Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1896-08-06

Superintendent. ..........W WILLIAM STRIKER
[From Wednesdays Daily.]
The Populist state convention is
open. The session opened at II
O'Clock this morning, and a good
natured, perspiring crowd it was.
The big wigwam is admired by all.
Along the roof are rows Of flags and
bunting that show how we'll the dec
Grafton committee has done its work.
The interior arrangements are equally
admirable. The platform is gay with
bunting and flags. Back Of it are
pictures pr Bryan, Lincoln and Wash
ington. The bringing In Of Lincoln
was criticized, but as he is a dead
Republican it goes. There was some
complaint Of the heat but nothing
could be done to help matters. The
wind was west and the big wall was
impervious to any kind Of ventilation.
The Fourth district occupies the
center Of the house, with First, Fifth
and Sixth on north, and Third, Sec
ond and Seventh on south.
The delegates began to gather soon
after 10 o'clock. The Seventh dis.
trict was the first on the ground and
the Fourth soon followed.
On the platform were the working
reporters as well as a number Of
prominent visitors. Among the la
dies were Mrs. Purdy. Of Chicago,
Mrs. C. B. Hoffman, Mrs. Briedenthal,
Mrs. Tucker Of Minneapolis, Mrs.
Hackett OF TT. Scott-the latter a del
egate.
The band which had been playing
in front of the Pacific moved over to
the hall and then the crowd began to
gather. There was a big pressure on
the committee for tickets and hun
dreds of visitors who had expected to
to get admission were unable to do
SO. Many delegates came in wagons
and are camped on the outskirts of
town. About 1900 visitors are here,
yet the committee has rooms for 1000
more II they come.
CALLED TO ORDER.
Promptly at II Chairman Brieden-
thai who was received with applause,
raped for order. The aisles were
full and much disorder prevailed for
several minutes.
X. H. Semple, secretary Of the cen
trail committee, had his place beside
the chairman. Rev. DR.. Blayney Of
the reception committee was on his
left.
The platform was filed with nota-
bles and a line Of spectators was along
the walls. Briedenthal asked that
strict order be preserved and that in
dividual responsibility be remem
bered.
Rev. DR.. Blayney invoked the Dr.
vine blessing, praying for Gods as
sistance and blessing, for true hearts
and noble character in the affairs Of
state. "The gold and silver are
thine, Oh Lord" said he, "help us to
use them Alright. Let us repress sell
fishness and upbuild the nation" He
prayed for blessings upon both presi-
dental candidates and spoke dis
tinctly and e%loquently.
CRAWFORD WELCOMES THEM.
G. S. Crawford was introduced and
made the address Of welcome. 1--WE
are all Populists," he opened, "the
Republicans have agreed to be so for
this week. The Peoples party was
born in Kansas and like a pebble
thrown in the lake its waves have
spread over the country. The party
was born Of a necessity and it will
not die until this is settled. It's mis-
sion is to decide whether this is a
government Of the people or plu-
tocracy, Of Hanna or the producer.
Aggregated wealth will wage a war
fare upon US. We must not under
rate the powers opposed. You are
here to select the captain to lead to
victory. First the leader, then the
principles" He referred to promises
made when the convention was in.