The morning call., 1891-11-06
RAISING THE WIND.
Funds Needed to Entertain the
Conventions.
a Meeting Of the Finance Committee Makes
start-The Question of Transpor-
tation Discussed

There was meeting Of the Finance Com.
mittee Of the general committee having In
charge the work of endeavoring to secure
one or both Of the National Conventions al
the Palace Hotel yesterday afternoon.
There were present Wendell Easton, NJ. FL.
de Young, Ed Quits. r. j. Tobin. Gavin
McNab, Isidor Cutie, A. j. Moulder, j. Nj.
Litchfeld, John Rosenfeld. Arpad Harasz-
thy. J. K. Wilson and Frank Johnson.
William L. Coleman, who had been named
as Chairman Of the committee, was not pres
ent, but sent a letter stating that on account
Of continued il-health he would be COM
PEELED to ask to be excused from serving.
In view OF this Wendell Easton was named
In his stead and A j. Moulder was chosen
to act as Secretary.
On calling the meeting to order Mr..
Easton called upon the Chairman OF the
Transportation Committee to state what
had been the result of the interview with
the railroad officials, but the latter ex-
planned that he could not do so at that
time as the report would be laid before the
general committee at its next meeting on
Saturday.
ESTIMATED EXPENSES.
1uIOrmallV, however, lie Woulu SlaIe ioI
the benefit of those present that it was
probable that $50 rate for the round trip
would be given from such cities rs New
York. Boston, st. Louis, Chicago. New
Orleans, Cincinnati aud others OF that
character. In addition to that rate would
be given of one fare for the round trip for
ell points in the United States. He had
made careful estimate Of the expenses
and was of the opinion that from 100000 to
hn la r., daft
penSes OF ca h convention, divided up as
follows: For preliminary work at WASH
ington to secure the convention, $1,000; ex-
penses OF entertaining the delegates and
visitors, $4,000; amount necessary TO pay
the fares of delegates. 5000 to $4,000.
The amount estimated for preliminary ex-
penseS, he explained, would not include his
own, as he was member of the Republican
National Committee and could not accept
anything from that. OF the amount set
aside for expenses here great deal of it
would be consumed III converting the Ne
chancs' Pavilion into an amphitheater.
This would be rendered necessary to im-
prove the acoustic properties. 1t would
also be necessary to provide fol the pay
ment of secretaries, donr-keepers, ushers
and other attendants and to have band in
attendance al all hours Decorations would
also be required.
PoPPER's INQUIRY.
Max Pepper then arose and remarked
that he had some little experience in
matters of the kind, and be wanted 10
know what each of the 800 committeeman
would be willing to subscribe.
81 question the necessity" he added, 'of
paving tine fares of the aternates, as many
of them do not attend as rule, and should
be regarded, therefore, more in the light of
visitors. Three years ago we came very
nearly securing the National Democratic
Convention, but we had months of time in
which TO do it. We began early and before
the committee assembled every member
west OF the Missouri had pledged himself TO
support US. The result was that We came
near 10 success. ln this instance. however,
it is entirely too late to attempt any such
action, and we can only come in as a dark
horse. Our very weakness in that respect
is an element of strength, as it is probable
that II severe struggle takes place the
cities who see they are going to meet defeat
will In all likelihood prefer to throw thelr
votes TO US. l deem II wise that we 60 to
work at once. and If this committee can
guarantee $4,000 Mr.. de Young can go be-
fore the Republican Committee on the I'D
OF this mouth with that backing as security
for more. | make it now in the form of a
motion that the Secretary be instructed TO
send at once circular to each of the 800
members Of the convention, asking them 10
reply at once, giving the amount of their
subscriptions to the fund"
HE KNEW THEM ALL.
A. J. MOulder was opposed to the motion
He gave 1t as his opinion that a great many
you'd remain away from the meeting of
Saturday because of their inability or lack
Of desire to assist. He deemed it better
course to wait until the meeting and have
the roll called, requiring each member at
that time to announce tie amount he would
be willing to contribute.
j. Nj. Litchtieid called attention to the
great difficulties which had been expert
enced in this city in raising money on
former occasions Of a similar nature.
The greatest amount ever subscribed"
said he. was $4,000 10 defray the ex-
penses OF the Knights Templar COnclavc in
1888 Three years later SIS, 600 had been
raised on the occasion of the G. A. r, En-
campment. One saloon-keep-r, who had
openly boosted OF having cleaned up S3s 900
during the conclavc. gave $40 to the COM
the Knights" He saw no hope to raise any
such amount as suggested, and unless
more enthusiasm was displayed in the
present affair they had better adjourn.
CUTIE TO THE FORE.
Isid0r Cutie was sorry to see any attempt
made to throw cold water on the convention
movement. That money could be raised in
and he wanted TO see the work pushed WI th
will and without any hesitation.
X j. Iobin was inclined to believe Mr..
Peppers motion the most sensible move yet
lldue, anu III WAS HIS opinion tnat III tile 800
committeeman would give $4,000 it would
do more to encourage general aid than any
thing that could be done. There must be
! no delay, ana all concerned should WORK
with will.
The motion was carried and the Secretary
instructed to inclUse with each circular a
subscription blank. which should be re-
turned without delay.
At this point Mr. Curtis arose and said
that 1t had been suggested to him that S25,-
| 600 could be raised by So subscription,
and he thought that each of the great news
papers. by opening subscription books,
could raise S5O00.in small amounts.
ADVANTAGES DERIVED.
1.-THE immense advantages accruing to
the city and State" he continued, should
be impressed upon the public. | can safely
say that there were 100000 strangers in ST.
Louis during the week OF the convention in
1888. and we should be able TO have one
quarter OF that number. 1t would give
every citizen chance to see the great men
of the nation, and would make US known
everywhere. Real estate values would I'M
prove and business generally would in
crease"
The meeting then adjourned.