Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1896-06-18


portant, Except That 1t Showed
McKinley's Strength and That of
the Combine-Loud Cheers for
Tom Platt When His Name Was
First Mentioned-Quay Gets the
Glad Hand and Smiles Thanks.
Convention Hall, st. Louis, Mo-, June
17.-Long before the hour for the con-
vention to convene for the afternoon
session the galleries began to fill up,
but the delegates and alternates were
slow in arriving. There was a general
anticipation that at this session the
most serious work of the convention
would be done. The air was full of ru-
monS that the silver men had thrown
off the mask in the committee on reso-
lutions and had formally announced
their intention Of boiling. The little
cloud that has hung over the horizon Of
the convention, no larger than mans
hand, is growing hourly more ominous
and there was a general appreciation
of the fact that when it broke, the ora
torical lightning would flash and the
thunderS of eloquence would roll, unless
the previous question was ordered. The
bolt. however, had been somewhat dis
counted and the spectators looked for
ward with interest to the spectacular
display. Tt would, many declared, be
a fierce thunder storm which would
clear the atmosphere and leave the is
sues upon which the campaign is TO be
fought later the more clearly defined
AN the work of the convention except
the nominations, it was believed, would
be cleared up at this session.
BY o'clock the galleries were solid
walls of people and the delegates were
again crowding their way to the floor.
The sergeant-at-arms, and assistants,
like bees went in all directions looking
after the comfort Of the vast audience
The heat was somewhat oppressive
this afternoon and all the delegates had
provided themselves
WITH BROAD PALM LEAF FANS.
The spectators were also similarly pro-
vided. and the convention hall with the
waving fans resembled nothing so much
as a vast field of waving grain, dotted
everywhere with light and color.
Through the hall rolled dull hoarse
roar that hangs over great conyen-
ton of people as it does over q great
bustling city.
Conspichously seated in the pit this
afternoon were Col. and Mrs. Fred
Grant and Senator Carey. of Wyoming.
Several members of the national COM
mittee this afternoon wore the tri-col-
ored plumes which so long distinguish
ed the followers of the "Plumed
Knight"
A great floral shield made OF bril-
liant beauty roses and rich immorrelles
graced the platform. The band during
the assembly discoursed lively and pa
triOdc airs.
Marching Through Georgia" brought
a response from the galleries that fair
ly made the rafters ring.
At 2:30 p. m. there were not 100 Tin
occupied seats in the galleries and the
people still swarmed through the en-
frances. Fully 10000 people were in
the galleries.
The calling to order Of the convention
was Intentionally delayed III momen-
tary anticipation Of the appearance Of
the committee on resolutions. Some
of the spectators manifested their i'm
patience by shrill shous and ca calls,
while the unknown vita the strange
voice occasionally interrupted with his
howl which never JAILED to excite a
laugh.
Governor Bushnell. Mark Hanna ani
Gen. Grosvenor, Of tn, Ohi0 big four,
held an animated consultation with Mr..
De Younge. of California. and. others.
Just before Chairman Thurston dropped
the gavel.
IT WAS EXACTLY 2:40 p. NJ.
when Mr.. Thurston again called the
convention to order. Quiet came with
the first crack OF the gavel. ChairmaN
Thurston called upon Bishop Arnett,
the President of Wilberforce College,
Ohio. to come to the platform. The
name of this eminent colored divine
evoked round Of applause. He was
escored to the platform by Delegate
HILL Ccolored), of Mississippi.
AS he took his place the audience
arose 10 it's feet. He is a fine figure,
and a magnificent specimen of the race.
The Bishop gave thanks for the blessing
Of liberty which have been gained by
our fathers in the days gone by; for
blessings OF liberty given TO every race
under American institutions; spoke for
Abraham Lincoln, who had broken the
fetters of the slave and for the organ-i
ization which had opened the avenue
OF advancement 10 a race long oppress-
ed. He asked that religious and civil
liberty be given to every man.
At the conclusion of the prayer there
were several gavel calls.
Mr.. Thurston recognized Delegate
Madden. Of Illinois, for one minute
speech presenting the chairman with
a gavel made OF wood taken from
house once owned by Abraham Lincoln.
The gayel. he said, should be presented
to the nominee OF the convention.
Chairman Thurston accepted the gayol
with a graceful little speech, expressing
a hope that the Inspiration of the i'm
mortal Lincoln may inspire our work
here and hereafter" and promised 10
deliver It after the convention 10 the
man who was to he the President OF
the United States"
Before the cheering ceased, Mr.. Denny