Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1896-06-04
THE STATE CONVENTION.

A dispatch from Staunton, dated last
night, says: Nearly all of the members
of the democratic State committee,
which meets here on Thursday, are
here. The silver men, who number
about 1900 of the 1,6OO, held a confer
ence tonight. Senator Daniel, Con-
gressmen Swanson and Peter ]. Otey
were present. Senator Daniel was
given great ovation.
The conference, which was probably
attended by 400 silver delegates, adopt
ed resolution authorizing each con-
gressional district to appoint three
members of q silver steering commit
tee. The object of this committee is to
recommend what steps shall be taken
on the question of adopting the unit
rule and other measures to promote
the success of the dominant wings Of
the party. Congressman Swanson Sec
onded this suggestion, which Major
Otey had already made.
At the meeting last night of the State
committee John Bell Bigger, of Rich.
mond, was chosen as temporary chair
man of the convention, and Joe Button,
of Appomatox, for secretary. Micajah
Woods, of Albemarle, will be perma-
nent chairman. There were six or
seven hundred people present. Con-
gresham Otey called the gathering to
order and made a short speech, in
which, he said the object of the
meeting was not to divide the party,
but to confer as to the best means
of saving it. He introduced
Col. VIM. B. Petit, of Fluvanna, for
chairman. The colonel made rousing
free silver speech, in which he censured
the papers advocating the gold stand
ard for their course in the campaign.
He closed by reading resolutions he
said he would offer in the convention
endorsing Senator Daniel for President
or Vice President. This aroused much
enthusiasm, and Senator Daniel had to
respond to calls for speech. He stated
that he was not candidate for a place
on the national ticket, and was content
to serve Virginia in the Senate. He
congratulated the silverites upon their
success and urged the importance of
keeping up the work until the fruits of
the victory are reaped. Congressman
Swanson followed in a ringing appeal
for the silver delegates to stand to-
gether and send to Chicago men of
courage and devotion to the cause of
silver. He advocated the unit rule.
The gold standard people also held
caucus. 1t is their purpose to present
a platform of their own in the conven-
ton. Solicitor General Holmes Con-
RID is looked upon as the gold standard
leader: Speeches we're made BY Hon.
B. B. Munford, of Richmond; Solicitor
General Holmes Conrad and others.
The speakers counseled conserv-
alive action and party harmony,
no matter what deliverance the
State convention might make on
the financial question. all agreed,
however, that the sound money men,
although in hopeless minority, should
present to the convention an unequivo-
cal expression of their views. The gold
people are claiming the Second district.
The silver steering committee met
and refused to recommend the sdop-
ton of the unite rule. a substitute in.
structing the delegates was, however,
adopted. This allows the convention
to question the loyalty to free silver of
any delegate who may be suspected.
The larger portion of the delegation
from the Northern Neck of Virginia is
booming Congressman VIM. A. Jones,
of the first district, for the chairman
ship of the democratic State commit
tee. Mr.. Jones is q recognized candi-
date for the gubernatorial nomination
next year, and the idea is that the
craftsmanship would throw him in close
contact with the leaders in all sections
of the State.
Health and happiness are relative condi.
-. l.. 1.4.I. Iaz