Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1896-07-15

mishing. Four days ago, when the con-
vention met, he was entered in the lists.
But yesterday he made an imprisoned
speech and stirred the convention to
frenzy by his eloquence. That speech
overthrow the diligently organized work
of weeks and months of other aSpirants
for the honor.
Arthur SewaIl, shipbuilder, national
banker millionaire and free Silyerite of
Bath, Me-, was nominated for vice-preSi-
dent Saturday afternoon by the Demo
cratic convention at the end of a four
hours session.
Then came some minor motions which
were speedily disposed of, Chairman
Whites gavel fell announcing the adOp-
ton of motion to adjourn, and one of
the most noted political conventions ever
held in this country had passed into his
tory.
The indications up to the last ballot
We're that Bland of Missouri, Mclean of
Ohio, or Sibley of Pennsylvania would
be the nominee.
The Opening Day.
At few minutes before / o'clock on
Tuesday. July Z. William F. Harrity.
chairman of the Democratic national
committee, called the convention of that
party to order in the Coliseum building
out near the site of the Worlds fair.
The place proved to be an ideal one for
convention purposes, for notwithstand
ing its great size, its acoustic properties
W"re Well-nigh perfect, and as for see
Il there was no spectator whose view
WAS obstructed The interest in the
-.itial session centered on what was to
Je done with Hill. The national commit
tee, which in accordance with long es-
ia bliShed rules always names the tenn
porary presiding officer, had selected the
senior New York senator, who was I'M
QueStiOnably a gold man., or, as he
usually calls himself. a Sound money"
man. On the other hand, there was no
doubt that the silver men had a plain.
if not the two-thirds majority required
by democratic precedent. This domi-
nant faction had stated through its lead
ers prior to the convention that mas
much as it was admitted that the silver
element was to be in control Of the con-
vention it was no more than proper that
it should have its representatives in the
chair. for it is generally understood that
the temporary presiding officer gives key
note of the campaign in the speech which
he makes upon assuming the chair.
The battle began with the opening of
the convention. No sooner had Chairman
Harrity named Senator Hill as the
choice of the national committee for
chairman than II. d. Clayton of Ala
bama was on his feet with a motion to
substitute the name of Senator John w.
Ger. For two hours the champions of
the two candidates, representing the two
acknowledged wings OF the party, talked
in an effort to bring the 900 and odd
delegates to their way of thinking. The
vote then taken was the first test of
strength of the respective forces and its
result plainly showed ultimate and COM
plete defeat for the gold element
Daniel received $50 votes to $40 for
Hill Upon taking the chair Senator
Daniel delivered a ringing speech Oh the
prospective issues Of the campaign and
then the convention adjourned until the
following morning.
During the evening the committees on
credentials and on resolutions, which had
been named prior to the adjournment of
the convention. met and began their
work. The committee on credentials Sc
lected Senator Stephen NJ. White of
California as the permanent chairman
and also named the other officers for the
permanent guidance of the convention.
Then 1t took up the matter of contested
seats There was little trouble until
Nebraska and Michigan were reached
The contest in these delegations was
drawn on gold and silver lines and
the committee put in most of the night
Without becoming much wiser regarding
the merits of the respective cases.
The committee on resolutions content
ed itself with naming a subcommittee to
prepare the platform. The silver element
naturally was in the majority on this
committee and Senator Hill led the mi
nority.
The Second Days Session.
The convention did comparatively lit
+ Re. work during the day OH Wednesday
though it convened at 10 a. m. The
trouble was that Neither the committee
on credentials nor that on resolutions
was ready to- report. There was hope
that the committees would be ready with
in a few hours and it was deemed I'M
wise to adjouru~st he ge6nyention, so the
time was taken sap @bys listening to some
. of the. leading lights of the party. Gov.
/ Hogg of T6Xas was the first speaker
and then Blackburn the Kentucky. sen
ator, was heard. Gov. Altgeld Of Hi
nois. who had been called for repeatedly.
Finally took the~pfattor-1l1- and tod what
he thought of the situation.
Others spoke and then adjournment
was taken until p. II.