Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1896-07-08
BEFORE THE BATTLE.
The Democratic Forces Line
Up at Chicago.
Teller Seems to be Losing Ground--Hill
for Chairman.

Chicago, Ill, July 5.-This is to be
one of the most remarkable conventions
in the history of American politics.
With the convention but forty-eight
hours away and almost threefourths of
the delegates on the ground, it is so
hedged about by conditions that little
can be foreSeen as to candidates. The
feature of the day has been the seem
ing utter collapse of the Teller boom.
Talk of the existence of the senatorial
cabal plotting to secure Teller's nominal
ton has aroused among many of the in
coming delegates feeling of the most
bitter and passionate resentment, and
the cry is heard everywhere today that
the nominee must be a Democrat. 1t
is considered as almost treason to sug-
gest Teller. The strong revolt against
what is deemed an attempt at sena-
torial dictatiOn seems to have checkmat-
ed the cabal.
Bland Caucus is Held.
The Bland forces executed coup to-
day by converting a caucus at the Sher-
man house at 2:30 O'Clock, attended by
representatives of those Mississippi
states favorable to Bland The notice
Of the caucus had not been widely cir
culated, so that the large attendance of
prominent Western leaders was a source
of unexpected qualification to the Bland
sented, having an aggregate of 226 votes
III the convention, and from the asSur-
anceS given it was believed that almost.
if not all, Of the Western votes could
be relied on for Bland. The states rep
resented with their respective votes We're
as IouoWs: ARKANSAS, 10; Colorado. 5;
Idaho, 6; Illinois, 4S; Kansas, 20; Mis-
souri,, 81; Montana. 6: Oregon, s;
Texas, 80; Utah, 6; Washington, s; Wy
oming, 6; Arizona. 6: New Mexico. 6:
Indian Territory, 6; Oklahoma. 6; Alas
ka, 8. These states comprise all west of
the Mississippi river except California
and the two Dakotas.
Hill for Chairman.
The Democratic national convention is
not only in a quandary as to whom shall
be selected for president but it has
still higher fence to jump in the matter
of the selection of officers to preside over
the temporary and permanent organiZa
tons. The latter officer may be selected
without much trouble if the selection of
the temporary chairman could be salts
factorily arranged.
Senator Hill is the undoubted choice of
the national committee. He also is the
one man from the East of national prom
inence who is willing to test his popu-
larity before the convention. 1t has
been claimed by the gold men that the
silver friends of Senator Hill in both
House and Senate. many of whom are
delegates to the convention. would have
sufficient strength and would use their in
fuence to secure his election as tempo
rary chairman if he should be named
But it is now we'll understood that the
silver men will not vote for anybody but
silver man for chairman.
Plans of the Gold Men.
The gold state delegates gathered
rather slowly this evening for the sec
ond meeting. The attendance was very
much larger than on Friday night. many
more of the delegates having arrived.
The meeting was called to order by
Mr.. Whitney, and Senator Gray of Del
aware again assumed the chair He
spoke briefly but not encouragingly of
the work done. assured his hearers that
there had been one point gained-that of
preventing the ahrogation of the two
thirds rule. Mr.. Whitney followed Sen
ator Gray and was greeted with great
applause. Mr.. Whitney spoke briefly on
the situation and called attention to the
contested seats and to the fact that it
was alleged that the silver men were
going to throw out all delegates who did
not agree with them
This led to a general explanation of
the contested seats in Indiana. Ohio and
Nebraska, but particular attention was
called TO Michigan. All the cases. as eX-
planned by men from the states interest
ed. were IN favor of the gold delegates.
1t was stated that it had been de-
cided by the silver conference tonight to
unseat the gold delegates in Michigan
and that steps are being taken in that di-
rectiOn. 1t was stated that three states
Indiana, Ohio and Missouri had already
instructed their men for the committee
on credentials to seat the silver dele
gates-at-large in Michigan. 1t was also
stated that when the Indiana man was
selected he was asked how he stood on
the Michigan contest and he replied
that he had not looked into it yet
Well was the answer eff you don't
know how your are going to vote we
had better elect another man." and this
was enough to secure a pledge from the
man selected.
AS no such action can be taken by the
silver men until the credentials commit
tee acts, no plan was proposed tonight
Another conference will be held on Tues
day night, after the convention has held
one session.