The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-07-23

ST. LOUIS, July 23.-The middle Of
the road Populists, AT least the leaders,
appeared to realize this morning for the
first time that they could not control the
situation and, although the rank and
file still cried for absolutely independent
action, most of the laders were talking
compromise on the basis of Popuiist
vice presidential nomination and
division of electors. They have made many
mistakes, emo perhaps none VIII prove
more costly than the ignominous dump
ing of Ianatius Donnelly. lhe steering
committee last night first offered their
support to Ignatius Donnelly OF Mime
sofa for permanent chairman. and then
selected J. l.. Campion Of Maine, and
there is much trouble in consequence.
Quite q large number of delegates have
assured Mr.. Donnelly that they intend to
support him, but the steering com
mittee remains firm in its intention 10
stand by hampton. This will cause
further division in the already nnorga-
nized ranks of the middle OF the road
men, and the Bryan adherents vii!
doub btless be able easily to select their
man for permanent chairman. The
middle of the road contingents are also
talking about other candidates In hope
of compromise OF some kind The
Bryan men seem very much inclined 10
support senator Allen OF Nebraska Tor
chairman.
The convention was called TO order Mt
10:30 O'Clock by Chairman st. John, but
no prayer was offered rs Rev. MIR.
Nichols, the chaplain, had been called
out OF town and no substitute had been
provided.
Charles A Towne, vice-chairman fthe
convention, was then introduced and
made long speech, which was irequent-
ly interrupted by applause.
He said that the press OF the country
had apparentiy forgotten lis duty aud
had become the plant tool OF monopoly.
Money was the god IL worshipped. But
the day OF regeneration was at hand.
History was being made today. The pco-
pie had been lax, but had determine to
manage their own affairs. They bad suff-
cred previously from monopones and
trusts, but. thereafter they would look after
their own affairs. lie denouced tho per
niciousness OF the present money sys.
tem.' The delegates cheered long and
loud. The single gold standard, he said,
would ruin the masses OF toe people. In
November they would relegate the parties
OF the monopolies TO oblivion and put
in power men who had tho interests OF
the PEOPLE at heart.
The speaker referred TO the holt OF SEN
ator Teller from the Republican conveu-
tion ana spoke OF the heroism ana
patriotism OF the Colorado Senator, To the
delight OF the delegates. Next he re-
ferred TO the nomination OF Mr.. Bryan,
who. he said, was born the year of the
election OF Mr.. Lincoln. He then
eulogized the Democratic candidate in
SOWING terms. This evoked the biggest
demonstration which has thus far cbarac-
terized the convention.
The Populists began Assem- bling In con-
vention shortly after o'clock. The air
IN the hall was extremely oppressive.
The delegates had their coats slung over
their arms ana stood about in the sultry
atmosphere discussing the situation. The
middle OF the roed fellows could be hcsrd
vociferating everywhere. The noise they
made could be heaxt above the muse
that hoated out from the galleries. j. j..