Pike County press. (Milford, Pa.) 1895-1925, 1896-07-10

Chairman Democratic National Commlttee)
phalnnxes the control Of the convention
and gathered the reins of power into their
own hands. There was q "Reminiscences Of
that old great Coliseum whose fall marked
the destruction of an empire, where men
were butohered to make a Roman holiday,
about 1t all. A champion who has so often
entered the lists to do battle in Democra-
oy's cause amid the ringing shouts and
wild acclaim of his party was put Co the
sword that silver might be supreme. 1t
was with reluctance that many OF the
friends of Senator David Bennett Hill
turned their thumbs downward, as the ar
rogant patriciars Of the empire that ruled
the world did when the populace cried for
mercy But, like the gladiators who enter
ed the arena TO the blare of the trumpet
and the olang of steel, the silver men beat
baok their sympathies and hardened their
hearts that the issue might be squarely
drawn and decided, even though 1t in
volved the doom of one whom they had
delighted to honor In the past. By one of
those strange, fateful condolences 1t was
Senator John W. Daniel of Virginia, who
four years ago, at the wigwam, nominated
Mr.. Hill for the presidency, who was Sc
leoted to give the fatal blow to the man
whom he would have exalted to the first
place In the republic. No more eloquent
commentary on the revolution which has
divided the party and made this conven-
tion so memorable could be needed 1t
was not without wall Of agony, however,
that some of the spectators, who could not
fsthom the mysteries Of political maneu-
vering and the necessity of grinding mon
beneath the heel, saw the old champion,
whose slogan and proudest boast was 81
am Democrat" go down. Even after
Senator Daniel had reached the platform
and assumed the gavel they called loudly
for the defeated leader, but the experienced
general who has tasted the bitterness Of
defeat before as we'll as the sweetness Of
victory only smiled grimly.
Under the White Banner.
This was the first result of this remark
able convention, which seems ready TO sac
rifice all else that the white banner of sill
ser may float above the party as its ensign
and rallying ory. The convention itself
was a most inspiring sight Never before
since the present system OF national con-
ventlons was inaugurated by the old ina
tional Republican party in Baltimore In
1881 has a convention met in such a oapa-
oious and admirably adapted structure.
On the north side, where the platform and
rise one above the other from the floor,
while In front from all sides sheer Of the
rallied inclosure where the delegates sit,
each state, marked by the neatest of stats,
slope away the wilderness Of seats in gen.
tie terraces to the most remote limits of
the Coliseum, which are almost 400 feet In
dlrect line from the ohairmans table
The hands Of the big clock opposite the
platform cannot be discerned yet the
acoustic properties Of the building are so
perfect that every word could be distinct
" heard.
The decorations are simple but effective.
From the lofty girders whioh hold up the
arohed roof hutter gay trappings, The
galleries IN front are entwined with ma
tlonal oolors, while at regular intervals
large orayon portraits of the patron saints
of the party-Jefferson, jackson and 9TH
ers-look down upon the successors to
their faith. A large portrait of Mr.. Cleve-
land was of to one side, the only one dis
played Of a living Democrat. With the
vast spaoe filed, almost TO the outermost
walls, with forest Of people an unusual
ly large number of whom were ladies, and
the brave flags of enthusiasts whirling in
air and breaking like white caps over a
storm swept sea, the scene was brilliant
one
Applauding the Leaders.
There was no demonstration for any o
the candidates, but many Of the leaders
like Hill and Whitney Of New York
Blackburn Of Kentucky ex Governor Rus
sell of Massachusetts, Daniel Of Virginia
HaFrity of Pennsylvania, were the re
cipients of individual ovations. The fol
lowers Of both sides took every Opportuni
ty 20 cheer on their champions. Their
were many distinguished leaders among
the delegates on the floor, like Senato
Jones OF Arkansas, ex-Goyernor hoswe
p Flower, Frederic X. Coudert land el
Mayor Grant OF New York, Senator Whit
and William W. F0ote Of California, Coz
ernor Culberson and Ex-Governor Hogg {
the Lone Star stats, General St. Clair an
Governor McCorkle Of West Virgins
John r. Mclean, Allen w. Thurman an
Tom J. johnson Of Ohio, John E. Hur
of Maryland. e. p. Howell and his so
Clark Howell Of Georgia, Senators GeoFl
and Walthall Of Mississippi, Senators We
and Cookrell Of Missouri, Governor Al
geld Of Illinois, John /. Waller Of Coz
pectiout Senator Gray Of Delaware Sem