Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-09-17
Undecided Whether to Indorse Gov,
Boyd
MISS AVAS PROMISED REVELATIONS.
Alliance President Polk Narrowly
Escapes Tar and Feathers.
VICTIMS OF THE FLAMES.
NEBRASKA DEMOCRATS,
Ex-Gov. Boyd to he an Issue Before the
Convention.


Convention
GRAND ISLAND, NEB., Sept 1.-THE fortunes
Of q famous leader hung trembling in the bal
ance today before the gavel fell calling to order
the democratic state convention of Nebraska
That at least was the gossip current
on every side AMONG the SIX hundred
delegates and the thousand or more
other Jeffersonians present as eager spectators
OF what promised TO be the liveiest sort OF a
scrimmage. The leader in question was no
less person than James L. Boyd, the first
Nebraska democrat that ever captured q ma
1ority OF votes in an election for governor.
II was whispered that a resolution would be
offered in the convention indorsing Boyd's veto
of the bill passed by the Farmers Alliance
when in control of the state Legislature estab-
fishing maximum scale of freight rates on
railroads, q statute so sweeping in lite pro-
visions as to amount. 1t was declared by some,
to be an act OF contscation.
The veto was promulgated by Boyd before
he was deposed from the governorship by the
state supreme court on the ground that he was
born in Ireland and had never been naturalized
as an American citizen.
Predictions were freely made today that il
the resolutions indorsing his vote were pre-
sented his deposition by the courts would be
nothing TO the dethronement he would
suffer as democratic idol by
the convention voting SGuarely TO repudiate
his cause. Opinion was pretty unanimous that
| IL the railroad rock could be rounded the con-
vention would have reasonably plain sailing. q
satisfactory platform adopted and the nomins-
tions to be made settled upon without trouble.
The platform, it was generally understood,
would contain a free-silyer plank in addition
to radical low-tariff plank and resolution
congratulating the state on the defeat OF pro-
hibtlon.
For member of the state supreme court J.
II. Grady seemed to have a strong lead. In the
case Of tie other two Offices, the vacancies on
the board of regents OF the state univer-
| sitv. the delegates seemed somewhat at
sea. The feeling was decisive that should
q stirring up of bad feeling be averted the
party nominees for regents could easily be
selected and would probably be chosen by
acelamation.
Apparently no attempt was in contemplation
to assume that q candidate tor governor should
be named on the one-timo-talked-of plea that
courts only seated Thayer (republican) until
the first general election, and not for a full
term.
A strong effort was being made during the
day by q number of the most level-headed del
egates to stop the Boyd fight before il could
fairly begin. Conspicuous among these leaders
was Congressman Bryan, the newly elected
member from the first district.
Said he: "Unless something unexpected
happens, think the convention will to it
that Gov. Boyds name will be kept out of
controversy and not mentioned except
in warm approval Of his fight with
Thayer. We are striving to do this
and think that four-fifths Of the delegates
will be In favor Of it and for putting into the
platform a declaration demanding the enact
ment OF a moderate maximum freight bill"
Mr.. Bryan also said that general sentiment
also favored vigorous silver plank, although
| there was an element OF opposition that might
prevent such outspokenness. Long before
the convention assembled the hotels were
overfowing. The rule was four in a room
and rnt arl la1
halls and under stairways with a profusion
and ingenuity that was little short of startling
One party alone arriving from Lincoln included
over 100 people. The banner delegation, how
ever, came from Omaha, and the delegates
themselves numbered more than that figure.
to say nothing Of the crowd accompanying
them.
The place Of holding the convention was the
Grand Island Opera House. The task of CALI
ing the delegates to order fell to Chairman
Charles Ogden of tie state central committee
The presence in Grand Island OF Congress-
man Kern, the recently chosen Farmers Al
lance representative from the district ad-
joining the Lincoln baliwick of the new demo-
cratic chieftain, Congressman Bryan, led to
| rumor that some kind Of deal would be at
tempted between the democrats and the al
lance.
The farmers delegate moved quietly about
among the delegates, but when questioned to
confirm the report, though not specifi-
cally denying II, Il viii simply say
| this" he declared, "there is a bull
in the road and the democrats have
got to deal with the animal somehow. You NAV
add from me. too, that IL the democrats ignore
the Boyd veto it will be quite as hard for them
as if they indorse it. The people are in no
mood for trifling on that subject"
Judge Higgins, who has acted as Gov. Boyd's
secretary, was an attentive listener in the
group to which this threat was addressed.
Another the classic-featured NJ ii. Cannon
OF Omaha. Neither gentleman, for the time at
any rate. appeared to consider it worthy of
paasin0 notice