. With touching pathos
he painted the burial of was
heroes. Many eyes were moistened. 1t
was a masterpiece of eloquence. Scarcely
had the Convention settled down TO bust
ness until the inevitable New York fac
tional fight popped up, Senator Grady,
a Tammany delegate, offering reso-
luton the effect of which was
to break the unit rule. The
committee seemed disposed to have this
fight out of the way as quickly as possible,
and gave the contestants the ring and let
them fight it out. John Kelly's speech was
a failure in interesting the audience. His
voice is weak, and while speaking people
were talking throughout the hall. reminding
US of scene in Congress.
Dooittle. of Wisconsin, Harrison. Of Hi
nois. Powers, of Michigan, and Clunie, Of
California, made the most interesting
speeches during the discussion. The sharp
sparring between Kelly and Fellows, was
enjoyed and provoked merriment. When
Senator Thurman rose 10 question
of inquiry the convention and gal
leries rose to their feet and cheered
him. The tribute was Just one to great
old man, The vote on the Grady resolution
was regarded as a test Of the relative strength
of Cleveland and the field, and the balloting
was followed with intense interest. West
Virginia cast nine votes for the resolution
and three against. The effort Of Tammany
TO bulldoze chairman Hubbard, was failure.
The brave old Texan is perfect Alamo
within himself -
The announcement Of the result was
greeted with prolonged shouts by the Cleve-
land forces. While il was measureably a
victory for Cleveland the true Interpretation
was a desire to set down on John Kelly with
a thud. Kelly evidently fslt the rebuke
that be deserved. Whether Cleyelant
is nominated or not Kelly In-
derstapds that If he stays in