The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1888-06-14
Chairman Barnum, of the national com
THE PLATFORM COMMITTEE.

mlttee.
THE PLATFORM COMMITTEE.
1t was within quarter of l o'clock-the
time set for the assembling of the conven-
ton, before the committee on platform
got together for their session of to-day.
The sub committee of eleven, which had
been in conference until long after mid
night, reported its inability to
reach any conclusion, and the convention,
as a whole, seemed practically where they
began when they started. The question
confronting. the members was whether
to refer the matter again to the sub-com-
mittee, fill it out themselves in committee
of the whole or to relegate the subject to
the action of the convention. 1t was freely
predicted in the corridors outside of the
committee room that the latter course
would be the upshot and that the con-
vention would have to deal with major
ity and minority report.
CONVENTION CALLED TO ORDER.
At 1922 the convention was called to
order by Mr.. White, temporary chairman.
On motion of Mr.. Prenix, of Massachu-
setts, resolution was adopted rendering
the thanks of the convention to the Colo
rado delegation for the gift of the solid
silver gavel and directing the same to be
placed in charge OF the national commit
tee for use at future democratic conven-
| tiSns.
Mr.. Campbell, of New York, presented
a long preamble and resolution signed by
large number of prominent democrats,
declaring that the perpetuity of the re-
public demands the enforcement of the
Monroe doctrine in all its length and
breadth, that territorial aggrandizement
by foreign powers in America should be
discouraged and discountenanced by
every means in the power of the United
States government. 1t is highly wise
| that this republic should maintain friendly
relations with Mexico, Central America,
and South America and with other home
ruled powers of America and that we
should extend to them our friendly aid to
maintain and protect them from en-
croachments. In order to maintain our
supremacy on this continent, the repub-
lie of the United States should be pre-
pared to declare and maintain its author
ity by every means in the power of a
great nation. Referred to commit ee on
resolutions without debate.
Mr.. Mallory, of Florida, offered the fol-
lowing resolution, which was referred to
the COMMITTEES on resolutions:
Resolved, That this convention hereby
approves of and endorses the
principles of tariff reform enUnciated
by President Cleveland in his
first message to the present congress,
and, to the policy recommended by him
for the practical application of govern
ment, we give our unqualified and uni.
versal support.
The mention of Cleveland's name was
the signal for round of applause which
again broke out as the reading of the res
olutiOn was completed.
Mr.. Webby of Alabama, chairman of the
committee on credentials, submitted the
report of that committee on the Dakota
contested case. The committee finds in
favor of w. F. Steele and G. G. Maguna, OF
the Church faction. The committee also
found in favor of admitting Messrs
Delaney and Garnet as delegates from
Alaska. The report was agreed 10.
The chairman then called for reports
from the committee on organization, and
Mr.CAssidy, of Pennsylvan a,report it had
unanimously agree upon Patrick A
Collins rs permanent chairman.
The announcement was received with
loud applause and cheers. Mr.. n. H,
Ingersoll, of Tennessee, was recon-
mended as secretary, and Que delegate
from~e each state as vce-president and one
as assistant secretary. The committee
further recommended that the rules of the
previous convention, shall be in force
during the present convention, with the
modification that no state shall change its
vote for president aud vice-president
until the call of states has been com
pleted. The report was agreed to.
Chairman White appointed Chairman
Barnum, of the national committee; Rose
well P. Flower, of New York, and John o.
Day, of Missouri, committee to escort
the permanent chairman of the convention
to the stage. Mr.. Collins, arm in arm
with Mr.. Barnum aud Mr.. Flower, marched
down the south aisle, and his appearance
was greeted with storm of cheers, which
grew in volume as he mounted the steps
of the platform and stood by the side OF
Chairman White, who grasped his hand.
When something like quiet had been
restored, Chairman White said:
Thanking you for the favors you have
extended to me, and your indulgence ac-
corded me during the proce edings of this
convention, take great pleasure in intro'
ducing to you your permanent presiding
officer, Hon. Patrick A. Collins, of Massa
chusetts."
Mr.. White then passed over to Mr.. Col
lins the silver gavel, and retired. There
was another burst of applause, and whe1
it had subsided Mr.. Collins delivered
quite
. LENGTHY SPEECH
General Collins spoke eloquently. Ht
said the craftsmanship of the convention
post filled by the foremost men of the
party, was appreciated by him as dis
tinction of the highest character. Tht
Young men of the nation, he said, hat
heard more in their time of the clash oi
arms and the din of war than the princi-
ples of government. SO it was. Nov
the question is asked and scarcely
answered, "What difference is there be
tween the two parties?" The speaker re-
piled to the question with a plth!
summary of the political creed OF, ) effer'
son, the apostle of democracy. 10 thl'
General Collins added the golden rule
that no more taxes should be levied upol
the people in any way than are necessar.
to meet the honest expenses of govern
ment. True to these principles, the demo