St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1896-07-10
THE DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION.

III tne history pl AlHSTlcuH poHlNS was
called to order at 10: so a. m. Tuesday
in the Chicago Coliseum, the best conven-
ton hall ever erected. The weather was
cool, but the fighting from the start has
been hot.
Over 10000 people were in the hall
when the convention was called to order
by Chairman Harrity and Rev. Z. M.
Stiles of Grace Episcopal church, Chica-
go, was introduced to offer the opening
prayer. The fight commenced as soon
as M. Harrity announced that Hon.
David B. Hill Of New York was the choice
OF the national committee for chairman.
Hills name was received with tremend-
Gus applause by the gold men, but silver
orators were quickly on their feet, refus-
ing to accept decision Of national COM
mittee, (whose vote was 27 to % in
favor of Hill and nominating Senator
John w. Daniels OF Virginia. After sew
eral speeches for both candidates the roll
call of states was taken and Daniels was
elected temporary chairman by vote of
$50 to 349. This was a test vote and
showed the relative strength of the two
factions. The gold men were exceedingly
indignant that the precedents of the
party in selecting temporary chairmen
should be turned down, and there was
talk of boiling.
Wednesdays session was called to
order at 1850 and no business was
transacted till ILL, when Gov. Hogg
of Texas, stepped forward to make a
speech. Several other speeches were
made, including one from the recent
silver convert, George Fred Williams of
Massachusetts. Committee on creden-
tials reported at 1856 and then the con-
vention adjourned until 5.
The sound money men regard the act
of the committee on credentialsi in unseat-
ng the regular Michigan delegates and
putting in the silver contestants as the
most outrageous act yet perpetrated by
the majority. 1t was Of course done to
obtain a two-thirds majority so that
they might transact business according
to the time honored rule of democratic
conventions. The sound money dele
gates will propably abide by the action
of the convention and not bolt but make
their influence felt at the polls. Gov.
Flower said Wednesday morning: I'VE
will not go out of the convention.
When New York is called we will simply
say that we have no candidate who de-
sires to stand on free silver platform.
If we should bolt it would anger that
Populistic sentiment in the West, and
perhaps cause them to unite. There are
two armies-one marching from here
and one marching from st. Louis. We
want to prevent these two armies from
coming together and joining forces"
The permanent organization was COM
pleted Wednesday night and the selection
of Senator White of California for chair
man was satisfactory to both gold and
silver men. Temporary Chairman Dan
iel, on yielding to the California senator,
made graceful speech thanking the con-
ventioes !; for its courtesy. Mr.. White pre-
sided over the st. Louis convention OF
1883 and make an able ideal officer. His
speech at this time was brilliant. Then
came the inevitable gavel presentation.
1t was made by A. Clark of Montana.
1t was handsome silver mallet.
The platform to be adopted will declare
for the free and independent coinage of
silver without the cooperation Of any
other nation; for q tariff for revenue only,
sufficient to pay the expenses of the gov
ernment economically administered; for
constitutional amendment; for an in
come tax; against federal interference in
local affairs; against Pacific railroad
funding bill; condemns the issue ofbonds
in time of peace, and gives mild en-
dorsement to the civil service law. An
anti A. p. A. plank will also be adopted
granting civil and religious rights to
every citizen.
Up to Thursday noon no speeches had
been made by gold men, though Hill had
been frequently called and also William
E. Russell, but both remained quietly in
their seats.
Tillman takes platform at 11.35 a.
m. Thursday amid cheers and Kisses.
Wants to know what has become ol
New York's great leader, Hill, upon
which crowd calls for Hill. Tillman says
he will have his say if he stays there till
sun goes down. Says to endorse Cleve-
lands administration would be to write
ourselves down in history as fools and
liars. Makes quotations intending to
represent Cleveland as traitor and
and says he will soon furnish. Cries o
good. At 1927 finishes and Hill take:
platform amid great cheering, during
which he stands calmly on platform
Mission is to unite not to divide anc
ought to hear him for his cause. Nigh
as well attempt to do away with inter