The San Francisco call., 1896-01-17

Alaska-A. L. Delaney, Chicago.
Arlzona-Charles NJ. shannon, st. Louis.
District of olumbia-James L. Norris,
Chicago.
New Mexico-H. D. Ferguson, st. Louis
Oklahoma-T. NJ Richardson, st. Louis
Utah-SamueI A. Monett, St. Louis.
Indian Territory-Robert Lowen, St.
Louis.
Totals-Chicago 26, St. Louis "a, Cincin-
nai l.
After the different cities had been put in
nomination this afternoon five ballots
were taken with closed doors. 1t was
then apparent, as the changes were i'm
material, that the contest would be long
drawn out and a recess until 80 O'Clock
was agreed upon. The intervening time
was utilized by the different cities in an
endeavor to effect combinations favorable
to themselves. A number of informal
conferences were speedily called, but they
were in most cases barren of results.
Senators Brlce and German, for exam
pie, had a consultation in Cincinnati's
headquarters. German favored New York
and Brice, of course, was using his influ-
ence for Cincinnati. Each tried to win the
other to the city of mis- choice without
avail, and this conference, like many
Others came to naught. 1t was found
that the st. Louis contingent were as solid
as rock, and that no break could be made
in their ranks. Some of the Cincinnati
men showed disposition to 60 to Chicago
when 1t was demonstrated that Cincinnati
could not win, and a similar sentiment
was expressed by some of the Eastern
men who were supporting New ork On
the other hand New York could not secure
an additional promise, nor could Cincin-
natl.
1t was then realized that the forces of
the last two cities named would gradually
disintegrate, and Chicago and st. Louis
become the benefciaries. a hastv con-
sultatlon showed that st. Louis and Chi
cago would divide about evenly on the
vote, a circumstance which lent addi-
tional interest to the contest. That Chi
eago finally secured a majority was due,
IN part, TO personal considerations. Ger
tain members Of the committee were in
different as to the location of the conven-
ton. What they wanted in particular was
a city where they could be made most COM
Portable.
The question they asked themselves was
whether these conditions could be found
more generally in St. Louis or in Chicago
They decided that Chicago possessed
superior advantages in the matter of
hotels, and this undoubtedly influenced a
sufficient number to give the Lake City the
majority.
1t is also asserted that the strong sup
port which the silver men gave to St.
Louis created a prejudice against that
place among certain of the sound money
men who voted for Chicago, not because
they cared especially for Chicago, but be-
cause they were determined not to join
forces with their free-silyer opponents.
1t was not until nearly IL O'Clock that
the final and decisive ballot was taken.
Some OF the New York men at once
packed their grips and returned home on
the midnight train. A majority of the
visitors will leave tomorrow and all of the
number will doubtless take their de-
parture Saturday.
The executive session of the committee,
which began ut IL 80 O'Clock, lasted two
hours. Mr.. Harrity OF Pennsylvania, the
chairman OF the committee presided and
Mr.. Sheerin OF Indiana, the secretary OF
the committee, called the roll, which dis
closed the presence of fitty-one mem bers.
Nlblack, who holds the proxy of the
member from Oklahoma, made a motion,
which was adopted, that the committee
on credentials at the convention be in
structed to admit six delegates each from
the Indian Territory and Oklahoma.
Howell of Georgia offered a resolution,
which was also agreed to without OBJ
lection, that a committee Of seven, of
whom the secretary and chairman of the
committee shall be members, be appointed.
to whom shall be delegated the absolute
control of the convention, no matter
where it may be sent.
The subcommittee, to whom was re-
ferred the Collins resolution, looking to
the holding OF the next convention with
practically closed DOORS reported 1t back
unfavorably and it was rejected unani-
mousiy.
The principal work of the session related
to the various resolutions fixing the date
on which the convention shall be held.
Allen Thurman of Ohio, who held the
proxy for New Mexico, offered resolu-
tion fixing the date for June q Mr..
Thomas of Colorado amended this by fix
ing the date on June 9, while Mr.. Wallace
of Washington offered another amend
IuellI pIONlu1lS lOI Juu0 senator
Morgan of Alabama supported the Thomas
and considerable debate ensued.
Mr., Thomas spoke earnestly in support
of his resolution. long campaign, he
said, would enable the advocates of free
coinage to expound their doctrines to
greater advantage than later date, which
meant the sitting OF this subject. The
silver question, he said, would be the issue
in the campaign, and he thought the
Democratic party ought to meet it like
men. Moreover, it was the unwritten po.
litical law that the party in power should
hold its convention prior to that of its op-
ponents, and 10 break that precedent at
this time would be confession of weak
ness.
Serator Morgan of Alabama favored an
early date, inasmuch as an important
State election will be beld in Alabama in
August, and all the time possible will be
needed IN which to conduct the campaign
after the party formulates its National
platform.
Mr.. Ellison of Virginia opposed June
30, as it would interfere with the Confed-