The record-union., 1892-02-12
Special to the REcoRD-UNIow.

Special to the RECoRD-UNIoE.
NEW YORK, Feb. u.-There was held
tonight in the large hall of Cooper
Union mass meeting of Democrats to
protest against the holding of the Demo-
cratic State Convention on February 2Zd,
after only four weeks notice. 1t is this
convention which has been denominated
Senator HIPS snap convention" and
the meeting tonight was promoted
largely by adherents of eX-President
Cleveland. Among those who signed the
call were Frederick K. Condert, eX-Mayor
Tiemann, Oswald Ottendorier, L. Ellery
Anderson, Charles j. Canda, ex-Mayor
Grace. eX-MayOr Cooper, eX-Justice NJ.
Daily, Everett Wheeler, ex-Mayor Hewitt
and ex-Secretary of Treasury Fairchild.
Every available inch of standing room
in the historic hall was occupied, and
many Of those who were tardy in seeking
entrance were unable to get in.
Oswald Ottendorter, editor and prOprie-
tor of the New York Stodts XejtUilg,
called the meeting to order. He said in
part: The whole proceeding Of the
Democratic State Committee is as pro-
voking as it is uncalled for, and its only
promote the schemes of some intriguing
politicians who have reason to avoid
open daylight and try to secure snap
judgment by which they can pretend to
represent the Democracy of the Empire
State. 1t is not for the promotion of the
mbition of this or that man, but for the
triumph Of principles, in the defense of
which the Democracy Of the United States
achieved a victory during the last two
years, that we enter our protest. The
members of the Democratic State Com
mittee have made a fearful mistake, and
a mistake in such matter is worse than
crime. Seeing the results Of their error,
[ hope they will retrace their steps and
adopt measures in accordance with the
requirements of fairness and justice. II
not, they will have to take the responsi-
bility for the disastrous consequences that
may follow their unwise and inconsid-
crate action"
Frederick Il. Condert was the next
speaker. The meeting. he said. was not
to denounce or glOrify any human being,
but an assertion of the rights men in
authority are seeking to deprive them of.
In naming the objections to the call for
the convention on the 22d inst, he said
in part: "Every departure from usage
and custom requires an explanation on the
part of those who make this departure to
those interested in the subject. Custom
is law: TO violate law is crime. We, there
fore, are in the right, and may insist
upon receiving valid explanation. The
precedence of a quarter of a century
have established uniform rule, and we
say to the committee: why have You
changed it? If you have good reason
produce it. These men who are called
leaders must bear in mind that they are
trustees and agents, not autocratS; that
they cannot substitute thier will for that
of of
1t was intended that all Democrats should
have an opportunity to register their
voices. 1t was not intended to cut off
thousands of men without regard to
right in order to serve purpose. 1t may
be that no purpose exists, but 10 great
party can afford to place its members in
such strait that loyalty to party and
self-respect cannot exist"
At the conclusion of Condert's speech
someone called for "Three cheers for
Grover Cleveland" There was a good
response followed by scattering Kisses.
Mr. Condert was selected President of
the meeting and a list Of Vice Presidents
and Secretaries. containing a selection of
about three hundred names, was made
out.
Ex-United States District Attorney
Walker then offered a set of resolutions
which were warmly appIauded and
adopted with practical unanmity, only a
few scattering noes being heard. The
resolutions were substantially as follows /:
This assembly of Democrats of the
city of New York makes protest and an
appeal against the uncalled-for and i'll
advised action Of the State Committee in
designating so early date as the 22d of
February for the meeting of the State
Convention to select delegates to the Ma
tional Convention.
The resolutions declare that the dele
e,1.n ho
No body of men elected to express the
Will Of the voters should be for unreason-
able time the custodians of the voters
rights or hold delegated powers for a
period longer than absolutely necessary;
and the expression of the people should
be made in party assemblies upon sub
iects presently to be decided at as near a
time to that wherein decision is reached
as can be reasonably and conveniently
appointed.
The action of the State Committee is
declared contrary to party usage and is
irregular; it denies to Democratic cleo
tors of the State full, fair and effective
exercise Of their right to be represented
in caucuseS, primaries and district and
State conventions. Their action is a
grave violation of the political duties of
the committee, which cannot but expose
the party to needless danger in the cleo
ton next November.
A cOpV of the resolutions Is to be sent
to the members of the State Committee
and committee of fifty, with power to
addsto the number, will be appointed by
the Chairman of the meeting TO commu-
nicate with the State Committee a pro-
test against their action in designating
the date already fixed, and urge them to
reconsider and revoke the call. If that
can not be done, the committee shall ex-
ercise such further powers and take such
other action as may secure the proper
representation of the people of the State
in the National Convention as may seem
proper and in accord with the spirit of
these resolutions.
A telegram of commentator was re-
ceived from the Montgomery (Alabama)
Cleveland Democratic Club, which pro-
tested against the action of the New York
State Committee as unjust, unfair and
seriously imperiling the interests of the
party throughout the Union.
John @. Milburn Of Ohio County spoke,
declaring for the sending of a delegation
TO Chicago to come right from the heart of
the people; strong for tariff reform; for
sound currency; an administration con-
Quoted on business principles, and for the
nomination of a high-minded Democrat,
who is such in deeds and not in words
alone.
During this speech latent enthusiasm for
Grover Cleveland was brought out-yells
went up as from one throat Hats We're
waved and umbrellas fiourished wildly.
while the cry "Grover Cleveland was
heard again and again.
Ellery Anderson, one ofthe leaders in the
meeting, set forth that Cleveland stood en-
phaticaIly for tariff reform and against
free coinage OF silver, while Hill practi-