The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-09-04
THE sILvER-ToNGUED ORATOR.

Col. Brecl<inridge Catches the Crowd
with His strong Sarcasm.
The delegates assembled slowly, but de-
spite the disagreeable driZzle outside the
ticket holders we're eager to secure entrance.
A larger proportion of the occupants of the
galleries were ladies than on Wednesday.
Between the intervals of music the hall
huzzed with the hum Of conversation. The
topic upper7noSt in the minds of visitors
and delegates was the nominee. 1t was con-
ceded that Buckner's nomination for Vice
President was a certainty and the specula-
tion concerned the selection of the first can
didate The news of President Clevelands $
telegram to the chairman of the New York
delegation declining to permit the use of
his name was accepted by the convention
final. The fact that Senator Palmer
had declined for personal reasons, to al
low the use of his name, was not gener-
ally known when he 2neared on the stage
and he was given rousing ovation. Soon
after he took his seat Mr.. Curtis, of New
Jersey, talked with him and when he left
the platform he said: Il still believe SEN
ator Palmer will be the nominee. He de-
ciines to permit the use of his name, but
qualities the statement by saying that if
nominated against his wish his declinaton
will not be irrevocable.'
IneTe was also considerable talk OF Law
Ter and Black. but there was a general dis
position of the Bragg opposition to con
centrate al a moments notice on whomever
the leaders should finally determine upon.
Permanent Chairman Caffery appeared on
the stage at exactly IL O'Clock. the hour
to which the convention adjourned and
was given round of applause. When Gen
Buckner, of Kentucky, entered the con-
vention rose to its feet and gave him three
cheers. The enthusiasm created by his en-
trance had not subsided before the crowd
caught sight of the striking head and
shoulders of Colonel Breckinridge as he ell
delegation. Immediately cries of ''Breckin-
ridge. Breckinridge'' came from all parts
of the hall. The galleries rose en- nasse
and craned their necks to catch a glimpse
of the silver-tongued orator from the Blue
Grass State But amid the applause sharp
sibilant misses could be heard. Col Breck-
inridge bowed profoundly in acknowledge
ment of the compliment paid him. Several
times the cries and cheers for the Ken
tuckian were renewed. Each time the
misses grew louder and more ominous By
this time every seat in the hail was occu-
There was no prayer. Senator Caffery
informed the convention that the commit
lee on resolutions was not ready to report
and begged it's patient indulgence for few
moments. He had hardly finished the SEN
tence before a thousand voice shouted for
breckenridge The galleries and delegates
joined in the call. Many of the latter
Jumped on their chairs and yelled. For
Iully q minute this roar for Kentuckys
famous orator came from all quarters of
the hall. 1t was noticeable however that
man many remained silent while the demonstra-
ton was going on and here and there we at
up hiss. With two exceptions, New York
sat silent
Mr.. Breckenridge, in the front row of the
delegates, did not move No sign came
from the stage. Chairman Caffery spoke
no word as he stood with his gavel But
nYl1
Breck1nrldGe arose. He seemed to hesitate
but was pushed along toward the stage He
the stage on which the press benches are
located. The cheers and cries were redoub-
led Then ne moved forward to the stage.
every eye upon him. three thousand voices
cheering. Senator Palmer sitting to the
LETT OF the stage. moved to the rear of
Chairman Caffery and across to the
hand at the top of the steps leading to the
stage. "
COLONEL BRECKENRIDGE BEGINS
Colonel Breckenridge placed his thumbs
IN the pockets of his trousers, swept a
glance about the circumference of the hall
and tossed his white hair with a gesture
of the head familiar to those who have
heard him speak. A quick hush of ex-
pectancy awaited his first words. INV
countrymen,' he began and paused for a
glance a the delegates to the right and
left, from every section of the imperial
Republic" He declared that the speeches
of the night before marked a crucial period
of the Republics history and was first
cheered when he paid compliment to
Charlton T. Lewis, the eloquent man from
New Jersey. Thereafter his well-worded
periods evoked a spattering volley of hand
claps as they rallied in strong mellow tones
from his broad chest. After the first
demonstration which had fallen upon him
the faction of opposition disappeared and
the hearing given him was respectful and
enthusiastic.
Demonstration followed demonstration as
the rounded periods of his charming ora
tory flowed out over the convention When
he said that it was charged that the con-
vention was here to elect Mckinley and
added that the free-silver Democrats had
taken that job out of their hands. the dele
gates and galleries went wild. He pointed
out the effect in Maryland West Virginia
Ohio, Missouri Kentucky and other States
of the attempt of the silver Democrats 20
supplant the teachings of true Democracy
Those States had already passed out of
Democratic control. The silver Democrats
had already given over the country to Re-
publican rule. The platform adopted at
Chicago is not our platform" said he the
nominees are not Ours" He referred to
Mr.. Bryan as "the young man who was
Continued OH Second PaSe)