Montgomery County sentinel., 1888-03-02
THE DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION.

The Democratic National Committee, after
much pulling and hauling and no little in
decision, finally selected st. Louis as the place
for holding the next Democratic National
Convention, and reconsidered the motion
which fixed the time of meeting July Bird,
one week after the Republican convention.
The time was changed to June 9th, three
weeks in advance of the Republican nemi-
nation. St. Louis is a very hot place about
the 4th of July, even with Democratic
Convention, and the change was very wise
one on that account. Besides, 1t had bad
look, particularly in the eyes of the Admin
istration, to give out the impression that the
Republican nomination could in any way
Influence the action of the Democratic party.
This change means, or is intended to be 80
construed, that Mr.. Cleveland will be re-
nominated without regard to what the Re-
publicans may do-provided, always, that
Mr.. Cleveland does not see fit 10 decline in
the meantime.
Undoubtedly there was more involved in
the stubborn contest over the place for hold
ing the convention than the claims of the
competing cities. Mr.. Cleveland and his
friends particularly desired an early con-
vention In order that the nomination might
he mada hafnna opposition .sharJd. heenna
bold, concentrated and organized. They
preferred convention in May, or at the
latest, in the first week Of June. Yet in the
face of that known preference determined
fight was made for late convention. The Re.
publicans had fixed on June 10. The Demo.
cratic committee fixed upon July Sd a day six
weeks later than was desired by Mr.. Cleve-
land. Then came the balloting for place
The Presidents friends undoubtedly pre-.
ferred Chicago They were net antagonis.
tic TO St. Louis, but they were opposed to
San Francisco. 1t is significant fact that
the representatives of Maryland, Virginia
West Virginia and Georgia, joined by the
representatives of Minnesota and Dakota
declared for San Francisco Their votes
were cast with those of the Western States
and Territories 10 which San Francisco is
more acceptable than Chicago or st. Louis
1t was Mr.. German, OF Maryland, and Mr.
Kelly, of Minnesota, who secured for San
Francisco the vote of these six States, and il
was they who had secured the late day
They working against the Cleveland men
On the morning Of the 23rd ult the fight
was renewed. The Cleveland element be.
came alarmed at the appearance Of disaffec.
ton and began to change from Chicago to
<E Louis. This, of course, settled the matter
and Mr.. German lost no time in changing
his vote from San Francisco 10 st. Louis
improving the opportunity to make a taking
speech.
The change of date from July Bird to June
9th is, of course, gratifying to the Cleveland
men. But the reason for the change was
climatic rather than political. On the direct
issue Cleveland's ardent champion, Scott OF
Pennsylvania, failed to secure the commit
tees consent TO reconsider the action of the
prevlons day by which July 3rd had been
chosen. & was only by yielding preference
as to place and consenting to go to st. Louis
that the Cleveland men secured the early day
and they carried their point only by slender
majority. The dread OF ST. Louis heat VI e
all that -aayed them 1t islsIi8aat.lh.
is large element in the Democratic party
who think themselves safe in refusing to
worship at the shrine Of the man from
Buffalo.
Now that the dates and places have been
fixed ON both sides, the party leaders in the
several States can arrange for their delegate
conventions and prepare for the big events
in June.