Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1896-06-18
THE CONVENTION OPENED.
c. W. Fairbanks Made Temporary Chair
man Of tho BODY

St. Louis, June 16.-The first day Of the
convention opened with unclouded skies,
and With prospect of extremely hot
weather. At II o'clock the assignments
were completed for all the States. In the
section Immediately to the right of tho
platform were fixed placards for the
States of California, Colorado. Connecti-
cut, Illinois, Washington Alabama, Ar
kansas. Florida, South Carolina, Louis
lana, Nebraska, New Jersey, West Nir-
ginia, Delaware California, and Alabama
being in the front rows. and the other
States coming behind them in the order
named. The other States were fixed In
sections facing the platform on the left
side. An hour was occupied by assistant
sergeant-at-arms in instructing and locat-
ing his deputies. ushers and assistant ush-
ers. In the mean time a band of music in
the gallery behind the platform played va
rious airs.
to order at 1920 p. m.
After prayer by Rabbi Sale, C. w. Fair
banks of Indiana was elected temporary
chairman. Mr.. Fairbanks began his ad-
dress at 1896. His reference to sound
money was applauded by delegates from
the East, and received in silence by those
from the West
Long before he had finished his lengthy
address Mr.. Fairbanks voice in the effort
to accomplish the impossible task of
reaching every part of the immense audi
forum, became painfully distressed but
still most of his points were taken up by
those nearest to him and those at a dis
lance waved fans in unison with the ap-
plause Of those In front. His reference to
the impossbility of compelling 50-cent
dollars to circulate in unlimited numbers
on parity with gold was greeted with
loud burst of applause while Senator
Teller smiled sardonically and one of the
Western delegates in the hear omitted a
dismal ow-call. His reference to Blaine
produced q genuine demonstration, the
convention rising anad cheering repeated
. ly. When Cuba was referred to flags were
waved anad there was a considerable
hand-clapping. This applause was re-
doubled in recognition when his closing
sentences declaring that the fight of 1896
was between free trade and free silver
against honest money and protection.
Mr.. Fairbanks finished his speech at 10
o'clock. Mr.. Carter then read list of
the temporary secretaries named by the
national committee. 1t was voted that
the convention be governed by the rules
or the last convention. The usual COM
mittees were appointed and was voted
that all resolutions in relation to the plat
form be referred to the committee on reso-
lutions without debate. A roll call of the
states for the names OF the representa-
tives or the various committees was com.
peted at l:42. The different committees
were notified to meet Immediately after
adjournment and recess was then taken
until 10 o'clock tomorrow.
10000 PEOPLE IN ST. LOUIS.
st. Louis, June 16.-It Is estimated tina,
from $1,000 to 10000 visitors are in the cit,
The hotel accommodations are at a pre-
MUM The Planters Hotel has 1900 guests
and the Southern about the same number
the smaller hotels are also crowded ant
the boarding houses are doing a land offic,
business. Dining rooms are crowded from
early morning to late at night and In de-
fault of SUFFICIENT accommoda lions else
where, many sleep on cots In vacant stores
In the heart of the city. st. Louis people
deny that the crowd is too big to handle
but nevertheless there is none too much
room.
THE BATTLE CRY.
Union Station, st. Louis, June 1s.-Mc
Kinley, gold and protection will be the
watchword and will win now and in No
vember J. @. MCCULLOUGH.
COL. CHILD6 ON THE COMMITTEE
S.. Louis. June 16.-Among additiona
national committeeman selected are Per
son Q. Cheney of New Hampshire, ant
George T. Childs OF Vermont