The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-09-10
CONVENTION PROCEEDINGS
First National Meeting of the National
Democratic PartN.

e, Tomlinson Hall, Indianapolis. Ind.
sept; 2.-Promptly at II o'clock today
the doors leading to Tomlinson Hall were
opened, but admission was rather slow
at first. CALCULATIONS of surprise were
heard as the early Corners surveyed the
beautiful decorations of the hall. \ pro-
fusion of flowers, flags. hunting. gilt and
green met the eye. The balcony. which
hung over three sides of the hall with
II background of white. was studded
with red white and blue shields. alter
mating with gold wrcaths containing the
names of the states. Great strcamcrS
of national colOrs fell in canopy from
the ceiling and the background of the
stage was a mass of flags and bunting
The gold in the decorations was most
conspicuous. Immediately over the plat
form tloated portraits of Tildcn Hen
drlcks, Jefferson. Jackson. Cleveland and
Mcdonald in golden frames. while from
the platform waved Il huge bunch of
golden rod. A band was located in the
upper gallery at the rear of the hail.
Many of the early arrivals in the CALLER
les were ladies.
Iher" were some enthusiastic rocep-
tons. Gen. Bragg. as he moved to his
seat in the extreme left ut the head of
the Wisconsin delegation, was uproar-
ously received
While the band was playing Dixie"
Col. W. c: p Breckenridge. with snow
white heard and hair, entered at the head
of the Blue Grass delegation and the gal
lercs cheercd. As the hands of the
clock pointed to high noon. Senator
Palmer of Illinois, chairman OF the ma
tional committee, made his way from
the rear of the states quarters to the
platform, The galleries were then about
half filed
Senator Palmer rose at 1890 and
the delegates jumped to their feet. shout
ing and waving their state banners. end
ing the demonstration. which was brief.
with three cheers.
The whitc-haired senator said that this
was the first national democratic convcn-
ton and that He who knows all things
might look into the hearts of the assem-
bly, and discern that its purposes were
patriotic. He said it was fitting to call
upon that OmnipOtcnt Power for guild
ance. and presented Bishop White of the
diocese of indianapolis, Il smooth-faced.
specialized man, who read brief prayer
from written manuscript held between
the pages of prayer book.
After the prayer the delegates rose.
Senator Palmer announcing that the sec
rotary would read the call for the CON
vention and eX-Congressman Cultivate
of Ohio, who came forward for the pur-
pose. was recognized by Il breezy hand
clappiug. This applause punctured every
telling point of the call during its reading
and especially the statement that the Chi
cago platform was not entitled to the sup
port of the true democrats. In reading
the reference to jefferson. Jackson and
Cleveland" Mr.. Cultivate put particll-
lar, stress upon Mr.. Clevcland's name
and brought the delegates to their feet
in n tribute of cheers louder than any
before.
\ call of states TO ascertain the pres
ent standing followed and Colorado an
swered. "A solid delegation
For California; John p. Irish answered
Here" his colleagues having been de-
tanned by Il railroad accident. Mon
tana being called. one gentleman arose
and announced. "A solid delegation
here i. is"
Vt the call Of New York, her repre-
doomed m in compact group
in the left hand section of the hall. with
a shout Of I'VE are here" which in
spired cheers. Ohio and PENNSYLVANIA