Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1886-06-24
rHs rnMrsn1son ooNrESrIoN.



state convention met in Court house Hall |
1T IL 20 this morning, and was called to |
order by r. W. Cooper, chairman Of the |
State central committee. Prayer was
offered by the Rev. j. f. Stonecypher, and
music furnished by the Wyoming Band.
A roll call showed 40 delegates present
from New Castle county, 20 from Kent
and IS from Sussex.
Thedelegates were interested and much
in earnest, but outside of DIR. Heaton of
Lewes, who spoke repeatedly and was as
repeatedly snubbed, none Of them took
any particular part in the proceedings.
The entire convention was run by pro-
gramme and that programme was mapped
out by Richard M. Cooper of the ex-
ecutive committee, who put it through
in manner that would have excited the
envy of veteran political manager, and
that no purely political convention would
have tolerated for an instant. A number
OF ministers were in attendance, but
beyond the opening prayer of the Rev.
John f. Stonecypher, and a brief adj
dress by the Rev. L. l.. Hubbard on be-
half of the collection for campaign funds,
they refrained from either aiding Chair
man Cooper's programme or obstruct-
ing it.
The delegates lwere at sea in regard
to candidates when they arrived at Dover.
Among the New Castle members there
was a strong talk of Major b. I. Biggs.
Mr.. Hoffecker, the nominee, had been
spoken to in regard to the matter but
positively declined, and it was not until
lust before the afternoon session OF the
convention that he reconsidered. Joseph
Pyle of Wilmington was suggested, but
the opinion was expressed that he
was not available, on account OF being
q Republican, it being the unanl-
nous opinion that Democrat should
be named for gubernatorial honors. The
Kent and Sussex delegates were unani-
nous for the Rev. j. s. Willis as the can
didate for Congress, but it was given out
that the Wilmington ministers were OPP
posed to his nomination, and his name
was dropped. Then the plan of nomi-
mating Mr.. Cooper was suggested and
adopted. The nominations were first
made in the caucus of the New Castle
county delegation, and were swallowed by
the convention without protest. After
adjournment, however, some of the down.
State delegates growled considerably at
convention had been run.
Charles Ii. Register of Duck Creek,
was made temporary chairman and Vim
cent G.. Flynn of Newport, secretary,
with three ce-presidents and three
assistant secretaries. Committees were
| appointed MS follows
| On credentials-New Castle, William
H. Gregg, Delaware ]. Mason, David
Eastburn; Kent, j. W. Denney, j. W.
Hopkins, w. T. Case; Sussex, w. W.
Morgan, j. A. Peck. G. W. Marshall.
On Platform-New Castle, George W.
Todd, Alfred Gawthrop, 7. W. Ferree,
George W. Weldin, Alfred G. Cox; Kent
A. l.. Hudson, W. II. Phillips, Il. w
Cooper, w. E. McIlvaine, Q. W. Lord
Sussex, Joshua II. Marvel, DIR. A. q
Heaton, w. w. Morgan. W. e. Chambers
j. j. Boyee.
The temporary organization was mad,
permanent and the convention took a re
cess until 1.30 p. m.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
It was 2. 35 o'clock before the Afternoon
session was called to order, and mean
, while there was much caucusing, whisper
ing and buttonholing, both in the hal
and the ante rooms. The news began b
be whispered about that Mr.. Hoffecke
had consented to accept the gubernatoriO
nomination, and then the New Castl
7 county caucus went to work and name
the ticket. . =.5.u-
When the convention reassembled til
report of the committee on credential
u was read and the delegates, at the requel
t of Chairman Register, took front seats /
q their names were announced. Then IL
! report of the committee on platform WI
- called for, and George W. Todd {
: Wilmington, stepping lightly upon Il
e stage, read in sOnorous tones and wit
4 we'll rounded periods, the declaration
~. principles of the Temperance Refor
Party of Delaware, as follows
= THE PLATFORM.
rs Believing the time has fully come
the history of this State when many I
ut forms are necessary in our laws and the
ry administration, and believing that the
ry reforms cannot be obtained through Il
le political parties, rs now organized, "
50 as citizens of the State of Delaware.
* convention met at Dover, on the 22d d
nj of June, 1886, do present the followii
IN declaration of principles rs the platfor
it of the Temperance Reform Party;
er First-Drunkenness is u fearful evil, a.
se the use of intoxicants Is destructive
"A home, health, life and property, and a pl
ne life source of misery, pauperism and erin
ng | All men must admit that the tide of hum
.st wretchedness is swelled to gigantic prop
ip- tons by the common use of alcoholic bev
re- ages. 10 remedy this growing evil '
eh therefore, favor such legislative enactme
pm concerning the manufacture and sale of
ed toXtcating beverages as shall give to
nd people OF our State the opportunity OF v
he ing directly on this question either by 10
nd option or through constitutional amel
in ments.
the Second Local self-government touch
the local interests we believe to be the I
vas state policy, and representation in our l.
TX stature and levy courts ought to be Ia
on upon the principle of district represeI
'le ton. 1t Is apparent TO all observing mi
nut, that some Of the evils Of our present syst
em are due to the manner of appointing mi
the of our officials. We are of the opinion I
iay. all our State and county officers sho
hey he elected by the people, and further,
hey hold that our State constitution Is
las, adopted to our present wants In other
ind spects as we'll, and we, therefore, fave
ess, constitutional convention.
Third Bribery and fraud have enc
gered tile sanctity Of n free ballot and r
ans of franchise and should meet the
tied demnation and censure of all good citiz
ilAl Suhulu ms plulSutl Will IHt utl
my | severity, Our present qualifications
,ted electors seem rather to foster than supp
49, Theses evils. We, therefore, favor regi,
guy tion law, with proper qualifications wi
wer | shall secure to every man his rights of {
10 , ehsG rs an American citizen.
Fourth We are In hearty sympathy
lted ali legitimate movements for the devt
rim | ment OF American labor and Amer
80 manufactures. We believe this cou
uers must depend in future chiefly upon Its
cans products and whatever improves [
A.. tends ia enrich the people, eXalt labor
ilNer elevate the masses.
ltion Fifth While we desire to encou
,s,.a legitimate manufacturing interests In
state and recommend the repeal o
st. special manufacturers tax, We would
GOV rprOgni2a tho claims of the agricul
portion Of our commonwealth. The
s Of Delaware Is pre-eninently far
cor community; her husbandry constitut
!, large portion Of her wealth, and Is to
MY source at pride. It's interests should
rners leading consideration Of state policy.
favor eevating the head Of the Nat
Int Department Of Agriculture to Il seat II
mark | cabinet. Relying upon the right
/, ba justice OF the principles we advocat
patriotism and integrity Of all fair-m
ilnals and thoughtful men, irrespective of
as n party Affiliations, and with n lirm hop
rears success to orr movement we ear
that commend the foregoing principles /
~ voters Of our State, ami ask for the
tut prOval and support.
Immediately after the reading DIR
,soo;o ton of Sussex, said that inasmuch
'o platform ought to be carefully cons
INTO and thoroughly understood, he
iladel- move that it be read and acted
ntally article by article.
that W. W., nor - mnT ,i uaS h n ~