The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-07-09

ton. Others moved hither and thither.
II looked almost as if the silver men had
been stricken with a panic. Suddenly
Governor Altgeld got up on his chair and
faced the chairman. His pale face was
sllhouetted against the royal purple
standard of the Illinois delegation and
his long, lean arms We're extended to-
ward the chairman, appealing for recog-
milton. The silver delegates regained
their composure as they saw that strong.
masterful figure towering above the for
est OF waving arms, mistaken by the
tumult raging about him. Gradually the
storm died away after being revived by
New York delegate, who shouted for
Hill. As it finally subsidized it left Alt
geld standing resolutely with his face to
the chairman and the sergeant-at-arms
standing on the brink of the stage The
demonstration had lasted eighteen
minutes. The sergeant-at-arms had
been wildly waving his arms for five
minutes. As the tumult died away he
was able to make an impression.
The chairman" he shouted, desires
to make a statement and | am sure this
Democratic convention will listen to
him.
Senator Daniel, who had been facing
the arena with set lips and folded arms,
stretched OUT MS nuHu.
He said: II shall direct the secretary
to stop proceedings in this convention
until order is restored" and then he sat
down in his chair and folded his arms
again.
Governor Altged of Illinois had been
standing on his chair over by the Illinois
standard, with Senators Cockrell, Mar
tin and Governor Stone gathered about
him. He secured recognition by the
medium of Il messenger sent to the plat
form, and then shouted: Il rise to Il
point or order. | desire to challenge the
vote of Michigan. We are proceeding
under the, rules of the Fifty-thrd con-
gress -'
His sentence was cut short here most
abruptly and was buried under Il tenn
pest of howlS. grOans, shrieks. boots and
hisses 1t was two or three minutes be-
fore business was again resumed.
Governor Altgeld began again: "They
ask
He got no further. The crowd over
whelmed him with their cries. 1t was
convention mob rule. The silver men at
tempted counter demonstration when
this had been taken up again and the
favorable vote of Illinois was called, but
their efforts were but of feeble breath
as compared to the tempest for gold.
The gold men took their turn again when
Pennsylvania S vote was announced for
them, but they were satisfied with n
small cheer. Other states being cheered
as the roll call proceeded, showed that
the silver men We're jumping over fac
tiOnal traces on the issue.
The vote was announced, JJS noes, 36S
ayes, 3 not voting, l absent. Its an
nouncement set the convention afire with
another tremendous flame. The silver
men had their turn in earnest. The
scene showed plainly the complexion of
the assembly, for this time the delegates
were the shoutcrs and the galleries re-
manned silent. except in scattered patch
es. Down in the square arena in the
center of the building the delegations
of silver states were massed on chairs
in solid blocks and so large was their ma
jority that the whole official space
seemed to be aShOut. Flags, newspa-
pers and hats were thrown in the air
until their strength was exhausted. The
state standards along the aisles We're
seized and wrenched from the bolts
which held them to the floor, to be waved
high into the air. Over in the far cor
ner it seemed the Montana miners band
was blowing all the power of their lungs
into the brass horns; the bands above
the chairman's head were also al work,
but produced an almost inaudible squeak.
and even the stalwart bass drummers
We're pounding II pantomime. The COM
pleXiOn of the scene had changed. This
time it was the gold leaders who sat
mute with cloudcd brow. The generals
of silver were beaming. Staid. stolid
Cockrell of Missouri and Ben" Tillman
had. happy air: the features of Altgeld
did not relax from their grim lines.
Senator Daniel made efforts with his
voice and gavel to be heard. but they
We're utterly ineffective and he smiled
with full resignation. Toward the end
of the silver clamor some of the most
historical westerners pulled off their
coats and vests to wave.
After nineteen minutes, one minute
more than the gold cheering. the silver
men were satisfied. When order was
restored the majority report. which
changed the Michigan delegation TO sil-
Yer. was adopted without division. The
report of the committee on permanent
organization was called for and Dele
gate Finley of Ohio. its chairman, made
his way to the stage and read the list of
permanent officers elected. which was
headed by Senator White of California
for chairman and Thomas j. Cogan of
Ohio for secretary.
Mr. Mcknight, one of the silver dele
gates from Michigan, protested against
the national committeeman. Mr.. Steven
son, who had been selected by the dele
cation while it was still gold in com
plexion and asked that all selections
made be withdrawn. Nebraska also pro-
tested against the unseated delegation.
Mr.. Stevenson, on the latter motion
attempted TO secure a roll call, but could
find no delegation to second his demand
Senator Vest of Missouri and Judge
Mcconnell of Illinois were appointed
committee TO escort Senator White to
the platform. Their appearance on the
platform was the signal for most cor
dial reception.
Temporary Chairman Daniel, in yield
ing the gayel to the California senator,
made most gra ceful speech, thanking
the convention for its courtesy The
contrast between the two leaders was
most marked. The senator from the old
dominion state, his features as clear-cut
rs the head on cameo, dressed in the
garb of the senate, was like
| laSt-century statesman.
Senator White. on the other hand. had
,bout him that ruggcdness of form, face
md speech which characterized the ag-
,ressive spirit of the west. His face, Il
'esolute one, with his full beard, looked |
more like soldiers than a statesman's, !
md he could command attention in any |
,ody. Mr.. White presided over the st. |
4ouis convention in 1888 and made an |
deal officer. His speech tonight was