The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-28
PROHIBITIONISTS
In CONVENTION
Eight Hundred Delegates Attend the
Seventh National Gathering.
MANY INTERESTED SPECTATORS
Platform Committee Report ResClu.
tiOns Which Declare That No Citi.
zen Shall BE Denied the Right to
Vote ON Account Of Sex.

Pittsburg, May 27.-Today witnessed
the opening of the seventh national
Prohibition convention at the new ex-
position Music hall, with slightly over
500 delegates and several thousand in
terested spectators and sympathizers
in attendance. From the start the
convention was of an exceedingly live
ly nature; several times during the
days proceedings the tumult on the
floor caused an entire stoppage OF
business.
Affairs at the close of the session to-
day were about at a stand-off, the mar
rows having secured the temporary or
ganization and large majorities on the
two most important committees-plat-
form and natiOnal-while the broads
secured the permanent chairmanship.
and so manipulated that tomorrow
both platforms will be presented to the
convention for decision after extend.
ed debate on the floor.
The fight on the platform will be q
hot one. Everything indicates that the
narrows will win with O comfortable
majority. 1t Is practically conceded
by the broads that they will be In the
majority when a vote Is taken, and
hence they cannot put their silver ut.
terances in the platform: nevertheless,
The Prohibition national convention
met In Exposition hall this forenoon,
the attendance being quite large. Chair
man Castle, Of the reception commit
tee, welcomed the delegates a. the rep
resentatives Of 100000 loyal, single
hearted patriots and 100000 devotsd.
consecrated women.
A. A. Stevens, Of Tyrone, was declared
temporary chairman. He sketched the
origin Of the party, which was due to the
declaration Of the national congress In
1867 that 1t would defend its business
at the ballot box.
When the convention reassembled in
the afternoon the committee on creden-
tials reported So1 delegates present.
A resolution pledging the conv ention
not to abate its resembles war on the
licensed rum power, was ordered tele-
graphed to various religious bodies now
in conference, also to congress, and to
Mrs. Frances Willard and Lady Somer-
set In England.
Mrs. Helen Cougar chairman Of the
committee on permanent organization,
reported the name Of Oliver W. Stuart,
of Illinois. one Of the broad gaugers, as
permanent chairman.
Mr. Ferguson, Of New York. presented
a minority report on behalf Of the mar
row gauge men, recommending the con-
| tinuance Of Mr.. A. A. Stevens tn the
chair as the permanent chairman. A
tangle over a point Of order threw the
| convention into scene of confusi0n,
which lasted for more than half an
hour.
Much Ill feeling developed and Chair
man Stevens himself was for O long time,
refused q hearing, but when at last he
gained the attention Of the disturbing
elements he said that though he be-
lieved he had been put forward as q
representative of the element in the
convention which believed in prohibi-
ton and nondivislve issues and though
he believed in a call Of the states, he
would be sustained he desired to with
draw his name. This announcement
was received with cheers and the ma
jority report Of the committee was then
adopted and Mr.. Stewart was escorted
the thanks Of the convention. Mr.
Stewart on taking the gavel said 1t was
not part of his duty to outline the plat
form of he party and he promised fair
treatment to all.
| A motion made made by Mrs. Cougar
to hold a mass meeting tonight, in lieu
Of q business session, was carried, after
considerable opposition and at 6.15 the
convention adjourned until tomorrow
morning at 9 o'clock.
| FEMALE SUFFRAGE PLANK.
The committee on platform tonigh
agreed to report a series Of resolution!
which recites the evil and corrup.
ton of the liquor traffic in the govern
mert and home. and declares that "nt
citizen should be denied the right t
vote on account Of SEX"
A minority report will be submitted
by the broad guage faction Of the com
mittee embodying planks favoring free
silver; the election of United States sen
ators by direct vote of the people
government control Of railroads, tele
graphs, etc, etc.
A majority of the new national com
mittee has determined to continue Hon
Samuel Dickie, Of Michigan, as it!
chairman.
Mr.. Dickie has filled the place sine,
1887 and was voted off the committe,
yesterday by his delegation because o
his refusal to obey the free silver in
structions which the Michigan stat,
convention imposed on its delegates
The proposed action of the majority i
violently opposed by the broad guag
faction of the committee. who will con
test the election. but virtually conced
| el fiaf iS inevitah1a