The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-07-25


OF the United States q distinguished gen.
tleman who, let 1t be embered, has
already been three times endorsed by the
Populist party OF his own State--once
for Representative in Congress-, once for
United States Senator, and only last week
for the presidency. l name that match
less champion OF the people, the intrepid
foe of the corporate greed, that splendid
young statesman, William j. Bryan of
Nebraska.
The delegates jumped to their chairs
and flags, handkerchiefs, coats, hats and
State guidons were waved in wild con-
fusion. Through one of the side entrances
four men carried big yellow cross four
py eight feet, surmounted by a crown OF
thorns. On 1t were inscribed the words
with which Bryan closed his brilliant
speech at Chicago: "You shall not press
crown of tborns upon the brow of
labor, you shall not cruelty mankind
upon.a cross OF gold."
As the procession passed the Texas
delegation, free fight almost occurred.
Men struggled and fought TO break the
passage but tho way was finally cleared.
Several men fought like demons over the
possession of tine Missouri standard. 1t
was broken into bits but a stalwart
young Bryan man carried piece of Ii
through in triumph to the platform. The
Texas and Arkansas standards alone were
kept close 10 the middle OF the OF the.road
banner around which the Radicals
formed hollow square like desperate
men in battle to repulse the charges OF the
enemy.
When quiet was restored, General Field
OF Virginia, who was General Meaver's
running mate In 1892. hobbled forward
on his crutch and after a brief speech
moved TO suspend the rules and make
Bryan's nomination unanimous. Tho
convention rose almost en- masse and
cheered, but above the cheers came the
sharp cries of the Texas men, "No, no, !"
they yelled.
Chairman Allen declared the motion
carried, put yielding to the protest de-
cided TO allow call of States on the
motion. The Texas men wildly protested
and Chairman Allen at last recognized
Stump Ashby OF the Lone Star State for
"personai explanation"
Asnby announced that Texas was ready
TO endorse Bryan,if Bryan ould endorse
the platform adopted. His speech was
not well received.
George Schilling OF Wisconsin attempt
ed to secure recess until Bryan could be
heard from, but he was howled down
to proceed. Alabama and Arkansas were
not rtaiy. Great confusion prevailed.
Colorado voted 45 for motion to suspend
the rules and nominate Bryan. Men stood
on chairs and howled for recognition.
Congressman Howard OF Alabama de-
manded To know whether any other
names could be placed In nominal ion. The
confusion following this was SO great
that IT was impossible to proceed. When
sem alliance or quiet was restored, Congress
man Howard from the stage protested
against an infiiction of "gag iaw.n
Chairman Allen stated the question to
be on the motion to suspend the rules
and nominate Bryan by acciamation.
"By God, we won't stand it," yelled
B. ii. Nolles.
doesn't It require two-thirds vote
to carry that motlon?" shouted an irate
Arkansas delegate. The chair replied
that it did not.
California delegate screamed that
such a proposition was unprecedented.
lie thought the delegations should have
a chance to place in nomination whom
they chose. The chair held that when
the roll was called, delegations could
vote for Bryan or any one else. This
ruling provoked other storm of pro-
tests and only confounded the confusion.
At last as the only way Of restoring
order, General Field withdrew his motion
was continued.
Mr.. Castor of California apreared as
the first speaker OF q series to second
Bryan's nomination. j. X. Hines of
Georgia expressed the opinion In his
speech that Bryan would accept the NOM
iDstion on the Populist platform.
Mr.. Hines was followed by Hon. w. III.
Claggett OF Idaho, who also seconded
the Bryan nomination. Time was called
upon him and he retired to give
place to Mr.. Taubeneck Of Illinois, chair
man OF the national committee, who said
that In case OF Bryan's nomination he
felt that be could pledge to him every
Populst vote in Illinois. The chairman
of the Indiana delegation also seconded
Bryan's nomination.
When Iowa was called, with the excep-
tion OF a minute it was yielded TO Kolb of
Alabama, who appealed to the conven-
tion to the prejudice and the passion in
the case Of silver and nominated that
'speerless statesman, w.. j. Bryan"
The reserved minute was occupied by
Calamity" Weller In protest against
fusion with the Democracy. Jerry simp-
son responded for Kansas. While Simp-
son was talking the Texas delegation
withdrew in body and absolute quiet
prevailed for the first time during the
day.
The speeches seconding Bryan's nomi-
nation.were so.frequent that they became
monotpnous. There were breaks, how
ever, when the names of Colonel s. y.
Norton OF Illinois, Ignatius Donnelly Of
Minnesota and General Coxey OF Ohio
were put before the convention.
As tho call nearcd the close OF the list
OF state IL became evident that Bryan
would win When It was completed IT
was found that he had been nominated
by an immense majority.