Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1891-05-22
A Prohibition Plank Smashed, Dauced
on and Thrown Out With
a WhOOp.
1t Was One of the Most Enthusiastic
UprOariOus and Unanimous
Meetings Ever Held.
Ex-C0nfederates and Ex-UniOn Sol
diers Swear Allegiance and
Cooperation.

CINCINNATI, May 19.--Whatever its
outcome, the convention that met here
to-day was inaugurated in a fashion CT
which any American citizen might we'll
be proud. Fifteen hundred representa-
tives of the bone and sinew of the nation
gathered alike from farm and city toll,
came to order on the very watch-tick
that had months beforehand been
agreed upon. To the inspiring strains
of the "Star Spangled Banner" from the
great organ, and with stars and stripes
looking down from all walls, the dele
gates marched down the aisles in little
knots and took the places assigned
them, Kansas and Nebraska getting the
most prominent places, close to the stage.
Besides the national colors, the only
decorations were the banners of X. of L.
assemblies and hundred trace organiza-
tions. The notices we're three in num-
ber, painted in bold black letters on
huge white canvases. Over the stage
was: 'United we stand, divided we
fall" While on either side of the hall
we're those significant inscriptions:
"Nine Million Mortgaged Homes" and
"Opposition to all Monopolies." At ex-
actly 2 p. NJ, the hour set for the as
sembling of the conference, stentorian
voiced delegate, with big red, white
and blue badge, advanced to
the front of the stage and accompanied
by the great organ, led the audience in
singing the anthem "My Country Ills
of Thee," and the convention, probably
the most picturesque and largest of it's
kind known in American history, was in
full swing. At the conclusion of the
song, some enthusiastic admirers of Con-
gressman "Sockless' Simpson, among
the Kansas delegates, gave three rousing
cheers for him as he appeared among
them and took his seat. Rev. D. F.
Foster of Cincinnati, now invoked the
throne of grace. The delegates re-
peated with him the Lords prayer.
Capt. G. A. Power of Indiana,
then read the official call for this confer
ence and requested the various organiza-
tions therein named to rise as their
names we're called. The applause greet
ing the appearance of ex-federal and con-
S federate soldiers, also the farmers alli-
ance, showed great strength. Next came
the citizens alliance and K. of L. colored
farmers alliance, which Power stated
were million strong and ever ready to
do battle. Hearty applause greeted each.
There was cheer when the words sNa-
tional union conference" were read.
i Rghmeire then read the supplemental
call issued from Topeka, in February
/ last. At this juncture Hon. Chas. E.
Cunningham of Arkansas was introduced
7 as temporary chairman, the formality of
election being dispensed with. An alli-
ance song to the tune of "John Browns
4 Body" was the next feature of the pro-
ceedings, and Chairman Cunningham, in
trying to quiet the cheering that fol-
/ lowed, discovered that the gavel which
( had been provided for him was
A MASSIVE IRON HAMMER.
He used it with vigorous effect, much to
the amusement of the delegates. 0. P.
Jones Of Missouri was chosen temporary
secretary. A lively wrangle here ensued
as to whether the states be called for
members Of the committee or that the
various national organizations named in
4 the call make nominations for committee
men. Oakland Of Kentucky led the fight
I against the first plan, but WIS finally