The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1895-06-12
SILVER.
Illinois Democrats Hold
a Big Convention.
Earnestness of Their Intentions
Clearly Set Forth in the
Speeches

u $50
Springfield, ILL.,, June 5.-This morn
-ing's trains visibly augmented the num-
Der OF delegates to the Democratic silver
convention and the prospects of it's being
a success were CORRESPONDENCE increased.
At one time it looked as if the country
was holding back, and that the represen-
tation outside of the city districts would
be SO small as to seriously affect the
standing of silver in the state, but all
fear of that was at an end when the del
egates assembled in the ~commodious hall
Of representatives in the capitol at loon.
The capacity of the hall was taxed,
There were many on the floor except the
delegates. A number Of the delegates
brought their wives, sisters, cousins and
annts with them and the gallery was one
big blur of puffy sleeves, gaily colored
bonnest and tluttering fans. Every del
egate who valued his standing with his
fellows wore on his coat a badge shaped
like an inverted triangle the apex OF
which was a small gold nugget and the
remainder 16 Jumps of silver. Besides
this each man carried a broad blue badge
telling for what he was there. Secretary
Of State Hinrichsen, by virtue of his Office
as chairman of the Democratic state CEN
trail committee, called the meeting to
order.
MIR. Hfnrichsen spoke as follows
HEINRICHSEN'S SPEECH.
Gentlemen: Before stating the object
of this convention 1t is proper that ]
should give briefly the reasons of the
state central committee for calling you
together.
There were two good reasons. One
was to forestall the action of the nation
al silver party, which was preparing to
launch a boom which would have car
ried away many good Democrats in this
and other states and the other was for
the purpose of opening up the currency
question for discussion long enough be-
fore the meeting Of the national conven-
ton to prevent a hopeless split in the
party. 1t was remembered that just pre-
vious to the convention of '8S when the
Democratic party was divided on the tar
III question much as it is on the money
question Of today, that President Cleve-
land issued his famous message commit
ting the party to tariff reform, and that
the shortness of time between the issu-
ing of the message and the election pre-
vented the thorough discussion Of the
question and so brought on Democratic
defeat. This was one of the mistakes OF
President Cleveland that the committee
did not care to initiate.
The committee had been severely criti-
cized for calling this convention. The
worst motives have been suggested, the
vilest epithets have been used and men
calling themselves Democrats have not
hesitated to say through the public
press mat the action of the committee
was irregular, illegal, traitorious and de.
%structive.
The committee has had but little to
say in reply to these attacks and has
avoided any personalities that might
drive any good Democrat out of the party
but I feel it my duty at this time and
place to make a denial of all these
charges. The action of the committee
was strictly regular and according to
party precedent. l think l have shown
clearly that it was Necessary for the good
of the party and that it is proved by the
party is shown by the hearty response it
has met with from the people.
This convention was not called for the
purpose Of reading any man out of the
party nor has the committee or any
member concerned in the call given ut
terance to any expression that would in
dictate any such intention On the con
trary, every effort has been made to pre-
vent anything like a rupture in the
Democratic ranks. At the same time
the committee has resented the attempts
of a few would-be bosses to control the
masses, either by means of public patron
age or by threats of leaving the party
and now that they have so evidently
failed to accomplish their purpose and
desire to leave us, we can only bid them
goodbye, and wish them better luck in
bossing the opposition.
The convention r~eassembled at z
o'clock. The committee on credentials
reported that as there were no contests
all delegates should be declared entitled
to seats. The committee on permanent
organization then made its report. Judge
Samuel P. Mcconnell was then conduct.
ed to the chair and spoke as follows:
CHAIRMAN M'CONNELL'S SPEECH
This convention has a most peculiar
and most important significance. Here.
tofore managers of political parties have
so arranged that party politics SHOULD
be declared only at the time candidates
were chosen. The result has been otter
that our conventions have put forth s
mere assertion of general principles, OF
on live issues expressed themselves IL
meaningless compromises. Colorlesl
nn~1iIotnc hoVn hnnn prncnnfnd ~ ~.
people or candidates unsympathetic will
the real purpose of the party. Thi
convention marks a departure and Is in
tended not only to allow a free discus
sion before the next political engage
ment but to define our party position
with distinctiveness and deiniteness s,
that no voter shall fail to understand u
and no candidate-if chosen to Office
have a chance or excuse to defeat GU,
command.
Continued on Third page.
At the very beginning Of this con
test let us make up our minds that W,
won't be frightened by nursery tales an,
that we won't give up our fight becaus
they call vs. m Remember all tn
time that we are not only depressin!
trade but straining our financial re
sources to perpetuate a financial system
which we don't believe in and which W
never knowingly established. We ar
trying to pretend that we have plent.
Of gold to redeem all our obligations an,
yet we know-or ought to-that witt
any concerted demand upon the treas
ury, we would be Immediately bank
.rupt- That Is true, too. of any natiol
pretending to a gold standard system
We are demanding the restoration o
silver as redemption money in orde