Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-09-10

form made by the democratic national
convention, held at Chicago in July
last, and pledge to the support of our
standard-bearers, William J. Bry-
an and Arthur Sewall, the entire
strength and energy of the democracy
of the state.
1--WE believe that nation of seventy
million freamen, determined to secure
and enjoy its liberties, is able to main
tain financial policy of it's owl.
America was always leader, never a
follower. We therefore declare that the
interests of the people of the United
States imperatively demand the rest0r-
alton of the free coinage of silver as it
existed at the time of its demOnesiza-
ton in 1873, and that, too, without
waiting the consent Of any Ctker nation
on earth, and we cordially invite all
persons, irrespective Of party, to joiu US
in securing the triumph Of this princi-
pie so closely connected with the pros
perity of our countrymen.
I'VE condemn the action of the re
publican party in releasing judgments
legally obtained against former state
treasurers, as a grave beach Of public
faith, and in direct contraVention of the
solemn pledges Of that party to the
contrary.
1--WE favor co-employe bill that will
efficiently protect the employe against
the negligence of a co-employe, and
recommend immediate Legislation to
that end.
THAT while we recognize the rights
of all classes Of our citizens to vote
as their convictions dictate, we enter
cur solemn protest against the moneyed
and corporate interests in their at
tempt to control this election by intim-
idation and corruption. We, there
fore, look with great apprehension up
on the fact that the republican cam
paign in the west is placed under the
immediate direction and control of a
recognized oppressor of labor and cor
ruptor of legislation; and we especially
insist at this time upon the right Of
free speech and the largest freedom of
action"
The convention wildly applauded the
reading. Col Bird complied and again
there was an enthusiastic demonstra-
ton.
The convention then took a recess
till 1880, the conference committees
still being in session.
Evening.
AT the evening session the nomina-
ton for governor was at once proceeded
| with. Ex-senator Conner of Viroqua
moved the nomination of W. c.. Sill
verthorn by reclamation. Louis G.
Bohmrich of Kenosha spoke for Gin
ton Babbitt. w. H. Rogers of Madi-
son made a very eloquent speech sec
ending the naming of Silverthorn. He
said that Villas had been his early
teacher, but had led him into darkness.
(Vociferous applause.) Mr.. Rogers eu-
logized Babbitt, but thought Silver
speech was one of the best of the even
ing. Thomas L. Cleary of Lancaster
advocated Silverthorn's cause as did
also V. w. Seeley of Milwaukee, J. NJ.
Morrow Of Sparta, Judge Cate of Ste
vens Point, G. T. Thorn of Waupaca,
Sam. Shafer of Colby and Claire Bird
of Wausau, who aroused the most en-
thusiasm of any speaker. The audi
ence arose en- masse while Mr.. Bird
was speaking and cheered to an echo.
The speaker was forced to stop several
times while the frantic crowd Shout,
wildly and waved hats and flags. He
left the platform in the midst of the
pandemOnium and while shouts went
Up whats the matter with Bird?"
Crowds focked to shake young Birds
hand as he worked his way back to
his seat. The crowd cheered when
Col. Bird stepped forward and grasped
the hand of his son. Mr.. Babbitt then
moved to make Silverthorn's nominal
ton unanimous W. H. Rogers second /
ed the motion and it prevailed
unanimously, the audience standing. /
Chairman COtZhausen appointed
Clinton Babbitt, W. H Rogers and
Claire Bird to conduct Silverthorn to
the hall and while the committee Was
out Chairman Peck announced that his
conference committee had been busy
for five hours and had consolidated
with the populists, free silverites and
all other elements that it had run up
against and was now hopeful
of uniting with the salvation army.
daughter J AS a result of the confer
ence, it had been decided to recommend
that the office of lieutenant governor
be left open for the free silverites to
fill, the Offices of secretary Of state and
insurance commissioner for the pop
ulists to fill as we'll as three electors
for the latter. The convention prompt
ly ratified the action of the committee.
Gen. O'ConnOr being called
for made a speech which accorded with
the sentiment of the delegates. He de-
clared he was ready to fight the enc
mics within as well as without" and
would rather be loyal to the party
which had conferred honors upon him.
He bitterly arraigned what he termed
patriotic bankers" I'VE can" he
said, ''re-estabish what was taken
away from US in 1873 with advantage
20 all" He resented the charge of be
ing IAN anarchiet because he supported
Bryan and the Chicago platform.
Mr.. Silgerthorr was here introduced
and made dignifed speech in which