Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-06-14
Cleveland and Thurman.
The National Democratic Convention
at st. Louis RenOminates the Presi-
dent With Great Shout.
The Distinguished Statesman, Thur
man, is Nominated for Second
Place With Loud Cheers.

CONVENTION HALL, ST. LOUIS, JUNE s.
The Democratic National Convention be-
gan to gather in the early hours of the
morning, although the gavel of Chairman
Barnum, of the National Committee, will
not announce its opening until noon.
The trickling stream of humanity which
hogan to run into the big Exposition
Building as early as s O'Clock has grown
to torrent which Surges in and fills the
great nave Of the hall to overlooking, and
long before noon 10,000 human faces gaZed
upon the high desk reserved for the pre-
siding officer of the convention, as yet
empty, but with its cleaning white silver
gayel-a gift of the Nevada delegatiOn-
full of curious interests for the eXpectant
multitude.
At 1876 the vast assemblage was silenced
by stroke from the gayel of Chairman
Barnum, and the Democratic Convention
of 1888 was formerly in session. The
Chairman introduced Bishop j. 3. Gran
berry, of St. Louis, who opened the pro-
ceedings with prayer. He rendered de-
vuut thanks for the many benefits which
this country had received from the hands
of Providence, prayed for Il continuance
of those bounties, and called down the D-
vine blessing upon the President and all
those in authority.
The Chair then stated thai acting under
authority conferred upon him by the Ma
tional Democratic Committee, he would
persons selected by the committee to pre-
side over and officer the temporary organ
iZatiOn of the convention.
TEMPORARY OFFICERS.
As the secretary read the name Of S. NJ
White, of California, as the temporary
Chairman, the convention greeted it with
cheers, as it also greeted the name OF F.
0. Prince, of Massachusetts, as Secretary
The reading of the list of officers having
been concluded the choice of the commit
tee was ratified by the unanimous vote of
the convention. The Chair appointed A
2. German, Of Maryland, S. G. Bruce, of
Ohio, and T. w. Dawson, of South Caro-
lima, as 4 committee to conduct MI. White
to the platform.
Having taken the chair, the new presid-
ing officer was greeted with another round
of applause and cheers. Mr.. White then
began his address.
Mr.. White commenced his address by
referring to the state of California as hav-
ing been given to the Union by the Demo-
cratic party and to his election as tenn
porary Chairman as 4 recognition Of the
claims of the Pacific Coast. He cOngratu-
lated the convention on the encouraging
circumstances attending the inauguration
of these proceedings. He eulOgised the
President rs Il man of ''irmness, ability,
integrity and statesmanhke qualities"
On che subject of the tariff he said:
For years it had been generally con-
ceded that it was necessary to reform the
tariff The existing law on the subject
had been called into being during the eX-
element and because of the eXigencies of
war.
The Republican paaty, While not deny
ing the necessity Tor reform, has ever
failed TO suggest any remedy, and has uni
versaIly thwarted the efforts of the Democ
racy to afford the needed relief
THE present administration has realized
the promises made b. the Democratic
Convention of 1854.
1T has sought to reduce taxation and
tighten the burden of the people and to
reduce the revenue so as to prevent undue
accumulation in the Treasury, and has at
the same time taken the requisite step to
foster and protect domestic industries"
He accused the Republican party Of
hampering revenue REFORM and attributed
the present unfortunate situation TO the
policy of the Republican party, ''Whose
aim" said he, has ever been TO encOur
age and enrich monOpOlies and to ignore
the interests of the masses"
The reference to the election of 1876
provoked vociferOuS applause, and Mr..
White concluded by predicting the tri-
umph in the coming fight Of the nominees
Of the present convention.
Although Mr.. White had requested by
way of preface that during the delivery
OF his speech the convention should pre-
serve silence, he was frequently inter-
rupted by applause, and once or twice was
compelled TO stop until the applause had
died away. He spoke with clearness and
was heard all over the hall. When he
mentioned the name of President Cleve-
land the convention arose to its feet and
with waving hats and tuttering handker-
chiefs cheered for several seconds. The
mention of tariff reform was also cheered,
and at the close of his address the speaker
was generously applauded.