The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1891-05-23
They Ratify the Platform Adopted
by the Farmers Alliance at St.
Louis and Ocala.
A Prohibition Plank Smashed. Danced
on and Thrown Out With
a Wh0op.
1t Was One of the Most Enthusiastic
UprOariOus and Unanimous
Meetings Ever Held.

EX.COnfederateS and EX-UniOn Sol
diers Swear Allegiance and
Cooperation.
CINCINNATI, May 20.-Whatever its
outcome, the convention that met here
to-day was inaugurated in a fashion OF
which any American citizen might well
be proud. Fifteen hundred representa-
tives of the bone and sinew of the nation
gathered alike from farm and city toll,
came to order or 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 aisles in little
knots and took the places assigned
them, Kansas and Nebraska getting the
most prominent places, close to the stage.
Besides the national %colors, the only
decorations were the banners of K. of L.
assemblies and a hundred trace organiza-
tions. The notices were three in num-
Der, 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
we're those significant inscriptions:
mine Million Mortgaged Homes" and
Opposition to all Monopolies." At ex-
actly 2 p. NJ, the hour set for the as
sembling of the conference, a stentorian
voiced delegate, with a 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 IT'S
of Thee" and the convention, probably
the most picturesque and largest of its
kind known in American history, wal in
full swing. At the conclusion of the
song, some enthusiastic admirers of Con-
gresham "Sockless" Simpson, among
the Kansas delegates, gave three rousing
cheers for him as he appeared among
them and took his seat. Rev. d. F.
Foster of Cincinnati, now invoked the
throne of grace. The delegates re-
peated with him the Lords prayer.
Capt. G. 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
M were called. The applause greet
ing the appearance of ex-federal and con-
federate soldiers, also the farmers ALI
ance, showed great strength. Next came
the citizens alliance and K. of L. colored
farmers alliance, which Power stated
were a million strong and ever ready to
do battle. Hearty applause greeted each.
tional union conference" were read.
call issued u . from Topeka, in February
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
MASSIVE 1RoN HAMMER.
He used it with vigorous effect, much to
the amusement Of the delegates. o. P.
Jones of Missouri vas chosen temporary
secretary. A lively wrangle here ensued
q 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 q 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 q person than Ignatius Donnelly
of Minnesota. He did it with a harmless.
looking little suggestion. Everything
was sailing along in cumbrous style, with
roll call following roll call on the ap-
pointment of committees, when Donnelly
quietly arose and moved that to save
UAs00 VA0 0ppOAuvA40AV "a OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
by each state be completed in a lump,
each state naming all OF it's committee.
men at once including a member of the
national committee. Instantly
THERE WA AN upRoAR
and dozens of delegates were on Their
feet shouting for q chance to strike the
first blow in the fight for or against the
immediate organization of a national
third party. If Donnelly's motion wal
carried, the convention was implied,
committed thereby to an immediate or
~ganization and all hope of postponina
such action was thrown to the winds
Gen. j. T. Weaver of Iowa was the indi
vidual whose lungs proved the strongest
striding down the aisle, his white mus
tache quivering with p%ugnacity, he point
ed his long arm at Donnelly and hotly