The San Francisco call., 1896-07-08

ing numbers at the front of the Coliseum
But all the doors were closed. The news
paper men stroye in vain to raise the
blockade so far as they were concerned.
The orders of the sergeant-at-arms, stu
pidly conceived and as stupidity executed,
kept them out, until, at last, a few of
them managed 10 effect an entrance and
to make the way clear for many of their
associates But in the meantime, without
any imaginable good reason for it, dele
gates and aIternates and persons holding
tickets of admission were kept out in the
broiling sunshine, victims of the incompe-
tent ''clothed with a little brief author
ity."
At II 30 the doors were opened, and the
seats began to fill up to the music of a
brass band playing popular airs. as the
hour of noon drew near the sections as
signed to the delegates were gradually oc-
cupied. Occasionally a large delegation
entered the hall with banners and flags
and accompanied by bands of music. The
Z Iowa delegation bore along silk flag on
which were imprinted the benevolent
looking features of its candidate, Horace
Boies. Senator Hill and Ex-Governor
Roswell P. Flower entered the hall at half
4
Governor Sheehan, and were greeted with
cheers, many delegates rising TO do them
honor.
At ] P. NJ. the convention was called to
order by Mr.. Harrity of Pennsylvania,
chairman of the Democratic National
Committee, who asked that all present
should arise and stand while prayer was
offered by Rev. Ernest NJ. Stires, rector OF
Grace Episcopal Church, Chicago. as fol-
lows:
Almighty God, the hearts of thy people are
lifted in gratitude to thee for the manifold
blessings thou hast vouchsafed to our country
from the dawn of its independence until the
present day. We thank thee for the wisdom
and courage which enabled our fathers to
build better than they knew; for deliverance
from all dangers within and without our bor-
ders, and for our unparalleled progress in
times of prosperity and peace. o God of our
fathers, continue to guide and sustain thy
children. In our doubts and fears and distress
we cry unto thee for help. Grant us wisdom to
know among all the perplexing problems OF
this time where lies the path of honor and
safety.
Help us to consider the vital questions
which must be answered with thoroughness
patience and tolerance. Give us strength and
courage to do what an enlightened conscience
shall declare to be our duty. Inspire US with
g patriotism above expediency. Remind US
that honesty is not only the best but the only
policy worthy the consideration of great peo
pie. May the hearts of all be filled with pro
found respect ana sympathy for our toiling
multtudes oppressed with burdens too heavy
for them to bear, heavier than we should al
low them TO bear. Teach US how to give them
relief without doing violence TO the rights Of
airy. While we plead for ourselves, we are
mindful of the sorrows of others.
May the day sooT come when no power shall
be permitted to infict upon brave people in
detensible slaughter and unspeakable shame
when no cloud of despotism shall overhanl
those who sigh for liberty. May we ever feel tn,
deepest sympathy for the distressed in the
great brotherhood of mankind and yet be able
10 maintain an honorable peace with all.
Upon the great convention now assembled IL
thy presence send thy gracious blessing. Ma,
its members be inspired with the most exalted
patriotism, seeking no private or sectional ad
vantage, but only the National good, SO tina
our united and prosperous country may con
tinue to be, in all that is truest and best, al
inspiration to the nations OF the earth. And t.
thee, our God, shall we ascribe all the homo
and glory forever and ever. Amen.
Then Chairman Harrlty, in slow, de
hberate tones, said:
Gentlemen of the convention, by direc
ton of the Democratic National Commit
tee, desire to report the following as tn,
temporary organization of the convention
Temporary chairman, David B. Hill o
New York"
Then there was an outbreak of applaus
which lasted for two minutes. The rest O
the organization was read as follows: Fo
temporary secretary, Simon P. Sheerin o
Indiana; for sergeant-at-arms, Colone
John 1. Martin of Missouri.
What is the pleasure of the conven
tion?'' Mr.. Harrity asked, ION the repor
as made from the Democratic Nationa
Committee"
On that Mr.. Clayton, delegate from Ala
bama, arose, advanced to the platform
and said:
"Ge ntlemen of the Democratic Nationa
Convention: On behalf of twenty-five
members of your National Committee a
opposed to twenty-seyen, and, as 1 believe
in accordance with the wish of the grea
majority of this Nation [cheers], / an
authorized to present to this convention
minority recommendation which 1 shall
move as substitute for a part of the mo
ton made by the chairman of the Nationa
Committee
After the report of the majority of th
National Committee had been presented
Henry d. Clayton of Alabama arose anC
offered the following substitute:
TO the Democratic conveRtion: The under