Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1896-05-27
DOWN TO- BUSINESS
The National Prohibition Con
vention Called to Order in
Pittsburg to-day.
TALK or THE PLATFORM
Family Troubles Result in a
Most Bloody Tragedy at
Campbell, Cal.
WOMENS CLUBS CONVENE

PITTsBURG, Pa, May 27.-The open
ing session of the national prohibition
convention to day was an experience
meeting. The convention shows {
dispa sition to do its work we'll and L
deal carefully and deliberately witt
The matters to be disposed OF, though
the proceedings were not so colorless
that 4 political expert could fail to dis.
cern here and there an indication oI
the struggles to come. Ii for nothing
else the convention will be the most
important ever held by the cold water
people, for it will decide whether the
party in future confine its attention ex-
clusiVely to the dominant idea OF the
liquor traffic prohibition, or shall deal
with other practical issues also.
The convention was called to order
at IL O'Clock, but long before that
hour the big hall began to fill up with
The delegates while in the gallery
were seated hosts of valiant adherents
of the Temperance cause, both men
and women. There was room for
everybody Tho decorations of the
convention hall were tasteful and appro-
pirate The delegates had been well
attended to, so nobody had cause for
getting out Of temper. Among the
first to enter the hall was the Maryland
delegation, prepared to do or die for
Leyering. their choice for the presi-
dency. Then came the Indiana dele
gates, fifty strong, and each wearing
the silver colors. To the right of the
speakers platform was seated the
Ohio delegation, and others occupying
places near the platform were the rep
resentatives OF West Virginia. Penn
sylvania, Illinois, Michigan, Georgia,
Colorado and Missouri. Eleven hun
dred delegates, and almost as many
alternates occupied the floor.
Chairman Dickie's bearing was con-
ciliatory as he called the convention to
order and disposed OF the preliminares
necessary to every national gathering.
The delegates were cordially welcomed
by H. l.. Castle, of Pittsburg, to whose
address response was made by Chair
man Dickie. Next came the opening
address of the temporary chairman,
which was several times interrupted by
the applause which greeted the arrival
of some well known delegate. In the
groupings of the states all the old-time
leaders were to be found who have
been prominent in prohibition conven-
itons for years past, but there we're
also noticeable large number OF new
facts, showing that the much needed
new blood is being infused into the
ranks. The chairman's speech was a
felicitous one. His manner waa pleas
ant, and he succeeded in making the
entire gathering hear all he had to say.
Though factionaL leader, the chair
man said nothing to which the parti-
sans Of either wing could take excep-
tion. TIE speech was clear cut
analysis OF prohibition doctrine. The
spirit Of party loyalty breathed through
II, And this IS met with a responsive
echo Among the delegates.
During the several hours the conven-
tion was devoting to the transaction OF
routine matters, little significance
could be attached to any of the Incl
dents, yet the enthusiastic applause that
erected Joshua Leyering, of Maryland;
C. E. Renslfy, of Nebraska; George w.
Balm. of Kentucky; w. II. Thompson,
of Ohio, ard TX Lieut. Gov. Metcalf,
of Rhode Island, made il plain that all
these gentlemen ara considered in the
light Il presidential quantities. The
that greeted John G.
Wooley, of Illinois, and Ex Governor
ST. John, of Kansas, showed easily
these two enjoyed immense popularity |
among cold water advocates, though |
the welcome Of the last named seemed |
70 be more in the galleries than in the
ranks of the delegates. After the roll
call, the usual committees on creden-
Gials, rules and platform we're appoint
ed. a motion to adjourn until to-mor
row morning was made and carried
without dissent.
fITTsBURG, Pa, May 27.-The work
of constructing the platform of the ma.
aional prohibition convention has been
turned over to half-dozen sub-com-
mlitees, which are 10 meet and begin
fheig labors, late this afternoon. II
rnay he predicted that il currency
plank Is Inserted in the platform o bit
ter struggle will ensue. for one half The
delegates are opposed TO taking up the
financial question at all, while the
other half is hopelessly split between
geld and silver. The western dele
gates, led by ex Governor st. John, de.
clare that If plank that can be con-
s.rued in favor Of the gold standard, be
adopted, they will no longer remain in
she party. On the other hand, the oppos-
ing forces, under the leadership Of Ma
tional Chairman Diciie. Isaac E Funk, |
of Bpooklyn. and William G.. Wardwell,
treasurer of tho Standard oil company,
viii. bolt 10 case the convention de-
clares for free silver. The sub conn.,
mityee on tariff will probably recon-
mend for adoption the same tariff
plabk embodied in the platform Of the
national convention of 1892.
F,TTsBrRG, Pa May 27 --Thcu2h
che last lweniy-four hours has seen
spirited eany ass on the part OF half
dc zen or more candidates. and rumors
of deals hsve been floating in abnn-
dance, all predictions a. 10 the pies'-
1ea,isl nomination are still pFo5lemst-
1eal. The Mnrylanders are claiming
fer lowering the votes OF nine-tenths |
of the eastern delegates. but this Is at |