The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1896-05-17

MRS. KISTLER.
bitter fight. The contest resulted in the cleo
tion of some Of the candidates on the reform
ticket. When the campaign opened up thi,
year. nobody was anxious to be Chairman of
the County Central Committee, and It was
deemed good politics to let Mrs. Kistler shout
der the responslbllity-at least until the time
for active work should begin next fall.
They thought that because my husband
was selling stationery" said Mrs. Kistler.
they would have no trouble in influencing
me to do their bidding In everything. But
my husbands prospects Of selling a few reams
of paper to the County Central Committee did
not interfere with my duties. you may be as
sured. and now they are regretting their action
in placing me in this position. While / hold
this Office I shall try to see that decent meth
DDS only are used, and I shall continue to pro-
test against such indecent work as was done
by the committee in this present movement.
Women got the franchise for the purpose of
reforming political methods as well az placing
good men In office. and I have done as much
as I could to correct the evils of gang rule"
There was nothing in her conduct to excite
comment until the County Central Committee
met on the day followin the holding of pri-
maries called to select delegates TO the Coun-
ty Convention. which was to open the fight for
silver In the National Convention at st. Louis.
A bitter ~factlonal fight was waged between
a combination of former political workers
headed by the reform Mayor and STYLED the
Anti Combine, and a number of other polit-
zeal schemers headed by A.. NJ. Stevenson.
The Stevenson crowd had control Of a large
majority of the County Central Committee
and the primaries resulted In an overwhelming
victory for them. When the returns from
the primaries were delivered to Mrs. Kistler
one list was snatched from her hands by a
ward worker named Clark and torn into bits
before her eyes. The only explanation given
was that the delegates elected in that par
ticular precinct were not satisfactory to the
gang" MrI. Kistler suspended Clark and
the Stevenson crowd went ahead and fixed
up the rolls.
The County Convention had been called to
meet in the Broadway Theatre at 10 O'Clock.
but owing to the contests the delegates were
not called to order by Mrs. Kistler until
nearly O'Clock. She opened what proved to
be the most disorlerly convention ever wit
messed in this State. the Waite Convention
in Pueblo not excepted, by making a speech
that won the good will of the convention.
Then the fight began. The reading of the
roll had hardly begun when disturbances
arose and delegates suggested mean. whereby
time might be saved. The Chair promptly
raped all disturbances down and stated
calmly that this procedure might take a little
more time, but it would result In getting mat
tiers Just right. Her quickness was now gain
ing her friends. and every point she made was
applauded. The roll had no sooner been
read than tiayor McMurray arose to n point
of order.
that the roll which has been read is not the
proper one for the committee to submit be-
cause, 1t has not been made up according to
1.-THE point OF order is well taken"
SHARPLY decided the woman.
Then appeal from the decision OF the
The confusion which was started arose TO
Woman with the gaycl would not be able t to
cope. with the situation. She raped sharply
0nd looked steadfastly forward; Her cool
She did not have to wave fran:ically for order.
She only had to open her mouth when tne
have now IA question before you OF the most
the future success Of our patty in local affairs.
l believe the fullest expression upon this
question should be made and an appsal being
until every delegate fully understands the sit.
%uatlon. Mayor McMurray, has the ioor.,"
When the Mayor arose he was greeted with
cat calls, ieers, and .~epithets. Mrs. Kistler
promptly, stopped This and appealed for good
proved her fitness to preside, She was quick
10 check all unseemly demonstrations, and
SPEAKER Sn she stood at Ph" er desk the Sool cut p she
son In the Convention hall, and steadily
raped for order,
''There will be nothing further done until
this matter H. discussed" she declared.
Every position she took was enthusias-
tlcallv cheered by the orderly element. When,
ever motions were suggested, points OF order
amendments proposed, or new lines Of
progress sugg sstcd, the Chair was quick TO
decide, and size never made an error. Every
ruling was impartial and given without a mo-
hesitation. Schemes 10 trip her were
sprung, questions propounded, and hlibuster-
Ing tactics prOpo ed to stop the de batc, but
10 no purpose, With a sharp rap OF her
slate" and then go on with her decision
the ever-succeeding applause for her cor
rect rulings.
For four hours the battle waged. The gang
delegates were uprOariOus ut times. and The
disorder betokened a riot. II Is doubted II a
man In the position OF Mrs. Kistler would have
been permitted. 10 remain In the chair, The
plan OF action nettled them sOTcly, II was
that she had decided contrary to the
rules, and that she could not do other than
Jermit the roll TO stand, and entertain n motion
Ia. go into Temporary organization.
Il Will. defend my position at the proper
time said she, "atter you have, al had an
10 express your individual views.
and then we will come % a vote whether the
.hair shall be sustained."
When they found that she would not change
her pc Aitiun, an excited delegate jumped upon
\ chair and made a motion 70 depose Mrs. kist-
er and put a man In her place, This was car
with "A wild howl Of rage, and 4 delega-
,eed Mrs. Kistler and tried To carry him bodily
10 the stage, lie positively declined 20 be. a
party TO such a procedure. and counselled the
men 70 light II out as she had stated. Toward