The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-09-02

Some Delegates Think 1t Would Wild
en- the Present Large Split.

With the acknowledged assumption that
the work of the convention to assemble
will be in the main discounted by the fact
that the election of the candidates is prac-
tically impossible, great interest centered
last night in the now extremely important
question of whether the organization per-
fected to-day shall be made permanent or
not. TIL. discussion last night among the
delegations upon this question has as
sumed the nature OF a contest in which,
unlike other contests, the Eastern and
Western division line is not drawn, and
delegations from both sections are IN favor
of a permanent organization, while others
are against it.
Those whe are opposed to the rise OF a
new party argue that a division of the
Democratic party at this time means the
loss of such Western and Southern States
as are now partially in control of the Pop
ulist or Silver party. They believe that an
affirmation of old Democratic principles
made at this time will draw back to the
party those who have followed the Chicago
candidates. They point to the fact that in
New York and several other large States
recognized leaders of the party who are
opposed to the Chicago platform have prac-
ticaily Endorsed the ticket, hoping to over
turn the platform later on. In fact, they
rgue that it would be well to delay at
least for a year the question of perma-
IltiiCy. peIlGElIIS tl1dl there Is plenty OIL
time after the election to attend to such a
matter. 1t is q significant fact, however,
that the opposition to the movement re-
Sarding p~ermanency comes from the same
source as the opposition to a third ticket,
is very small and is scattered through sew
eral States, no solid delegation being in
favor of postponement of the o1estion
On the other hand, favorable action upon
the question has been very much crystal
al of New York, Pennsylvania. Oregon and
New Jersey delegations, the majority of the
members of which are in favor of such q
scheme. The arguments used in favor of it
are to the effect that a platform of denun-
citation of the Chicago convention cannot
well be adopted without carrying with it
ell the outward signs of division. The dec
laration which is sure to be put in the plat
form, to the effect that the convention was
not a Democratic aSSemblage, leads up to
what must be a declaration that this con-
vention is the true Democratic convention,
and must therefore have a continuation.
Hon. John r. Fellows, of New York, was
cautious. He said: We must not be too
hasty in reading those Democrats, they
may be mistaken and honorabiy mistaken.
We are here in the capacity of saviors
of our country, to provide a method OF re-
lieving the Democrat who does not wish
to vote for Bryan and a debased currency,
nor for Mckinley. When that duty
IS performed then | think we may safely
wait before taking further action"
Perry Belmont. OF New York, said: The
matter of declaring a permanent organiza-
ton should be left to the national commit
tee. Very many large organizations, like
Tammany, with an eye towards party reg
%ularity, have made a mistake. 1t may be
rectifled and it would perhaps be well not
TO say that they had deserted the party"
Notwithstanding these arguments it is
reasonably certain that a resolution de-
claring the organization the true Demo-
cratic party will be passed.
At a caucus of the Oregon delegation
last night the following resolution was pre-
pared for presentation to the conventions:
Resolved. That it is the sense of this
convention that permanent organization of
the party in convention now ssembled is
advisable and necessary; that a national
amt be selected agreeable for the
usages Of the Democratic party. whose
duty shall be TO call future conventions of
the party. apporticn delegates thereto. pro-
vide for the time and place of the holding
thereof and generally TO perform such du-
Ties as devolve upon the committee of a
political party. Complete organization
throughout the State is earnestly recon-
mended.'