Oakes weekly Republican. (Oakes, Dickey County, D.T. [i.e. N.D.]) 1883-1898, 1891-05-22
A Prohibition Plank Smashed, Dauccd
OH and Thrown Out With
u Whoop.
1t Was One of the Most Enthusiastic,
UprOari0us and Unanimous
Meetings Ever Held.
EX-COnfaderates and EX- Union Sol
diers Swear Allegiance and
C0-Operation.

ulerS swear Allegiance anu
Cooperation.
CINCINNATI, May 20.-Whatever its
outcome, the convention that met here
to-day was inalgurated in Il 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 nisles in little
knots and took the places assigned
them, Kansas and Nebraska getting the
most prominent places, close to the stage.
b sides the national colors, the only
decorations were the banners of X. OF l..
assemblies and a hundred trace organiza-
UloHos uO ulOtloCo "Olo uhICC Ill
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
were those significant inscriptions:
"Nire Million Mortgaged Homes" and
"Opposition to all Monopolies." At ex
actly p. NJ, the hour set for the as
senbling 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 "Tis
of Thee" and the convention, probably
the most picturesque and largest Of its
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. ID. +.
Foster of Cincinnati. now invoked the
throne of grace. The delegates re-
peated with him the Lords prayer.
Capt. Q. 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 were called. The applause greet
ing the appearance of ex-federal and con-
federate soldiers, also the farmers alli-
ance, showed great strength. Next came
the citizens alliance and X. of l.. colored
farmers alliance, which Power stated
were a million strong and ever ready to
do battle. Hearty applause greeted each.
There was cheer when the words "Na-
tional union conference" were read.
Righmeire then read the supplemental
call issued from Topeka, in February
last. AT this juncture Hon. Chas. e.
Cunningham of Arkansas was introduced
as temporary chairman, the formality of
election being dispensed with. An ALI
ance song to the tune of "John Browns
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. o. 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
the call make nominations for committee
men. Oakland Of Kentucky led the fight
against the first plan, but was finally
beaten, after the conference had mixed
itself in seemingly inextricable tangle
of amendments, points of order and ques-
tions of privilege. The first real excite
ment in the convention was caused by
no less person than Ignatius Donnelly
of Minnesota. He did it with harmless.
looking little suggestion. Everything
was sailing along in cumbrous style, with
roll call following roll call on the ap-
quietly arose and moved that to save
by each state be completed in lump,
men at once including member of the
THERE WAS AN UPRoAR
and dozens of delegates we're on their
feet shouting for chance to strike the
first blow in the fight for or against the
immediate organization of national
third party. If Donnelly's motion was
carried, the convention was implicitly
committed thereby to an immediate or
ganization and all hope of postponing
such action was thrown to the Winds.
Gen. J. B. Weaver of Iowa was the indi-
vidual whose lungs proved the strongest.
Striding down the aisle, bis white mus
tache quivering with pugnacity, he point
ed his long arm at Donnelly and hotly
denounced the latter's proposition as an
attempt to pledge the convention, on the
sly, to the most vital action without one
word of discussion. Donnelly's sturdy
figure, bold and upright, could be seen
among the Minnesota delegates, his blue
eyes flashing, while Weaver stormed.
The celebrated originator of the Shake
speare. Bacon cipher restrained himself
with difficulty under the lashing OF the
Iowa man, snd when Donnelly finally
got q chance to edge in word of reply
his smooth.shayed, clean.cut oounte-
nance was flushed with passion. He dis.
claimed any intention TO take undue ad-
vantage Again there was o prolonged
hubbnb and ended ut last by the bald.
headed, silver-bearded, genial chairman,
Cunningham, dexterously pnttlng OIL, tor