Birmingham state herald. (Birmingham, Ala.) 1895-1897, 1896-04-23
MINORITY REPORT TABLED
The Presidents Foreign Policy and Governor
Oates Administration
WERE lNDoRSED BY THE CONVENTION
The Delegation to Chicago Was Instructed
to Vote as a Unit-Keller, Lane, Bank
head and Knox Selected as Del
egates at Large.

Montgomery, April 22.-The democratic
state convention assembled at 10 o'clock
this morning. The committee on plat
form was ready as soon as the conven-
tion was called to order. General Pettus
chairman took the stand and read the
following:
We the democrats of the state of Ala
bama, in convention assembled, declare
our continued faith in the old-time and
honored principles of the democratic par
ty, and among these principles are the
following:
!. The free and unlimited coinage of
silver and gold at 16 to / as the standard
money of the country, without any dis
elimination against either metal and
without the consent of foreign nations
as the United States coined silver and
gold before the republican party obtain
ed control of the government and chang
ed the coinage laws of the country for
the benefit of a class and to the injury
of a great mass of the people
2. The unconstitutional penalty of 10
per centum on each issue of state bank
notes by any state or national bank
ought to be repealed.
1t is our purpose to maintain a gov
ernment in this state fair and just to all,
under control of the white men OF Ala
bama.
The faith and credit of the state must
be maintained untarnished.
Our system of public education shouts
be improved and extended so far as the
state has the ability without oppressive
taxation.
We are in favor of honest and fair
elections and we recommend that laws
be enacted under which primary cleo
tions and other party proceedings for
the selection of candidates may be con-
Quoted.
we cordially invite all good citizens of
this state, and especially all democrats
who strayed from the party, to unite
with us in an earnest and determined
effort to maintain good government in
the state of Alabama.
Let us preserve tho dignity and credit
and peace, and, if possible, the prosperity
of our state
Mr.. Russell, from the minority of the
committee, submitted the following;
Resolved, That we, the democrats of
Alabama, in convention assembled, de-
clare our unalterable trust and confidence
in the faithful democratic party of the
nation-the party of the people; and we
heartily commend the wise, courageous
and patriotic administra ton of our DEM
ocratic president. He has enforced law
and order at home; he has protected
American citizens abroad he has main
tained the honor and dignity of the re-
public in its relations with foreign pow
efS Dy ii llTIl lHSlSleIlte upOu tHCti iC-
spect of the doctrine laid down by Mon
roe as the foundation stone of American
policy. We believe that Grover C1eve-
land exemplifies the best type of Ameri-
can patriotism and manhood, and that
he has and will hold a permanent place
in the esteem and affection of democrats
along with Thomas jefferson and Andrew
Jackson.
Your committee would further recon-
mend that whereas there are differences
Of aiy,in MOI 6nn1nnr1tG
question al to whether the United States
should alone undertake the free and un-
limited coinage of silver at the ratio of 16
to /, which differences cannot be recon-
ciled in advance of authoritative declara-
tinn upon the subject by the approach
ing democratic national convention and
Whereas, 1t is indispensable to the uni
ty and success of the democratic party
in the state of Ala bama that usurpation
upon this important national question
shall be in accord and harmony with the
national democratic platform; therefore
be it
Resolved by the democracy of the
state of Alabama, in convention assem-
bled That we refer to the national dem
ocratc convention the determination of
the party's position on the silver ques-
tion, pledging the democracy of the state
TO abide and support the policy and nom
inees which the national convention may
declare and set forth
The substitute was tabled by vote of
331 ayes to 173 nays.
The resolutions as reported by the ma
jority of the committee were then adopt
ed by vote of 343 ayes and 161 nays.
General Pettus then offered the follow.
ing additional resolutions for the major
ity of the committee on resolutions: One
indorsing the state administration of
Governor Oates; one requesting senators
and representatives, to use their efforts
to secure the cession of all public lands
IN thG a
commencing President Cleveland and his
administration for their prompt enuncia-
tion of the Monroe doctrine and readi-
ness to defend the same in the contro-
versy over the Venezuelan dispute with
England.
We further commend Mr.. Cleveland for
his generous appointment of our southern
men in his cabinet and to various posi-
tions within his appointing power.
We find much to approve in the present
administration. but it's financial policy we
do not approve.
Mr.. Roquemore, from the minority of
the committee, reported the following as
a substitute for the unit rule portion of
the majority report:
Resolved, That vote shall be taken in
this convention upon the question as to
whether the national democratic conven-
tion shall adopt free silver platform of
16 to 1 and the delegates to the national
convention shall be instructed to voice the
sentiment of this convention In the ratio
of such vote.
This resolution was tabled by the same
vote that tabled the other minority sub
stitute and the resolutions of the majority
were adopted.
There was immense cheering on the
part of the free silverites when they Sc
cured their platform and instructions.
Nominations for governor were then
made. the names of Joseph F. Johnston
and Richard HI. Clarke being presented,
Johnston receiving 1856 and Clarke 14S.
Both appeared before the convention
and made speeches. which were heartily
cheered.
Other nominations are:
G. w. Ellis, treasurer.