The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-10-03
CHRIS BUCKEYES DEFEAT WAS NO CRUSHER

and eloquent Colonel ]. ]. O'Byrne took
the platform amid cheers from a new
source. O'Byrne had been training his
ready tongue to sound hearty praise for
James ID: O'Brien, who was to bear
the Buckley banner through the I'M
certain battle in which the divided wings
OF the Democracy were about to close. The
spirit OF oByrne's nominating speech was
the spirit which gives grace and strength
10 Buckley's methods in politics-hatter-
ing TO the "boys'-and it contained the
ever ready and the strongest argument
that the Buckley forces urge-that what
ever else the "boss" may have done he
kept taxes down. The Chesterfieldian and
generally funny orator threw sops to the
rabble, cleverly and graciously damned
Watkins with faint praise and a reference
TO white neckties, and generally won APP
plause from the element that was ready to
whoop in true Democratic convention
fashion. This was Colonel O'Byrne's
speech:
am here as no mans man, but as q Demo
crat who for half century has stood firm and
true in behalf of the Democratic party and
never bowed the knee to any boss. We are
mere to open the campaign, not with SANDER
and calumny, but to unite and draw closely to
the old party all its members. | have come
here to present TO you a man who has sprung
from the loins of the people. loud applause
have not one word TO say against the man
seen OF him during the lapse OF several years
he is an honorable and es tfmable man, worthy
OF all respect; but he is hardly gifted by train
ing and fiber 10 rule the rough, ready and in
dependent Democrats OF the present day. We
want man who can be seen at any hour of
the day by any member OF the partv-one who
knows the people and can secure their conf
dence and admiration.
Something has been said about a boss, and
II were better his name were mentioned.
believe in no boss rule but do know that one
liz n . Tannla hos
W hat have we got under the rule OF the gigan-
tic intellectS that have been referred to? Our
assessments, taxes and expenses have been far
higher, and the municipality has not paid its
honest debts to.thOSe who laDored for it.9
The man will name has breathed the air of
Democratic freedom. James II. O'Brien Idin
from the lobby is q man, a WOrkingman, whose
everyday life must appeal to the working
members OF this committee. His Democracy
is not OF the tinsel and white necktie variety
], therefore, Mr.. Chairman, with the regrets a
gentleman always feels when opposing a man
OF your character, place in nomination James
II. 0'Brien.
The cheers, yells and stamping came
louder yet as O'Byrne ceased, and the ap-
plause was louder and longer than that
given to Mr.. Harvey, but that was because
big share Of it came from the doors and
galleries.
Mr.. Watkins called Assistant Secretary
Hughes to the chair, and after few shout
ing mem bers were declared out OF order and
raped to silence the election of a secretary
was Immediately proceeded with. Under
the rules OF the committee the vote was to
be by secret ballot, and this was favorable
to the Buckley side, OF course. Voting was
proceeded with at 1925 P. NJ, and confusion
began in the hall and members crowded
the platform. Recorder Glynn shouted
from the crowd in the middle aisle, Mr.
Chairman, nobody has any business on the
platform except the tellers and secretaries.
Give US square deal"
The rostrum was cleared. a sem blance of
order was gained and then for an hour
mem bers crossed the platform, one by one,
as their names were called, depositing
their ballots en- route. During the hour
the assembiage discussed politics, claimed
victory for both sides by immense ma
lorities and occasionally cheered sterling
Democrats like Thomas J. Glynn, Ed Lam
igan, Nicely Beggs and J. J. O'Byrne as
they appeared on the platform.
When the balloting was closed the sus-
pense Of the process of counting began and
lasted three-quarters of an hour a hun
dred men in the hall keeping tally as the
count went on. Gavin McNab, Peter F.
Dunno, Sam Newman and other leaders
took anxious places near the rostrum.
1t was announced that 339 votes had
been cast, making 10 votes necessary for
So closely did the tallies run
that when the vote was half counted the
Buckley men were full of hope and conf
dence. When $50 votes had been counted
there was a tie between the candidates.
Then O'Brien ran ahead one, two, three
votes and the boys whooped and cheered
with the glow of victory in their souls.
But soon came "W atkins" ''Watkins. 4"
Watkins, Watkins" in such close sue
cession that the Democracy had g
chance to applaud. Along toward the
close came the announcement al 7
Flynn, one." Pretty soon the Watkins
men began to eagerly and triumphantIy
shout three more p 1.-TWO moreP' sab!
one more!" and when the one more came
shout OF victory came too. The day was
saved and Buckley was beaten.
The announcement of the vote was:
watkins 1884, O'Buen 154, scattering l."
That was all. The work of that meeting
OF the general committee =, was ended.
James II. O'Brien moved to make the
election unanimous, which was done, and
then he and Major Harvey escorted Mr..
Watkins to the chair. This is about what
Mr.. Watkins said:
Gentlemen, on such occasions it is customary
to make speech. Ihaven { one prepared as saw
by the papers was not in 1t and wasn't going
to be elected. This has been little friendly
strife resulting in my election. / appreciate
the honor. ! don't know why should have
been chosen, but it will be my endeavor to pre-
side impartially. l don't think | will have
much trouble in ruling Democrats as has been
limited. have always observed that Demo-
Gratis observe the rulings of the chair, and with
your assistance am sure we will get along
very nicely. We want to reorganize and go
int the field next year with banner inscribed
Honesty and Economy" and ! think that
with such banner the Democrats should win.
minute later the meeting had ad-
journed to the call of the chair.