The Globe-republican. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1889-1910, 1896-08-27

fRSF0 WeBS be9VOUoS0 ~ ss1e tu1cO 0ssSS
fef county conventions in this city, Sat-
tardsy. msds by the Populists, Demo-
Gratis and free silver Republicans; and to
outward appearances the same delegates
answered 10 he three conventions-ex-
cepting the free silver Republican re-
criiits. These are only In the chrysalis
state but q summers sun, and falls
frost will ripen them into full fledged
Populists, with wings.
At the court house, in the morning, the
free silverites met and organized with
that ancient Democrat, Peter Petition in
the chair; and Vine DePui, modern De.
mocrat, as secretary. The familiar faces
in convention recognized the new order
under which they had assembled-it was
Demopop under the gnise of free silver.
This confederation was new only in
name. The men who have been doing
political duty in Ford county for many
years as Democrats and POpulists, were
now fraterniZing with a few free silver
Republican recruits, who have been al
ternating on opposition lines for years
past-sometimes as Repubpops or Demo-
reps. We had not expected anything
different from an old time fusion conven-
tiOn-and the familiarity of faces did
not disappOint our expectation. Last
year the Pop0dems had ''citizens'"
move. This year it is ''free silver;' but
it is the ''same old hoss."
In the afternoon, the convention met
in the rink, and reports from committees
were made, and permanent organiza-
ton effected. This time the Populist
side was uppermost, DR.. Milton being
made chairman and Joe Meliecker secre-
tary; and still ii was the sssame old hoss.''
Tho rink had been arranged with seats
after the style OF the big conventions, in
anticipation of large crowd; but it is
only fair to say, that with good many
Republicans on the side seats. there was
no larger attendance than at ordinary
county conventions.
A delegate read a conference report
recommending Prof. E. d. Webb for re-
preventative. Pending the consideration
of this report, MIR. Reeves addressed the
convention. The speaker did not 60 in
to an elaborate eulOgy of the candidate
proposed, as any commonplace heaIer
might expect, but he gave discourse on
colonial times; and one might suppose
| the British troops were in New York har-
Dor and the BOstonians were throwing
4
called to defend the national capital
that the United States was under the do
minion of our old.time despot and ruler.
Mr.. Reeves essay rendered in declama-
tory effect and youthful effort, between
copiOus draughts of hydrant water, was
pnnctuated with INTERPRETATIONS on the
side by delegates, who emphasized the
demagOguefy. John Bull is the bete noi,,
of the Pops. but late Cleveland Demo-
crat can soon adjust himself to the calam-
ity howl, and be just as vociferous in the
harangue. j. Bull is a favOrite animal
for prodding by all sorts of political ma
vericks-whether by the POpulist bull,
the Democratic donkey or the free silver
Republican boss.
OF course, why these remarks, was in
evidence The convention was lifeless,
listless and limpid. Prejudice and hate
will arouse enthusiasm. though on this
occasion the energy was dormant, owing
to the nOnassimilating prOcess-the free
silver Republicans being averse to
shaking up so early in the canvass, and
on their :'first introduction before Po-
podem audience.
| Mr.. Webb was nominated for Repre-
sentative by reclamation, and was called
forward for a speech. He stated that he
had intended declining the nomination,
but he was persuaded to accept it. MIR.
Webb has been devOting considerable
effort to the study of politics, and espe-
cially to the finance question; but many
of his friends We're disappointed in his
speech of acceptance. His preface indi-
Gated something profound, elaborate and
arpumentative-one of exquisite word
building, logical reasoning, impassiOned
Ieloauence and impartial consideration
but owing to the lack of enthusiasm in
the convention and confronting so many
of his former political associates, he lost
his mental pOise, and the rhythm of his
oratory had become irregular, through
hesitation and srammering and successive
repetitions followed. With his snow,
them like a switch engine backing up to
get a coupling, the speaker would pro-
coed again to pull his load; but there was
a ssheavy grade' and he branched off in
70 the popular method Of his POpuist
colleagues, for he said there was ''little
difference between the two old parties;"
this being a secondary to Reeves John
Rull screed; but it was cOnfOuDding to
the intelligence of the political student,
for the Pops having stole the Democratic
party there are no 1.-TWO old PARTIES but
a remnant of that party that would not
stand in the Populist herd. jumped the
bars; and they are now suing the country
for life and place on which to stand.
One other thing. MIR. Webb said which
he probably said to arouse the temper OF
the convention, was the thread-wOrn tes-
timonv of the street corner talker, THAT
silver was the poor mans money (and
while Mr.. Webb was speaking he thrust
his hand in his pocket and jingied a
bunch of keys in imitation of silver dol
lars,) and that gold was the rich man 5
money, for it was boarded in banks.
This was great argument in favor Of
free silver: and whenever Republican
gets hit with anything like that he leans
no against something and willis. This
wandering to pre- judice was nnbecoming
a gentleman of Mr.. Webb's ability. No
class distinctions exist in this country in
money: and the clap trap of the street is
unbecomIng on the rostrum, especially by
a man of scholarly attachments.