The Helena independent., 1892-07-03

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there is no doubt
that with Gresh-
am out. Gen. ]. 3. Weaver. of Iowa. is the
second choice of majority Of the delegates
present; but many Of them are 10th to ac-
cept even the positive declination contained
in this mornings Associated press dis
patches, from the famous Indianian, and a
faint hope is even still expressed that he
may possibly be induced to reconsider his
determination and make the race. The ma
Jority, however, accept it as final, and are
ready to turn to the next most available
candidate. AS before said, this man seems
to be Gen. Weaver. In the south, az we'll
as the west, Gen. Weaver seems TO be par
| tlcu!arly strong, and as he conducted much
OF his campaign in behalf Of the peoples
party in the states south of Mason and
Dixon's limo, his popularity in that section,
added to his great popularity AZ green
back leader in the west makes him the
most prominent candidate mentioned after
Gresham.
After the convention had been called to
| offered by Rev. J. Diffenbacher, a we'll
known alliance man. The chairman then
introduced Hon. George P. Bemis, of
! Omaha, who delivered an address Of well
come. In the course of his re-
arks he said: "That great good
may result from your delibera-
tions and actions, sincerely hope; that
you will fearlessly face the great issues of
the day, firmly believe. There are issues
which like the ghost of BAnauo will not
down. The silver question still remains
the great living issue. But it has bsen
ignored. evaded and thrust aside by both
the democratic and republican parties.
One might suppose it already settled if not
| dead and forgotten. But no question ever
is settled until settled right. The great
| wrong done the people by the demonetiza-
| ton act Of '73 remains to be righted. This
can only be done by re-endowing silver
with the true money function making it, as
| intended by the constitution equal with
gold for all money uses. Prolonged ap-
plause. If republicans and democrats re-
1use this they should not complain if the
people take the matter in their own hands.
Tho cry of cheap silver dishonest dol
lar sound currency will no longer de-
ceive. Neither will dear gold as measure
of values he longer tolerated. Dear gold
means cheap men, cheap property, hard
times, low wages, general stagnation."
Three cheers were given for Mayor Bemis.
Hon. Ben Terrill, of Texas, was intro
duced and responded on behalf of the con-
vention to the address of welcome. Among
other things Terrill said: "Ihis conven-
tion protests against the present condition.
| 1t is utterly impossible to stay the move
ment. II every leader of this movement l
care not it it be Powdsrly or Weaver, that
we trust above all men. were to put them
! selves in opposition, the movement would
sweep over them and their names be for
gotten. Never before in this country has
such a convention been assembled. / be-
lieve there is no man here seeking position.
There will not be single jar to mar the
proceedings. There may be differ
ences of opinion. but when the nom
ination is made and the ticket out.
you will find every man shoulder, hero in
the strife for right against wrong. Cheers.
AS to the south, want to say it is imbued
with the same spirit as you are. Cheers.
The south will vote for the man who stands
upon the st. Louis platform, and the man
from the south who docs not share that
spirit had better leave the hall. Cheers.
l defy any one to point to part of Amer
lca more enthusiastic III the movement than
the south.
I'm Texas the peoples party is only three
! months old. My district was carried two
years ago for democracy by 10000. 1t is in
doubt to- day. The reason for the change
democratic platfo'
The speaker declared that the peoples
party ended sectionallsm, and for that
alone was entitled to the gratitude of the
people.
Chairman Taubeneok announced list of
! temporary officers selected by the national
committee and they were elected by acca-
nation. G. H. Ellington, of Georgia. was
! introduced as temporary chairman. In his
speech of acceptance he thanked the con-
vention for the high honor conferred. The
speaker then paid glowing tribute to the
memory of the late President l.. l.. Polk, of
the farmers alliance. The reference to
Polk was received with cheers. and when
picture of the dead president WAS hoisted to
view on the platform the crowd rose and
the scene WAS one of befitting reverence.
At the conclusion of the chairman's
speech Mrs. Todd, of Michigan, took the
platform and presented the chairman with
u gavel carved by the wife of Ben Ierrill,
of Texas, from tree planted by Washing
ton Mt Mount Vernon. Continuing, Nj RS.
Todd caused g'eat outburst of enthus-
iasm by recalling pRtriotlo incidents of the
past, such AS the gathering of a small body
of merchants and farmers to determine to
shake OIL the shackles Of British tyranny.
She declared the constitution of the coun-
tiy had become as lnanimate ns the lifeisss
iigure of the Goddess of Liberty. and that
the birth of the peoples party is the first
step toward the new declaration Of indie
pendencc.
At the opening of tho afternoon session
messages OF conKratulation were Rad from
party leaders. Ono which provoked the
greatest applause was from the repres enta-
tivss of the party in congress-. Tho COM
munioation says in part: 'Ihe two Wall
street parties have held their conventions.
minated candidates and are marshalling
their forces. They have no aims or objects
but the spols of Office, while the people are
sinking to penury and laborers in cities are
dying by starvation and by Pinkerton bull
let's. IL IL the mission of our new party
then to restore to tho people their God
given rights, and the seepter of govern
ments; to restore their lands aud contis-
Gated highways. and ~ wrest from cor