New-York tribune., 1895-09-25
THE DAYS PROCEEDINGS.
OPENING AND PRELIMINARY WORK OF
THE CONVENTION.
DECORATIONS OF THE HALL, AND ASSEMBLING
OF THE DELEGATEs-HILL AND CROKER
MIssED-FRoNT SEATS FOR TAMMANY-
PERRY BELMoNT's ADDREss-AN
ADJOURNMENT TAKEN
lBy TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE


Syracuse y. Y. Sept. 24-The decorator whom
Secretary Defreest, of the Democratic State COM
mittee, employed to put Alhambra Hall in shape
for Mr. Hills convention evidently took his idea
of decoration from Tammanys preparation OF
the Wigwam for her Fourth OF July celebra-
tons The Democratic party of late years likes
to appear to be intensely patriotic, and extensive
use is therefore made of the red. white and blue
on all occasions like the present The American
colors in various shapes adorned the stage, the
walls the ceiling and the gallery as though the
intention OF the Democratic managers was 10
impress the present generation with the fervld.
undying and eternal patriotism Of the party.
The profuseness of the display OF bunting to-
day was in marked contrast with the simple
adornment OF the convention hall at Saratoga.
where a few handsome American flags sufficed
to recall the record OF the Republican party in
peace and war. The main difference between
the Tammany decoration Of the Wigwam on the
Fourth and the hall OF the Democratic Conven-
ton to-day was the exceeding cheapness appar-
ent in the latter The star, the newly adopted
Democratic emblem for the ballot. occupied con-
spcuous place in front OF the stage. but its de-
sgner had evidently arranged 1t In materials
taken from a Syracuse bargain counter. 1t was
probably intended to be a big. imposing affair,
and stood five or six feet high from the floor. but
its faded coors. clumsy construction and gem
eral suggestion Of dapidation prevented It's
arouslng the sentiments OF pride and satsfac-
ton which were probably hoped for when the
order given 10 build 1t.
THE GATHERING OF THE CLANS.
The hall, which is a large. oblong building. ca
pab Of holding $500 to 1000 persons. is at James
and Pearl sts II began TO fill slowly half an hour
before noon. Delegates came IN little groups,
most of them smoking cigars OF more or less in
feriority, and wearing badges of all hues and de-
scriptions which informed spectators whence
the delegate hailed. Secretary Defreest. who
had taken his place behind big table on
the platform. soon became annoyed at the vol
umes OF ill-smeng tobacco smoke which settled
In heavy clouds over the heads OF the assembling
Democrats Gentlemen requested not to
smoke In the hall" he called out from his perch.
Where does yes want us TO smoke" rctorted Il
swarthy representative from Kings County who
was putting away at an ill-smelling toby" The
secretary looked dspleased but the next time he
made his proclamation against smoking ne left
off the words lin the hall" 4 local band sta
toned in the gallery at the rear of the house
furnished music while the ushers were trying to
steer the delegates into their appointed places
When Ex-Governor Flower arrived with a part
| Of the jefferson County delegation. perfunctory
| sort Of cheer went up. This was the only demon
stration OF the session until the temporary chair
! man began TO mention in his speech some Demo
| cratic no:ables living and dead. The most noted
men connected with the organization In the
Stale were absent to-day from the meeting OF the
| convention. Senator Hill preferred Ia remain In
! his ioom at the Yates, and Larry" Fassett
! VINO. Ike Mr.. Hill. Is confirmed baseball crank
to ,iS Senator's place In the Albany delegation
One reason given for Mr. Hills absence was
! shat ne was miffed the action Of the Albany
J delegation in naming ex-Congrcssman Charles
/ Tracey as It's member Of the Committee on Plat
/ sofm. Mr.. Hill has a distinct recollection OF how
: Mr.. Tracey at a former convention. interfered
! with "straddle' which Mr.. Hill had prepared
on the silver question. He also recalled the faci
! that Mr.. Tracey Is an earnest Catholic and ths
he is believed 10 haye pronounced Views regard.
| Ing the desecration OF Sunday. ana might again
! DO some interfering. In spite Of the Senat or's
objections. Mr.. Tracey was named for the place
the very one. the Senator believed. where Mr.
Tracey could do the greatest damage. Mr.. Hilrs
failure to go to the convention to-day was there
fore attributed by many to his disgust with the
Albany people III health was the only explana.
| tion given Of William r. Graces failure TO ap-
! rear.
Other absentees Of consequences In the orRa plz 4