The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-05-20

vention Until Ignatius Donnclly Fsist-
ed an Innocent Looking Motion on the
Assembly Concerning the Ap2oint-
ment of Committeemen-Isut tho Dele.
gates Didn't Want Full Dose of
baconian Cipher at Once and the
Third Party Is Still Unorganized.
CINCINNATI, May 10.-lSpeciall-At
exactly p. M, the hour set for assem-
bling of tho National Union Conference,
astentorian-voiced delegate, with a big
red, white and blue badge, advanced to
the front of the stage in Music Hall,
and, accompanied by the great organ,
led the audience in singing the anthem,
My Country, Ills of Thee" and the
convention, probably tho most pic.
turesque and largest of its kind known
IN American history, was in full swing.
Captain c. A. Power, of Indiana, then
read the official call for this conference,
and requested various organizations
therein named to rise as their names
were called. which was don,, applause
greeting the appearance OF ex-Federal
anu Confederate soldiers, also the
FARMERS Alliance, which showed great
strength Next came citizens all and
Knights of Labor, with tho Colored
Farmers Alliance, which Power stated
was million strong and ever ready to
do battle.
MIR. Rightmoier, of Kansas, then road
the supplemental call issued from To-
peka in February last. At this iunc-
ture Hon. Charles L. Cunningham. of
Arkansas, was introduced as Temporary
chairman, and urged for harmony in a
strong speech. AN Alliance song to the
tune OF John Browns Body" was the
next feature of tho proceedings, and
Chairman Cunningham, in trying to
quiet tho cheering that followed, dis
covered that the gavel which had been
provided for him was massive iron
hammer. lie used it with vigorous
effect, much to the amusement OF the
delegates. o. Is. Jones, Of Missouri,
was chosen temporary secretary. w. Ii.
Robb. OF Iowa, and q. f. Washburne, of
Massachusetts,, were made assistant sec
rectaries. S. w. Chase, OF Kansas, was
selected for sergeant-at-arms, and L. e.
Erton, of Ohio, and Lewis Belser, of
Nebraska, assistants.
n lively wrangle here ensued as
to whether tho States be called for
members Of committees or that various
national organizations named in the
call make the nOmina tions of commit
tee men. Oakland, of Kentucky, led the
hight against the first plan, but was
nnally beaten after the conference had
mixed itself in a seemingly ineXtricable
tangle of amendments points of order
and questions Of privilege. At 500 D.
M, the convention had only one Of lis
committees, that on credentials. The
great size of the hall and the large
number of delegates, about 1,500, with
several speakers at times simultan-
eously occupying the floor, made pro-
gress very slow. but the good nature
and persistence of both delegates and
$500 spectators present seemed mex
haustible and tho work went on.
The first real excitement in the con-
ventlon was caused by Ignatius Don
nelly, of Minnesota. He did it with a
harmless looking little motion, that to
save time the appointment of commit
teemen by each State be completed in
lump, each State naming all OF its com
Der OF the national committee. Instantly
there was an uproar, and dozens of dele
gates were on their feeting shouting for
chance to strike the first blow in Il
nght for or against the immediate
organization of national third party.
1T Donncllys motion was carried the
convention was implicitly committed
thereby to immediate organization, and
all hope of postponing such action was
thrown to tho winds.
Gen. j. b. Weaver, of Iowa, was the
individual whose lungs proved strongest
and striding down the aisle, his white
mustache quivering with pugnacity he
pointed his long arm at Donnclly, and
holly denounced The latter's proposition
as an attempt to pledge the convention
on the sly to the most vital action with
out one word Of discussion. When
Donnelly finally got chance to edge in
word of reply, his smooth shavcn, clear
cut countenance was flushed with pas
sion. lie disclaimcd any intention to
take undue advantage and again there
was prolonged hubbub. ended at last
by Chairman Cunningham dexterously
putting off for time being the incvita-
bic struggle, by declaring Donnelly's
motion out OF order.
While the skirmish was in progress
not few bets were offered among the
spectators that the convention would go
no furthur, but would split at the very
outset. motion to adjourn until
: p. M. did not prevail, and a committee
on resolutions was appointed, with in
structions to go into session immedi-
ately and prepare the conventions