The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-05-20

Referring TO the report Of the State Demo
cratic Convention, August 18th. four years
AGO. find that the weather was warm and
cloudy. Weather of similar character ushered
fn Convention morning yesterday. The sun
rose behind a bank of clouds. and though the
sultry air was from time to time cooled by
light showers and strong breezes were blow
ing II was uncomfortably warm.
The cea eless surge of excited politicians
which filed the lobbies and Offices of the ho-
tells like Il working hive continued TO late
hour and the hum of voices and persuasive
arguments stopped for a few brief hours TO
be resumed by the early Tisers who were dis
turbed by the noise of an awaking city The
night caucuses lasted to late hour and
brighter light than common over the traDsom
OF a hotel room denoted district conference
or conference OF leaders planning for the
work in the morrow's meeting Like oil
things else with which human nature has to
deal the caucusing came to an end and few
hours were spent in rest. If not sleep.
EARLY hIsEEs.
Many were up before the morning meal and
the steady tramp Of delegates in the corridors
was again resumed. The hotels, IN due re-
spect to the unusual crowd. served an early
breakfast The meal over the delegates com
menced TO assemble at the district meeting
rooms, where at ito o clock the foundation Of
the Convention work was laid.
Each district delegation elected a chairman
and its proportiOnate number OF members on
the committees on credentials permanent OF
ennization and resolutions and five members
OF the state committee.
The district meetings over there WAS gen
eml movement towards the ArnOry, at the
corner OF Seventh and Marshall streets. whore
quite a crowd of those collected were not del
egatss and without tickets. and expressed
much disappointment at not being able TO
enter
The safeguards against confusion and dis
turbance were complete IN every particular.
Captain Angle OF the Second police district,
was Al the main entrance to the ArmOry with
u squad of KichmOnds finest and badge or
some other evidence of beng "A member of
the Convention WAS necessary TO secure en-
trance to the lower hail. then the CORDS OF
doorkeepers. stationed at the foot of the
stairs. passing only the authorized delegates
with badges and taking up the tickets OF
those who were fortunate enough to hold
them.
ASSEMBLING.
When the delegates commenced to arrive. a
few minutes before noon, the convenience Of
the arrangements effected by Dr. Wood and
his able assistants on the city committee was
quickly demonstrated. The delegates we're
promptly shown to their respective district
locations and at once seated among their
friends.
The sergeants- alarms showed a thorough
understanding of their business and picked
out the leaders and prominent figures with
out hesitation and conducted them to seats
ON the platform. The Blues Band was early
On the scene and occupied portion Of the
platform enllyening the great hall with popu-
lar airs while the audience was assembling.
Armory Hall presented very pretty aud IN
spring scene with It's hundreds of bright
colored flags shields. banners and various
decorations on all sides.
The stage as seen from the door made an
imposing background TO the sea of humanity
on the floor ana the faces as rule were those
of men familiar IN the conferences Of the
State. Among those prominent on the plat
form at the opening of the Convention were:
Hon. John 4. Harris, whose manufactured
and rugged cOuntenance made him easily mark
ed Hon. John GOode sat on his lett and from
time TO time chatted with bis neighbor Hon
Marshall Hanger occupied a seat IN the same
clnmp and Mr. ID. ). Pierce. of Wytheyille.
was seated near by. Colonel w. T. Suther-
lin sat further 10 the right flanked by Judge
Lamb and Hon. W. A. Jones. Hon j Taylor
Enyson, chairman. occupied seat we'll in the
front, surrounded by members of the State
committee. Colonel Overall was also ON
the right among a knot OF notables. Among
those scattered over the platform were: Cap
tain Ham Stafford, j. \. Opie. w. w. Berry.
James ID. Patton. Another striking figure
was that of Rev Moses ID. Hoge. h. d.. who,
though entering quietly. was az readily rec
ognized is any OF the politicians and his
name was repeated over the hall frequently
as he came III view.
COLONEL O'FTRREII.
Colonel O. Ferrall entered the hall quietly
when the centre aisle was filed with arriving
delegates and nearly reached the steps to the
platform before he was observed. As soon
us he stepped uDon the platform no was
greeted with hearty cheer General Fitz
Lee followed IN few minutes anti while
slowly passing across the then empty seats OF
tbs Ninth district TO the Tenth he was enthu-
siSstically greeted with cheers.
IL was, however. when Senator Daniel ar
rived that the Convention broke forth In It's
greatest applause. There was an expectant
look on many faces lust previous to his COM
ins aud his arrival was known by intutive
signs before he reached the door OF tho hall.
DIS entrance was the signal for a demonstra-
lion and loud cheers rent the air and many
persons stood up for better view as he pass |
% down the main aisle and across 10 his