Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1891-05-20
SOME LIVELY TIMES
AT TIE NATIONAL UNION CONFERENCE AT
CINCINNATI YESTERDAY.
There Will Surely be Third Party Formed Out
the Heterogeneous Mass Prasent-IgnattuS Don
nelly Called DOwn-The Kansas Delsga
ton Seems 10 Rule the Convention.

CINCINNATI, O., May 19.-The dele
gates to the National Union Confer
ence were 1900 strong, and evidently
sincere, but every one laughed when a
band of well-meaning enthusiasts from
Kansas delayed the opening by appeal
ing to the Almighty till they had given
three cheers and tiger for their idol
lied hero, "SocklesS" Jerry Simpson,
who had just entered the hall. A NOR
tifying occurrence now took place. The
newly-elected farmer L. s. Senator
PETER, entered the hall, expecting
an ovation. The convention was
absorbed in the selection of committee,
and as he took his seat absolutely un-
recognized, Senator PefferS expansive
smile slowly but surely disappeared be-
hind his shaggy beard like forest sun
set in winter. Not little surprise was
manifested when practically the entire
body of delegates arose at the call,
Farmers Alliance, north and south. "
Many Of the spectators felt that there
was hidden significance in it all that
told Of an already disciplined far reach
ing body, instead of the loose jointed
conglomeration that some had expected
TO see. The Installation of Cunningham,
OF Arkansas, to preside was done with
out a single objection, PETER being con-
sidered sure permanent officer. lgna-
thus Donnelly favored a third party
movement on the spot. Gen. Weaver
would wait at least year. With con-
Summate skill the chairman parted the
fiery pair. Adjournment was forced
the moment the Committee on ReSolu-
tions was announced, the tacit under
standing on both sides being that pre-
liminary scrimmage behind closed doors
was at this time the better course. To-
night everybody fell in behind a gor-
geous brass band, for which funds had
been scared up somewhere just in the
nick of time and at the meeting in
Music Hall Senator PETER again
loomed up smiling, this time as chief
orator.
The preliminares to the convention
were hardly less interesting than the
convention itself For the mass meet
ing tonight the advertised speakers
were Senator PETER and others. But at
7:3O no chairman or other celebrities
were on hand. The audience began
calling for favorite speakers. At length
sam Wood, OF Kansas, responded by
alighting on the stage and asking tcl-
low delegate TO introduce him. The
speaker began humorous talk, the bur
den Of which was jolification over the
Alliance men in Kansas. Soon after the
orator of the evening, Senator PETER,
arrived and was received with applause.
Referring to the placard on the balcony
of the hall Nine million mortgaged
homes" he said that told volumes; that
result had been declared by the United
States census. He said the disease Of
usury must be cured. Growing more
fervid in his manner the speaker said:
"What shall we do with the money
power? Let it alone? We will raise up
a power among the people and make our
money and use it. Tremendous ap-
plause. Take their railroads? No.
Well, build our own railroads renewed
applause. Are we to destroy? No
To fight? Yes, with ballots and with
prayer, for the Alliance is in a great
measure taking the place of churches. "
Mr.. PETER closed by saying: Does
this mean new party? ICries of
Yes What else are we here for?
[ApplauSe. The propheSy of the hour is
that a new party is to be born here, and
it's name is to be the National party" :"
Applause.
After another song by the glee club
the Hon. Wilkin, of Kansas. began an
address. His manner was that of an
oratorical pugiliSt.
The next speaker was not advertised
but received a greeting that seemed to
raise the roof. 1t was General Master
Workman Powderly. He began by en-
dorSing what the previous speakers had
said, and denied he was there to head off
a third party movement. He spoke OF
his efforts to fraternize the Knights
with other organizations at the Ocala
meeting, and spoke of coming meetings,
saving in conclusions: "Let me say to
the South, wien you recognize the
niger as a man, we of the East will
Join with you for reform"
He went on to warn the conference
against undue haste. No President
could be elected this year. if it was
tried. He said the Kansas men did not
understand the situation in his part Of
the country, where ignorant foreigners
were voted by lumber. He said the
knights Of Labor would Stsnd by the
convention If they formed IA party en-
bodying their principles. The meeting
then dispersed, cheering again and
again for Powderly and the X, of l..
THE FIRST RACKET.