The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1892-10-05


riennial convention of the National AS
ISOLATION OF Democratic Clubs was held
to-day in the Academy OF Music. The
hour at which the convention was an
nounced to be called to order was ten
o'clock, but before 0 o'clock delegates
had begun to arrive and secured their
seats. The entire orchestra and first
balcony had been reserved for the del
egates. The parterre, the two upper
balconies and the four tiers OF private
boxes on either side OF the stage were
reserved for spectators. Seldom has
the old Academy presented a drawer ap-
pearance than it did this morning.
American flags and the colors OF nearly
every nation were hung about the gal
leries and boxes. The stage itself was
simply ornamental. The crowd was
entertained while it waited by varied
selection of patriotic and popular airs
By the Eighth regiment band, stationed
in the upper gallery. The delegates
also entertained themselves by cheer
ing vigorously as one after another
prominent Democrat entered and took
seats, The boxes had already begun 10
fill rapidly with fasnionably dressed la.
dies, who seemed to fully share the en-
thusiasm of their fathers, brothers or
husbands.
A little before II o'clock, Exit. Gov.
Chauncey F. Black, Of Pennsylvania
and president OF the association, was
discovered coming up on the stage.
There was chorus OF shouts which
grew to a roar when close behind Mr.,
Black, the figure of Grover Cleveland
was. recognized. When the tumult had
subsidized Mr.. Black called the conven-
ton to order and began his address.
Mr.. Black, at the conclusion OF HIS
speech, turned toward Mr.. Cleveland,
who arose at the moment and presented
him to the audience. When the cheer
that greeted him had subsided, Nh
Cleveland spoke as follows:
c1EvELANp's SPEECH.
Mr.. PRESIDENT AND GENTIEMES:-It
affords me especial pleasure to extend
to you on this occasion q hearty vel
come. As a citizen of this proud inu.
nicipality, amglad to assure you that
our hospitality is always open and gem
erous. In behalf OF a community, dis
tinguished for its Americanism and toll.
Grafton in all matters Of belief and
Judgment, know l may extend cor
dial greeting to those who here repre-
sent political thoughtfulness and sim
certify. AS an unyielding and consist.
emit believer in Democratic principles,
trust need not hesitate TO pledge to
the representatives Of organized Democ-
racy the good will and fraternal SYM
patty of this Democratic city.
Your meeting is the council of war
which precedes a decisive battle, and
your deliberations should be the
preparation for stern conflict All your
weapons and all your equipments are
soon to be tested. You have organized
and labored and you have watched and
planned to ensure your readiness for
the final engagement now near at hand.
This, then, is no holiday assemblage,
but an impressive convocation in
furtherance OF the designs and purposes
for the accomplishment Of which you
and those you represent are banded
together. These designs aud purposes,
as declared by your association, are:
The preservation OF the constitution OF
the United States, the autonomy OF the
states, local self-government and free
dom OF elections, opposition to the i'm
position OF tax beyond the necessities
OF the government economically admin
istered, and the promotion OF economy
in all branches Of the public service.
THE OLD CRY.
These professions embody the purest
patriotism, and the Hottest aspirations
of American citizenship, though at al!
times they should suggest to us the
strongest obligation to political activ-
ity; and walchfulness should be ir-
resistible at time when the constitu.
ton is held in light esteem as against
the accomplishment of selfish purposes,
when state boundaries are hardly
barrier to centralized power and when
local self government and freedom OF
elections are the SCOT OF partisanship.
Those who subscribe to the creed OF
this association and make any claim to
sincerity can hardly excuse themselves
for lack OF effort at time when the
necessities OF the government economic.
ally administered, have but little rela-
ton to the taxation OF the people and
when extravaganza in tho public service
has become a contagious plague.
To those who hope for better things,
this convention Of Democratic clubs is
. bright promise Of reform. Unorgan-
lied good intentions and idle patriotic
aspirations cannot successfully contend
for mastery with tho compact forces OF
private interests and greed, nor is the
organization always tho most useful
which has the widest extent. The real
benefit Of political organization is
found in its nearness to the people and
in the directness OF its action. OF
course harmony and unity OF purpose
arc absolutely essential.
PLEA FOR HARMONY.
In this view your assembling together
is most important in so far as it pro-
notes this harmony and unity by con.
ference and consideration OF methods,
and in so far as it inspires that zeal and
enthusiasm which will make more
effective your work at home.
Therefore, am sure that can say
nothing better in taking my leave OF
Won. than to wish that your convention
NAV be a most profitable and encourage
inp one, and that at its conclusion, you
may resume your places in your home
organizations newt y inspired and deter.
mined TO Jealous effort in the cause OF
true Democracy.
MI. Cleveland was frequently ap-
nlauded. and his closing injunction
was received with marks OF hearty ap.
rroval Mr.. Black then announced