Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-08-18
THE BODY GETS TO WORK.
Mayor ElIyson Calls the Body to Order
and MIR. Munford Makes Fine speech.

Mayor Ellyson wrapped the great gath
ering 70 order at nineteen minutes after IL
O'Clock, and as the former chairman Of the
party advanced 10 the front aud called for
order delegate out in the crowd pro-
posed three cheers for Mr.. EllysOn. and
they were given with vim. The Mayor,
IN a calm tone of voice, which, however.
could be heard throughout the great
hall. said " Tho convention Will please
come 10 order. Delegates Will be seated
al was quiet IN moment, and the active
State Chairman continued:
IL IS with very sincere regret that L
am called upon to make the formal an
n0uucement Of the inability of our hon
orel and efficient State Chairman, the
Hon. Basil i. Gordon, 10 be present with
US TO-DAY. He IL detained on account OF
serious indIsposition, and has asked me
20 assure the convention that while he IL
absent from YOU in body he IS present IN
spirit. and viii watch your deliberations
with the most earnest interest.
q" have been commissioned by the state
Committee to announce tho following rs
the temporary organization OF tins con-
vention: Hon. h. b. Munford, temporary
chairman; Mr. W. II. mann, temporary
secretary, and Thomas klyleEham, Tempo
rary sergeant alarms. take great pleasure
IN introducing TO you Hon. Is. Il. Muntord.
of the city OF Richmond"
MI. MuNIOGD's OPENING SPEECH.
Mr.. Muuford, who is remarkably well
known throughout the Stale for young
man, was cordially greeted aud his speech
was well received. He was given the
closest attention, and bis utterauces pos
sessed peculiar interest IN WOW OF TIC iact
that they were regarded az an exposition
Of what the party leaders had deter
mined TO incorporate IN the platform, ana
as defining the hines upon which the cam
uaigu would be fought. MIR. Muutord, 1t
was pretty generally known, was among
those who had been engaged IN the prep1-
ration of u platform. the draft Of which
had met with the approval OF all OF tho
leaders to whom il had been submitted.
MI Munford said:
Mr.. President and Gentlemen of the
Convent:On,-Mv first words upon thi5
occasion must be expressions of aC&nOwl-
cdoement for the honor shown me by my
selection for the office to which, by your
partlalty / have Just been called.
70 work in the ranks for the success OF
the Democratic party has always been 10
me a welcome privilege.
10 be called on TO preside over this
great council OF lts representatives
awakens within mo emotions OF the pro-
foundest gratitude.
No have assembled under conditions
unproce tented IN the past thirty years Of
our pGrty's history.
THE DEMOCRATS ~ FULL POWER.
For the first time in more than genera
tion the Democratic party holds absolute
power. both III the State and national
Governments. But not only Is II con
frOnted with the duties thus entrusted 70
lts care. bur II has come to power with the
added responsibility tor the solution OF
the problems which spring from the un-
paralelod financial disasters which now
aiiilct the lana.
In the wear 1858 Grover Cleveland, Igreat
applause, after an administration OF signal
sncress-durlng which the country CO.
loved unusual prosperity lett the Nhlte
House.
The Republican party came into power:
| Two years Of absolute rule sowed the seed
whose bitter fruit we see IN the BANK
ruptcy and ruin which controns US on
every hand.
Prohlgate appropriations bankrupted
/ the Treasury.
The Mckinley tanG added new burdens
OF taxation to the already sorciy-tned
shoulders oi the people.
The Sherman silver law carried the pol
/ son 70 the heart of our monetary system
/ which DESTROYED the faith OF the world III
! the willingness or ability OF our govern;
mcnt To maintain unchanged the value OF
! Us uoliaI anu tuo Patit1 VI ~ "0'N-"
Issues OF gold, silver. and paper currency
ETlEuLRAL QUESTIONS ALoNE.
Questions OF Federal legislation are not
| involved IN the canvass before u. but the
people cannot be too often reminded that
| every statute regulating Federal taxation
( and tho character and volume OF our cur
Tcncv was the enactment Of the kepuOil-
| can parry. lAuplau5e.l
1nc sherman law, Acknowledged as the
primal cause OF the present pane, was