The Portland daily press., 1888-06-04
SATURDAY IN ST. LOUIS.
How the Advanced Guard Talked of
the Aspect of Affairs.


ST. LOUIS, June 2.-This has been a busy
day here among the advance guard
who have arrived. The hotels are pre-
pairing for big rush of visitors and
the men will be put as many in room as it
will hold. But. outside what interest is
shown in the prospect Of a contest in the
choice of candidate for Vice President,
there is little interest evinced, even among
the delegates, in the probable doings Of the
convention.
According to Rule.
The statement that President Cleveland
would be nominated by acclamation is scout
ed at by old time Democrats here. They
claim that the two-thirds rule will be strict
ly enforced. 1t has never been broken since
its adoption by the first Democratic national
convention. A prominent Democrat and a
recognized authority on procedure in Demo-
cratic presidential conventions has given an
opinion on the point in question in which
he says: Nominations In Democratic pres
idential conventions must be agreed to by a
two thirds vote of the delegates from the
States, which, of course, tmakes necessary
the call of the roll as a fundamental princi-
pie Of the .party's organization. Every con-
NChtiOh VI eiC DOulOCldtlC pdlbg VI tnC Univ
ed States that has been called together to
nominate candidate for President has re-
cognized and acknowledged the rule. There
| is no exception. 1t originated in the first
convention which was held in 1882, and il
| will be adopted for the fiftieth time by the
| st. Louis convention of 1888. 1t is as neces-
| sary and proper a precaution against haste,
| excitement and the interference of federal
| office holders and other outside influences
| now as it was when Andrew Jackson was Sc
Inafn M n mr. fdnt
| an effort to dispense with the two-thirds rule
| is made, can only say that such an effort
| will fail. Were it possible for it to succeed
| 1t might be doubtful how far candidacy not
| in accordance with the established usage
would have binding authority.
National Committeeman.
There will be some important changes in
the composition of the national committee
for next year. Chairman Barnum is to re
tire, and so probably will Secretary Prince
Congressman Scott, of Pennsylvania, ap
pears to be the first choice of the majority
for Chairman. Mr. Hamm said this morn
| ing that several of the committeeman ar,
federal office holders and ought not to try Il
monopolize everything He has been on the
committee 16 years, and will now retire.
Colorado is to present the chairman of tn,
convention with an elegant gavel 1t wa
|
received the order from a number of Dem
ocrats in that city. The head of the gaya
| is of solid beaten silver and the handle
rosewood, inlaid with silver and bearing
presentation inscription
1--WE have decided to present the gavel I
the convention informally" said Col Johl
Atkins of Denver. 1T will be laid ON tn
speakers stand just before the convention |
called to order, and it is understood that al
ter the convention it will become the proper
ty of the permanent chairman"
Thurman Too Old.
The Maryland delegation held a meeting
the Southern Hotel this afternoon, and talke
over the question as to the candidate 1t woul
support for the second place on the Nations
Democratic ticket. The general sentimer
seemed to favor Gray of Indiana, it bein
contended he would add strength to IN
ticket and secure Indiana to the Democrat
without doubt. No formal action was takeI
however. The name Of Thurman of Obi
to the party and country were highly an
warmly commended, it was generally though
a.younger and more vigorous man should b
selected.
Double Honors for Collins.
There were rumors floating around the col
ridors of the hotels tonight that Hon. p. A
Collins would be accorded the double homo
of presiding over the convention both 4
| temporarv and permanent chairman Th
however Is not probable, and the present il
pications are that S. M. White of Californi
will be elected temporary chairman.
The Old Roman Reluctantly Cor
sents.
CoIrNBUs, o., June 2.--Last evening. rel
resentatiyes of the Republican called q
.Iudga Thurman at his home. Amonp 9th,