The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-07-11

: ..eIed it to 5o4, two-thirds Of all the
votes east.
GOV. Stone. of Missouri. stern faced
and dark-browed faced the audience
on the platform.
Ladies and gentlemen" he began
with a gesture for silence, Il have re-
ceived this note from Richard Parks
Bland" An impressive hash fell upon
the whole multitude as in deliberate
tones. with a full pause after each
word he read the note. 1t follows:
Lebanon, Mo, July z, 1896.
Gov. W. J. stone:
Dear Sir: ! wish it to he under
stood that / do not want the nomina-
ton unless it is the Judgment of the
free silver delegates that l would be
the strongest candidate If it should
at any time appear that my candidacy
is an obstruction TO the nomination of
any candidate who is acceptable TO the
free coinage delegates in the conven-
| ton or one more acceptable TO ma
iority Of those delegates than myself,
/ wish my name at once withdrawn
from further consideration. / am
willing to waive State instructions for
me and let the free silver delegates
decide the matter. Put the cause
above me.
Your truly,
"R. r. BLAND"
The note having been finished he
spoke of how he had come to this
city to conduct the campaign for the
great commoner, but now bowed to
the will of party.
I'm the name of Missouri" he said,
Il lower the standard under which we
have fought throughout this conven-
ton and in its place | lift that of the
gifted glorious son of Nebraska.
= Gentlemen we have chosen splendid
leader" he said, and went on to pay
tribute to the Nebraskan as a great
orator, great scholar, but above all,
bearing in his breast a heart that
throbs in sympathy with the great
masses. The Democratic party would
not only nominate Bryan, but would
elect him, the Governor continued, and
for his peroration said: II cast the
"a votes of Missouri for Bryan"
The band slowed away in the loft
above the speakers head, broke into
the bars of Columbia" Canon
doomed their accompaniment outside.
Probably the happiest woman in the
world at that moment was the one
sitting in the front row of the plat
form about whom pressed noted men
and women to take her hand in con-
graduation.
Confusion reigned throughout the
building with delegates upon their
chairs clamoring to change their votes
amid a fierce hum surprise and spec
ulation. Then Delegate Van Wagon, of
Iowa, crowded to the platform. In
impressive tones he said that Gov.
Boies also placed the cause above the
man and he too cast the vote of his
State for Bryan. Senator Jones chang
ed the vote of Arkansas, which was
instructed for Bland,to the Nebraskan.
Other States tumbled into the foaming
wake. Montana and West Virginia
changed their votes amid great enthu-
siasm. Senator Turpie, of Indiana,
withdrew the name of Matthews and
moved thai the nomination be made
unanimous. Delegate McDermott, of
New Jersey, demanded a call of the
States. There was no second to Mr..
McDermott's demand however, and the
chairman declared the motion carried.
Another wild scene followed. Again
the guideons were torn from their
sockets and paraded about. Boies and
Bland banners, flags of all descrip-
tions joined in the rallay about the
standard of Nebraska.
The standards of New York, Penn
svlvania, Delaware and New Jersey,
and all of the New England States
were left standing in the midst of the
confusion.
On Senator Jones's motion at $3.50
the convention took a recess until s
o'clock.
Convention adjourned to 10 a. m,
tomorrow.
Chairman White says the convention
will probably adjourn after being call
ed to order, and Will not proceed TO
business.