Birmingham state herald. (Birmingham, Ala.) 1895-1897, 1896-05-10

dle-colored citizen of Decatur, who in de-
bate was a match for any, man on the
floor, argued for the retention of Kilpat-
rick as permanent chairman, and thus
the war of words went on for more than
an hour Fitzpatrick sitting in the chair
and smiling on all speakers whether the
particular orator was trying to dig his
grave or to boost him far up on the pin
nacle of convention preferment. kilpat-
rick's rulings were unique and some or
them would have reflected credit upon
Car Reed, but Fitzpatrick was doing his
level best, and when Cashin, Europe, Nc
Even or some of the other smart dark
les would call him down he would ac-
knowledge his error and change, con-
Tossing the point made by Mr.. =, the
gentlemen from -. Kilpatrck's FRIENDS
finally won out and made him permanent
chairman.
Colonel Wickersham was chairman or
the committee on platform and resou-
tons and from that committee the
colonel reported platform which
showed the fine brain of the gentleman
from Mobile. 1t was, briefly, for protec-
ton, reciprocity, sound money and hui
man liberty, with such trimmings as ap-
probation of the Nicaraguan canal en-
terprise and condemnation of the consti-
tutional convention movement. IL was
apparent from the applause wnicn
greeted the reading of the platform that
1t sank deep into the hearts of the dele
gates; but there was one Madison county
man whose financial views were not
those Of the committee on platform. rms
delegate was Mr.. Wells. He is man OF
about SO and apparently Is well-to-do
and prosperous citizen. Colonel WICK
ersham put the gold standard on too
thick for Mr. Wells and he proceeded TO
air his views. He told the convention
that the platform reflected the views OF
President Cleveland and his cabinet ana
advisors to a T. and that as Mckinley
republican he (Wells) wanted to raise
his voice in protest against the adoption
of a Grover Cleveland platform. But the
platform went through with whoop.
''Kilpatrick who had done Journeyman
work all day as chairman, wanted TO
get a chance to draw his breath, and ne
called Colonel Wickersham to the chair.
Now. know Fitzpatrick, and know mat
his heart is chock full of good impulses,
and that at least every other beat is one
of love for his fellow man; but II was
real mean in him to infiict on Coionei
WIckersham the task of trying to rule
that mob. The colonel is an easy-go1ng,
mild-mannered, good-hearted man, ana
at a well-behaved and orderly gathering
he would make model, dignifed pre-
siding officer; but in convention wnere
often as many as a dozen delegates wouid
be on the floor at once clamorlng Tor rec
appeal after appeal to them to be In Or
der. He pleaded often to them for the
honor of the party to be orderly and con
duct the business in a manner which
would reflect credit upon the party; but
for the greater part his appeals were In
vain. +r
''Shortly after Fitzpatrick dumped the
chair upon Colonel Wickersham, ana
while names were being presented Tor
election as delegates to st. Louis, Young
blood rose to a question Of privilege ana
stated that a committee was In the hall
from the populist convention asking
conference on the question Of fusiop or
cooperation. He suggsstsf that y con-
mittee be appointed to Confer with the
Cd BY a storm Of 'noss,' comlpE from
pretty hearty every portion Of the hall
Youngb1ood persisted in his appeal, and
told the convention that it would be rank
disc0urtesy to q dignified body to refuse
suoh a reouestj but the convention would
Of noes came, accompanied by cries for
the regular order Let them wait until
We get through with the regular order
Colonel Wickhfsham, who was in the
chair, Joined In Younghlood's appeal, but
the convention refused to suspend the
rules and allow the appointment Of con-
ference COMMITTEES Dean and Bowman