Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-08-27
VIRGINIA GOLD DEMOCRATS,
RepresentatfvesF From All Parts of the
state Present.


state Present.
Special Dispatch to The Evening Star.
RICHMOND. Va, August 27-Amid
martial music. a profusion of national flags
and banners and any amount of enthusi-
asm for the cause of sound money the
state convention Of the national demo-
cratic party was called to order at II 30
o'clock by Mr.. Joseph Bryan, who repre-
scented Virginia at the national democratic
conference in Indianapolis When the gath
| ering was raped to order there were about
$50 delegates present. These were repre-
senfatives OF all parts Of the state; and
many OF the most prominent and influen-
tlal citizens in Virginia were present Be
sides the delegates a large crowd of Wis
itors occupied seats in the gallery of the
Academy of Music where the convention
is being held.
No more representative audience has
gathered in this city for some time. Bank
| ers real estate men. capitalists. railroad
men, merchants, lawyers, doctors laboring
rnen, ard, in fact, men from all lines Of
business and professions were present, ard
showed any amount of enthusiasm for the
sound money movement. A Well-known
politician present remarked that when it
was taken into consideration that the en-
tire gathering was worked up in 4 little
more than ten days. no one could say that
| the sound money cause in Virginia was not
moving steadily ahead.
Mr.. Joseph Bryan called the convention
! to order. and Rev. DR.. James P. Smith of
the Central Presbyterian Church offered
prayer. Mr.. Alexander Hamilton of Peters
| burg was made temporary chairman, and
H. w. Anderson of Richmond temporary
secretary.
Chairman HamiItOn's Remarks.
In accepting the chair Mr.. Hamilton made
an able and earnest speech in which he
declared that the Chicago platform was
nothing more nor less than a bold step into
communism and anarchy, and that the free
silver plank was only one of many dis
astrous and communistic measures in the
platform. He had nothing against Bryan,
but he could not accept the wild and COM
mGnistic doctrines set forth in the plat
form.
Free silver, said he, would help the silver
| miner. but would do nothing to help the
mine worker. 1t was bold stroke which
If ever adopted would strike ruin to the
working man and would put the financial
condition of the country in a much more
disastrous situation than at present
The speakers reference to Grover CIeye-
land was greeted with rounds of applause
and his plea for an honest currency and
| the national credit brought cheers from all
parts Of the house.
The committees en- permanent organiza-
ten and credentials were then made up OF
| trict for each committee.
MIR. southnlPs Speech.
.. v.
| lottesville was forced to make a speech in
| reply to cries for .'Southall' from all parts
of the house. He denounced the Chicago
platform in bitter terms, and declared that
he could not see a redeeming feature in If
He said he much preferred the renub,ican
platform, In which there were some things
| to admire, though he never had and never
would vote the republican ticket. The Chi
cago convention, he declared had pona
over totally to the populists. and was poth-
ing more than anarchy. Grover cleveland
said he. was the grand and noble leader of
the real al d .anos,n Pf this country.
a.. me mention oi CleVelands name the
and vigorous applause. e
Mr.. Soathall reviewed the history of tho
national at.o, currency land argued strongly
| platform He could not agree with The
| views of John Daniel and his silver friends
The Senator from Virginia, said he. had
s cavity in his h .s4 where the bump of
pleaded for an Honest currency and a law
abiding orderly citizenship. He lived at
the foot of Monticello said he. and he
clam IL TO TO- Knew now something about the
The democratY were a FUNNY neon,a bo
| said; they would abolish national banks
| and yet they nominated for Vice President
the president Of National Bank They
| had made great mistake In not adopting
state bank system. These people were
condemning Mr. Cleveland for the lack Of
prosperity and yet they would not ..ccept
his views and his recommendations IF
there was not enough money in this coun
try at this time the blame lay at the door
Of the silver party. In conclusion he plead
ed for the credit of the government and
| the honor of the nation. He closed amid
deafening applause.
Capt. Bumgardener Chosen Chairman,
Capt. James Bumgardener of Staunton
| was chosen permanent chairman and H.
w. Anderson of Richmond made permanent
secretary. Capt. Bumgardener was cheered
/ to the echo when he appeared on the stage
He made an eloquent address, in which he
denounced the Chicago platform. He plead
| ed for an honest currency, and concluded
| with prediction that the sound money
party would win In the long run and be-
come the leading political party in the
United State0,