Birmingham state herald., 1896-04-30
THIRD EDITION.
MICHIGAN DEMOCRATS
Will Send Divided Delegation to Chicago, of Which Eleven Will Be for Free
 Silver.

Detroit, Mich, April 29.-The Michigan state democratic convention today, after a stormy fight, indorsed the administra- tion and financial policy of Grover Cleve- land, chose four gold standard delegates at large and sent twenty-four district delegates to the Chicago convention, of whom thirteen are counted gold mono metallists and eleven silver bimetallists The convention was the StormieSt ever held by the party in this state. The free silverites had been reinforced by a considerable anti-administration force, which had developed in Michigan during the presidents first term. The adminis- tration forces were led by Elliott G. Stevenson, the law partner of Don M Dickinson, while their opponents were generated by Thomas Barkworth, can didate for congress in the Second dis trict two years ago. The free silverites agreed upon the choice of A. J. Mur- phy, administrationist, of Detroit, for temporary chairman, and in this way the administration forces secured control of the different committees Barkworth took exceptions to the order of business proposed by the committee on resolu- tions, insisting that the declaration of the platform should be made before the delegates at large were chosen. The mo- ton to lay his amendment on the table was put to a vote by the counties, which was the first test vote of the convention. Not until Waynes' 97 votes were called, last on the list, did the gold men have majority. The result of this vote was in favor of tabling the Barkworth amendment, showing for the state out side of the first district, majority for free silver.
 There was an exciting fight over the delegates at large, the administration sound money faction winning by sub stantial majority Those named were Elliott G. Stevenson of Detroit, Thomas A. E. Weadock of Bay City, Robert R. Blacker of Manistee and Peter White of Marquette.
 The fight was carried along to the res- olutions. S. L. Smith, for the ajorlty of the committee on resolutions, report ed pla atform of which the following IS the financial plank:
 On the finance question we recognize that this administration stands upon and consistently carried out the platform of the national democratic convention of 1892, on which it was elected by the peo- pie, which declared that the parity of the metals in our currency should be maintained. The platform of the nation al convention on this question, which has carried the country overwhelmingly for our party, should be the democratic doc Urine until another platform is formed by another national convention.
 He was followed by Quincy Smith, who presented minority report in favor of free silver. MT. Smiths minority report was laid on the table by practically the same as the former vote
 After adopting the majority report, the convention adjourned amid disorder.
 Tonight there is some talk of a new free silver party in Michigan, but it is not likely that any effective stand will be taken in time to have any effect in the fall campaign.
 Don M Dickinson, who came nearer be- ing beaten in his fight for the adminis- tration than he has ever come since 1882 in any contest, was enthusiastic over the result, and sent congratulatory tele- gram to the president.