The San Francisco call., 1895-11-17


to await the cessation OF the row. but it
did not come.
Then some excited Buckleyite demanded
that the meeting dispense with the SER
vices of the chairman ana that Vice
President O'Connor take the chair. He
was greeted with mixture of boots and
cheers, during which something which
the police had not bargained for took
place. The gallery was occupied by many
who were not members of the committee,
and they Began a little free fight among
themselves.
Horace Jackson and a stout red-faced
man started the ball and was soon engaged
in merry mill in which others took part.
1t was impossible for the police to crowd
through the struggling mass about the
platform, so the fight was permitted to die
out when the belligerents were too ex-
hausted to continue.
While the argument regarding who was
eligible to take the chair was taxing place
on the platform the lie was passed between
James Neil, better known as Nicely, the
Gun" and James Sutton. Sutton's fist
found a resting place on NeiPs nose, knock
ing that worthy off the platform.
On Congressman Mcguire ascending the
platform again, with the evident intention
of addressing the now thoroughly disor-
derly and disorganiZed gathering, some
thing approaching quiet resulted. Then,
surrounded by members of both factions,
who in turn were literally interspersed
with members of the police force, he
spoke as follows:
"Order is the first requisite for the intel
ligent discussion of the question. We are
here to determine a very important ques-
ton: not concerning ourselves personally,
but the interests OF the Democratic party
of San Francisco. | speak now to my fell
low-Democrats on both sides of the ques-
tions, for | respect the honest purpose of
each member 10 represent his side of the
party. 1t is most important question for
the party. 1t ought to be considered
calmly.
If those who are in favor of adjourning
sine die are in the ma jority, let US take
vote and be governed by it. If the others
are in the ma ajoritv let the votes be taken,
and let the question be thus determined
whether or not the party's organization
shall remain as it is until primary cleo
ton shall bring back the successors of this
committee to represent the Democrats of
this City.
Il regret that few gentlemen-onlya
few-in this vast gathering of Democrats
succeeded in making a disturbance"
Here some of the lights went out and
the partial darkness was vociferously an
nounced by shouts of Look out; they are
turning the lights out" But Congress
waiting for a sufficient subsidence of the
uproar to allow him to be heard, though
quite a number started to flee from the
crowded platform. For a few minutes
general confusion prevailed, but no more
lights being extinguished order gradually
resumed sway and the speaker quietly re-
sumed his unfinished theme as follows:
'Only two or three have made the dis
turbance. (Here the lights were reig-
nited.) Let the old and oft proven asser-
tion that the more fighting at the begin
ming the more Democrats at the end again
be true.
But let US contend as representative
men. Let Us try to ascertain who are en-
titled to represent their districts and then
bow to the law of the majority in the
matter under consideration. l had no
purpose OF taking any part in this meeting
tonight, further than as member of this
committee to do my duty as | see ito
share the responsibility in the vote on this
question.
"a have no desire to enter into debate
| have no ambition to see any boss at the
head of the Democratic party. | have no
desire to see Mr.. Buckley restored to power
in the Democratic party. l have no desire
to see Mr.. Rainey control the affairs of the
Democratic party in this City.
Il am IN favor OF simply being allowed
to cast my own vote. AS an individual
whose name do not know said: Judge
Mcguire has no vote except his own
That is true but | always take care that it
is mine. When | vote, as | intend to do,
my duty will be discharged, and l will be
pleased to be through with it.
II have no desire to enter into any fac
tion fights. | am here in the interests of
the Democratic party alone. The men
here are loyal to the party. | was ELECTED
when all were acting together and in har-
mony for the party's success. I believe
they are tonight governed by the same
purposes, though divided in judgment.
Let US show our capacity for self-govern-
ment tonight. Let us show that as repre-
sentative Democrats we can conduct the
affairs of the party as its representatives
should conduct them.
~ think if you had listened to Mr..
Donnovan's s proposition the meeting would
have been in proper order now.
II sincerely hope that we will not leave
this hall until we have expressed our views
must be corrected before the vote can be
TAKEN"
This met with shouts of disapproval
from the Junta faction and cheers from
the Buckleyites. During the continuance
OF the uproar that followed a consultation
took place between Acting Secretary
Hughes and Congressman Mcguire. The
ialtei tHeu again SeCuTeu d nearing,
saying:
The secretary reports that in the scufle
which occurred near his desk the roll was
taken from it," Kisses and groans from
all parts of the hall.
Offers of copies of the roll were made by
some of the Buckleyites, but the speaker
declined them ali, saying:
II am not going TO vouch for any rolls,
and simply say that the secretary has
stated his roll was abstracted from his
desk. If any member of the committee
has the roll, or knows where it is, hope
he will restore it,
cit is in the inside pocket of the secre-
tary," shouted some one. Then came a
yell for three cheers for Mcguire, and they
were given with a vim. He then con-
tinued:
'Is it desired now to go on or is it de-
sired to have another meeting for the de-
termination of this question. (Cries of
mo, no." and "Go on, 60 only
Acting Secretary Hughes-The meeting
stands adjourned sine die, as already de-
clared by the chairman, and that stands.
Then to Mcguire, soto voce, "Advise
them to go home in peace. They'll II do it
for you.''
Joe Rothchild-Let US adjourn to Fri
day night.
Watkins-Make it subject to the call of
the chair.