The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-09-03
GETTING READY FOR WORK.

appearance of the Audience
Before single delegate entered the building
everything in and about Tominson Hall indi-
Gated clearly that the convention to be held
there would be a thoroughly Republican one.
Not only was every available spot decorated
with American flags large and small, but in
the most conspicuous places upon the stage,
high above the platform, were displayed large
portraits of Lincoln. Grant and Garfield, with
the portrait of Morton, the great war Governor,
in the center of the illustrious group Before
10 o'clock gentlemen and ladies began to throne
the galleries, and delegates in two great streams
came up the wide center aisles to be speedily
and with little commotion placed by the ushers
10 the seats assigned to them. In appearance it
was the best dressed. most orderly and inteli-
gent body of men that has ever met in this city.
either as political or any other assemblage
While there were many elderly men, the
great preponderance of the body was composed
of young men ard men of middle age. The
soldier element was noticeably large, as hun
dreds of the delegates proudly wore upon their
breasts or in their buttonholes, the insignia of
the Grand Army of the Republic.
The When Band, which had been assigned a
place directly in front Of the stage, manifested
their presence by striking up ''Well Rally
Round the Flag, Boys" and the responsive>feet
of the audience kept time to the patriotic strain,
Tramp, Tramp, the Boys Are Marching re-
ceiyed hearty cheer. which proclaimed the
fact that the audience was in accord with the
music. Marching Through Georgia" increased
the enthusiasm, and showed that the men who
followed Sherman to the sea were there
When Senator Harrison came upon the stage a
roar of applause heralded his appearance
Among those who occupied seats on the stage
were Governor Porter, Hon. r. w. Thompson,
Judge Woods, Gen. VIM. Grose, Hon Will Cum
back, Mayor Denny, Gen. James r. Carnahan,
Major Charles L. Holsten, Hon. George w.
Friedley, Hon. James.T. Johnston, Judge Byron
K Elliott, Hon. A G. Harris, Major James B.
Mulkey, Gen. T. W. Bennett, Jno. G. New,
George A. Adams, Robert Graham, Judge
Walker, John B. Elam, F. NJ Dice,
j. T. Gray, John NJ. Butler, Major James
A. Wildman, State Auditor Rice, State Treasurer
Cooper, Supreme Court Reporter Kern, ". J.
Craig. editor of the Sentinel. State Senator L.
NJ Campbell. William Wallace, Thomas E.
Boyd, Horace Mckay, Eb Henderson, John e.
Lamb, Oliver T. Morton. Eugene H. Bundy,
Judge D. P Baldwin, and Rev Ira j. Chase
1t was magnificent audience. For several
minutes the delegates, filling the greater part
of the main floor, were absolutely quiet,
almost motionless, waiting the call to
business by the chairman of the
State central committee A little furry
was occasioned by the distribution by the ushers
OF tally sheets among the delegates Up to this
time the convention had been so quiet, consider
ing the size of the body that there was fear it
would prove lacking in proper party spirit and
enthusiasm But this fear was soon shown to
be without foundation. There was enthusiasm
to spare 1t was remarked by many of the
older members of the party that it was the
most enthusiastic convention ever held in
Indiana, even excelling the great conventions Of
the days of the Rebellion and the years immedi-
ately following, in intense interest and jealous
partisanship. 1t was an audience proud of its
Republicanism, and ready for thorough and
aggressive campaign. There was considerable
stir as the friends of candidates began to move
among the delegates, interceding in behalf of
the different aspirants for nominations but
though the encounters were warm and spirited
the contests were good natured.