The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1896-07-08
BEFORE THE CONVENTION.


the Lake Front.
CHICAGO, July S.-All roads lead to
the Coliseum, where at IL o'clock Chair
man Harrity called to order the Demo.
cratic national convention. The vast
structure is appropriately named after
the one where Roman gladiators con-
tended, for this is a battle royal which
promises to add memorable chapter to
American political history. The day
opened clear and cool The wind had
freshness which covered the lake with
whitecaps and sent the spray dashing
over the breakwater 1t is day when
small craft hug the shore. and this
means comfort for the thousands who
are turned toward the Coliseum.
The Scene of Action Shifts.
The scene of action took sudden
shift during the morning Early in the
day, the down town centers had rep.
etition of the excitement and confusion
marking the last few days. The march.
ing clubs, with their bands and shout.
demonstration before attention was di.
rected to the serious work within the
convention hall.
BY 8 o'clock the crowds were begin.
ming to converge at the depots, and by
10 they were in full motion. taking the
suburban trains of the Illinois Central
railroad. the L cars and the electric
lines. The ride by rail is but 10 min.
utes from the heart of the city. along
the stretch of lake front and the other
means Of conveyance take but little
longer. It is the same complete system
that accomplished the feat Of carrying
750, 900 people to the worlds fair on
Chicago day, SO that it was not over
taxed in handling the 900 that were
in the hall and the overflow thousand:
outside.
Sergeant.at Arms Martin was on hand
at an early hour with his staff of 6O(
assistant sergeants at arms, doorkeeper.
and pages who were admitted TO thu
building while the crowd clamored out
side. At 10 o'clock the doors were
opened and the wild rush for admission
began. Within the main hall the deco
rations were artistic and effective.
Developments Were Anticipated.
1t was the general feeling that tn,
day might bring interesting develop
ments, although the opening convention
day is usually one of formalities. Th'
outlook, however, was for a struggle
from the start, an early test Of strength
and possibly the execution of the vague
threats that have been made to leav'
the hall under certain circumstances
The sentiment that participation in
convention bound those present, led Il
the belief that If there were any with
drawals they would come early.
The clash between Senator Hill an,
Senator Daniel, over the temporar,
craftsmanship, was awaited with cage
interest. 1t was q strange coincidenc
showing the shifts Of politics, that fou
years ago. when the Democratic con
vention met here, Senator Daniel wa
the one to place Senator Hill in nomi
nation for the presidency.
, Among the presidential candidates
the most that could be said was tina
: Bland maintained the lead, but it wa
not one commanding certain majority
much less q two.thirds vote. and tn
; delegates looked for deadlocks and dar
horses
, 1t was III 80 when the doors Of tn
: convention hall proper were opened fo
the admission of delegates and ticket
q holders
; Senator Jones Came Early.
3 One of the first leaders to enter wa
I Senator Jones of Arkansas He stoo
at the staff Of his state greeting all VIII
g approached him, cordially and goo
naturedly. seemingly cool and unruffiet
, as he surveyed the field and confronte
the first clash of the battle which wa
: 90 soon to begin.
G Governor Altgeld came over and hel
an earnest consultation with the leade
: Of the silver forces. Senator Cockre