The morning times., 1895-08-18
AS A CONVENTION CITY
Washington's Claim for the
Political Gatherings.
WHAT BUSINESS MEN SAY
Democrats and Republicans
Will Help to Capture
Them Both.

The discussion of the question of remov-
ing to Washington the headquarters of
the executive committee of the National
League of Republican Clubs at the COM
mittee's meeting in Chicago Wednesday
last, has started desire among the citi-
zens of Washington to inaugurate move
ment looking to having either one or both
of the conventions meet in this city next
year.
When the national committees of the
Republican and Democratic parties meet
to decide as to the city that will capture
their conventions, it is urged that delega-
ton of representative citizens present the
advantages of Washington. In the mean
time the suggestion is made that the pre-
liminary steps necessary to be taken be
discussed among the citizens
The question of the necessary amount of
money required as an inducement outside
Of the facilities for accommodations, has
already been discussed by number OF
gentlemen, who, although working quietly,
are deeply in earnest.
When the press dispatch was read
Wednesday in this city, which set forth
that the committee would change the
headquarters, the bah was set in motion,
and the agitation of the proper mode of
procedure discussed. Several gentlemen,
when spoken to by a reporter for The
Times, said they were heartily in accord
with any movement looking TO the ac-
complishment OF the desired object, and
He'd
purpose OF selecting a working committee.
AROUSED HIS ENTHUSIASM.
II. o. Towles, hwo is always ready to
lend helping hand TO any movement look
ing to the welfare OF Washington, was
very enthusiastic when the matter was
presented TO him by Times reporter. He
at once said it was the duty OF the citizens
to begin now and be untiring until the
committees decided where to hold the con-
ventons.
Dorsey Claggett, collector Of the port
of Georgetown, entered into the spirit OF
the movement Immediately, and said Wash
iDgton was the place forahe conventions TO
be held. Here every accommodation could
be afforded the delegates and others i'll at
tendance.
He 1okiDgly said he had made arrange
ments for the Democratic convention TO
| come. He would have TO pass 1t through
the custom House.
Prof. j. NJ. Langston thought the idea a
good one, and was of the opinion that if
| proper energy was shown, one or the other
| OF the conventions might be secured.
A p Pardon was OF the opinion that it
required great effort on the part OF the
| citizens, but thought there was no harm
! in trying.
B. F. Guy favored the idea and offered
his assistance in the work.
PROPER PLACE, SAYS GLEASON.
Mr.. Andrew Gleason, one of the Repub-
! lican leaders of Washington, said this is
! the proper place for the convention to
meet, as 1t is neutral ground. The peo-
pie OF Washington are willing to bear the
expense, as the business people here are
always liberal in matters of this character.
There would be no trouble as to accom-
modatlons after the large crowds that
were here during the Grand Army en-
campment and the last Presidential in
auguration were so we'll cared for, and
| the people went home satisfied.
Mr.. NJ. d. Lewis, of Wizards Hotel,
thought Washington should be made the
convention city. 1t being the Capital of
the nation, every inducement should be Of
| fered for organizations to hold their meet
ings here.
Mr. H l. Gregory enters into the move
ment with his usual spirit He is ready
do anything that the citizens may suggest
Mr. Lawrence Gardner, secretary of the
Democratic Congressional committee, said
he had given the matter great thought,
and had come to the conclusion that the
day had passed when any political ad
vantage could be gained by holding ua.
tional conventions at any particular place
Every campaign develops the fact that
business principles are being used exteu
slvely In educating the people and getting
their votes out, and the day for effective
work with brass bands, torChlght pro
cessions and fireworks has passed.
ABSENCE OF PARTISANSHIP.
For many years he has believed that +
would be a great deal better for the inter
ests OF the country that short campaign!
be held This he advocated eight year
ago and thought the idea would be worked
up extensively in the coming campaign
II the same plan of holding conventions il
to exist next year that has existed in tn,
past, he was of the opinion that Washing
ton has not the facilities to accommodate
q national convention, and it would b'
very doubtful whether there could be bull
an auditorium of sufficient size.
All who had anything to do with th
Chicago convention of 1892 rememb be-
the complete failure of the building ant
the miserable accommodations. If, how
ever, the Democratic national convention
should decide that hereafter only the
delegates and alternates, who meet 70
business purposes should be provided for
as he hopes will be the case, then he think
there is no place better suited for the meet
ing Of the national convention than tn,
city of Washington.
1.-The people of Washington" he cor
cluded, have made asrecord as to thei
ability to take care of visitors, and i
, either convention should honor the city b.
selecting it as the place Of meeting, as
surance will be given that Washingto
citizens will again do what they have don
In the past, their full duty, and give re
oeption never equaled anywhere else.
Germans at Beautiful River View.