The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1891-05-21
THE THIRD PARTY CONVEN
TIoN A HOWLING, SING
ING MOB.
THE PLATFORM COMMITTEE.
The Ohio Delegation Enthusiastic fo
an Independent Party-The Songs
That They All Sung-"John
Browns Body"


ing day of the much talked of Ma
tional Union conference is blessed with
a mild temperature. The feature that
has attracted much attention this
morning is the apparent apathy of the
south. Their delegates are not here
in great numbers. This sparsity of
representation is not looked upon as
wholly accidental when it is known
that such man as Congressman Liv-
ingston of Georgia, is here not as a
delegate. 1t is said he is not in SYM
pathy with the third party move
nent but simply to study the situa
tion. Senator PETER is here but non
committal. Powderly is here but not
as delegate.
The scene in Music hall when the
delegates were taking their places was
decidedly peculiar, yet an attractive
one. 1t resembled nothing so much
as big state fair. which in some way
had suddenly collided with ma
tional Republican or Democratic con-
vention. The hall, in its great size
and general appearance. strongly re-
minded one of the immense structure
in st. Louis in which Grover Cleveland
received the nomination for president.
1t was, like that building the day OF
the nominaticl, filled with an ami
mated throng, full of hustle and hur-
ried conferences.
While the main hall was rapidly
filling a rousing meeting was in prog
ress on the upper floor, from which
stunning waves of applause were
breaking out every few moments, and
which caused many persons to wonder
| If the walls of the building were safe.
1t was a state meeting of delegates
from Ohio, nearly 800 strong, who, al
most to q man, declare itself, regard
less of what action was taken by tn,
national conference, as bound to have
at once an independent state ticket il
the field in Ohio. Chairman b. f
Barnes was instructed, while the cheer
ing became absolutely vociferous, tC
appoint committee of five before
shutdown to draw up an address to the
people of Ohio. calling an independent
state convention and fixing the date
for it.
At exactly 2 p. M, the hour set for
assembling of the conference, stem
torian voiced delegate with big red and
white and blue banner advanced and,
accompanied by the organ, led the
audience in singing the anthem my
Country tits of Thee" and the conven-
ton, probably the most picturesque
and largest of its kind known in Amer
lean history, was in full swing.
At the conclusion of the song some
| Of n Y,
"Sockless" Simpson, among the Kansas
delegates, gave three cheers for him
as he appeared among them and took
a seat.
Rev. E. P. Foster of Cincinnati, now
invoked the Throne of Grace beseech-
ing victory against the powers OF evil
in the name of the Father, the Son of
God and the brotherhood of men.
The delegates repeated with him the
Lords prayer.
Capt. G. A. Power of Indiana then
read the official call for this conference
and requested the various organiza-
tions therein named to rise as their
names were called, which was done,
applause greeting the appearance OF
ex-federal and confederate soldiers,
also the farmers alliance, which
showed great strength. Next cahe
the Citizens alliance and Knights OF
Labor. colored farmers alliance, which
Mr.. Power stated were million strong
and every ready to do battle. Hearty
applause greeted each. There was
cheer when the words National union
conference" were read. Mr.. Right
meir of Kansas then read the supple.
mental call issued from Topeka.
THE TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN.
At this iuncture Hon, Chas. Gun
ningham of Arkansas was introduced
as temporary chairman, the formality
of an electien being dispensed with
He called the attention of the conven
ton to the two lovers, who so warmly
discussed what would be the name ol
their first infant; that the quarrel re
suited in breaking off the engagement
and there was no infant to name
Great applause) Chairman Gun
ningham closed with fervid appea
for harmony.
The Alliance song to the tune o
"John Browns Body" was the mex
feature of the proceedings and Chair
man Cunningham, in trying to quie
the cheering that followed, discovere'
that the gavel which had been pre-
yided for him was a massive iron ham
mer. He used it with vigorous effect
much to the amusement OF the dele
gates.
o. B. Jones of Missouri was chose
temporary chairman, w, Fl. Cobb c
Iowa and G.. F. Washburne of Masss
chusetts were made assistant secrt
/, ,ari,s. S ~. Chase n' Kansas ws
i Sc. csta fer sergeant p arms aud y,
II O.,aiand 5E Ohio and i-gia Ee'ser