The morning call., 1892-08-28
NOT A DRUM WAS HEARD
Dismal Democratic Campaign
Opening.
THE MOST QUIET IN YEARS
Ryland Dodges the Tariff Issue and Maguirs
Sails Into It-White Replies to Estee
at Last.

The Democrats of San Francisco formally
opened the campaign last night, but it is
almost safe to say that not one out OF ten Of
the entire population Of the city knew any
thing about it, 1t reminded one strongly
of the good old whooD-up political turnouts
Of 20 years ago, because it was so different
There were no blaring trumpets or flariDg
torches; no screeching flies or rattling
drums. No long lines Of marc hing men
with gaudy uniforms, no blazing bonfres
and -seraping rockets evidenced the
oIening of the great contest, and even the
crowd that struggled into Metropolitan Hall
seemed inert and without enthusiasm. Not
one of them all seemed to care the snap
of finger about the matter, and when it
was over they slipped out with a. look of
Indifference.
The Cleveland blight which seemed to
fall upon the nominating convention at
Chicago had made It's appearance again. and
lis direful influences WAS felt in San Fran
cisco. Not even the pleasing prospect OF
remotely possible fayors 10 come could stir
the voters to enthuse over the name of the
fisherman Of Gray Gables. and the tail of
the ticket was no more potent. AS a rule
ambitious and graspiDg office-seekers seize
such times to test their lungs, but last night
they absolutely overlooked it, and wan
dered liStlessly about the streets, apparently
unconscious Of what was going on.
A TAME AFFAIR.
Taken all ia all. 1t was, without a doubt,
the tamest opening Of great campaign
ever seen in this city, and the Democrats
who could be induced TO speak OF it at all
would venture nothing further than to say
that this is not campaign Of enthusiasm,
but OF education. They talked glibly about
facts, not fireworks, being what the people
we're hungerlng for, and that red fire aud
Roman II a
eatcheTs.
Inside OF Metropolitan Hall, where the
exercises were held, the evening began with
musical programme by Hirschbachs or
ehestra at 30 O'Clock. Half the selections
rendered were American in character. The
hall was filed before O'clock, there being
fair sprinkling of ladies in the gallery.
The stage and other portions of the house
were decorated with flags, shields, eoats-of-
arms and bunting with here and there por-
traits of the Presidential candidates of the
Democratic party.
The vice-presidents of the meeting began
10 assemble on the platform long before the
speakers arrived. AT few minutes past
O'clock the Mcguire cadets arrived and were
received with cheers.
TOPPER SPEAKS OUT.
The meeting was called to order by Max
Pepper, chairman OF the State Central Com
niitee. Hon. 4. Il. Pond was introduced
as president of the evening and occupied
Chairman Pepper expressed his sat1sfae-
ton at the privilege of calling the meeting
to order and the great honor that was con-
ferred upon him as It was the opening Of
the campaign. lie stated that it was his in
tention to lay down his text Of the Demo-
cratic party and said that text WAS tariff re-
form. Protection and the force bill were
great evils that II was the duty of all good
Democrats to look upon Ii with adherence.
After few other remarks on the same
subject, be introduced Hon. L. B. Pond,
as president of the evening, and man who
thoroughly understood Democratic princi-
pies aud looked upon a public Office as
public trust. He then asked the audience
to give three cheers for Cleveland. whlch
was done. and the campaign was opened.
Mr. Pond thanked the audience for the
honor thai VAS given him, by being permitted
to speak at the opening meeting oil the cam
paign. and EXPRESSED his pleasure at the en-
fhusiasm which flied the heart OF every
Democrat at the selection OF the two can
d dates for the head of their ticket. Sucii
standard bearers Of known integrity. he