The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1896-07-29
HOW IT HAPPENED,
MINNESOTA AT THE NATIONAL CON-
VENTION.

MINNESOTA AT THE NATIONAL CON-
vENT1oN.
Our readers are aware that five out
of the seven Congressional district
conventions of the Populists of Min
nesota, by unanimous vote. resolved
in favor of presenting our name to
the national convention for the office
Of president. This action was entire
ly spontaneous on the part Of the peo-
pie. We did not ask it or expect it.
There was no time when we believed
it possible for us to be the nominee.
We were in favor of the Peoples Party
making its own nominations, for the
reasons given in another column; and
not because of any aspirations of our
own. But when Minnesota saw fit, by
a large maj GRITTY to put us forth to the
world as its candidate, 1t should not
have insulted and disgraced us.
We quote the following faithful re-
port OF what transpired in St. Louis
from the Minneapolis Journal, of July
22nd:
Donnelly's most humiliating reputation
came few minutes before the Minnesota
delegation adjourned. Last night after
midnight, as the result of conference of
northern middle-of-the-road men at the
Linden, it was decided that Donnelly should
be made the middie-o -the-road candidate
for president. Badges were got out, late
as the hour was, and the Indiana delegation
was asked to see to the work of getting the
matter before the delegation from other
states. This morning an Indiana delegate
walked into the Minnesota headquarters
while the delegation was in session and in
a few moments caught the eye of Donnelly,
who was presiding as chairman of the dele
cation.
Gentlemen" said Donnelly, II notice
that delegate from Indiana IS present and
/ suggest that we listen to what he may
have to say"
There being no objection, the Indiana
man was requested to state his mission.
Walking to place near Donnelly he un-
folded bundle which he had carried un-
der his arm and showed about a hundred
Donnelly badges of white ribbon. At the
top were the words Middle of the Road"
and below the words, "Donnelly for Presi-
dent"
Gentlemen" said the delegate from In
diana, 1--WE of Indiana do not propose that
Minnesota shall. Guido lis in admiration for
Mr.. Donnelly. We Ike him, and think he
is the proper person to be named by our
convention for president" There was not
a word Of response on the part of any of
those present. After a painful silence last
ing for minute, the Indiana man contin-
ued: 1--WE have got out a lot of Donnelly
badges and shall be glad to see every dele
gate of Minnesota wearing one with us.
Walk forward and help yourselves"
Again there was silence, deep and omi
nous. Finally some three or four men who
stood near by reached out their hands and
helped themselves to badge each. DON
nelly arose, and said at this juncture
81 want to say to the delegates from
Minnesota that this action on the part of the
Indiana man Is entirely spontaneous and
not the result Of any plan or scheme of any
sort. I have said that was not cand:-
date and still say It, Still, il the delegates
from my own state see fit to give me their
votes, ] shall esteem it matter to be very
proud off,
Still there was no response and the man
from Indiana folded up his bundle of badges
and silently stole away and the delegation
proceeded with the business before it.
Three or four men who had taken badges
did not place them on their coats At the
middle of the road headquarters the Min
nesota the claim was made that IL Of the
So delegates from the North Star state
would support Donnelly. This, however, is
regarded as an extravagant claim
Jerry J.
And this was our reward for twenty
five years of labor on behalf of re-
! form. for thousands OF dollars spent
for the cause, for our very vitality.
and life blood given in gigantic sef-
forts to build up a party in Mime
sofa; for foregoing literary work that.
might have added honors to our name
and thousands Of dollars to our for
tune!
Set up by the Populists OF Mime
sofa to be Inundated and Knocked
down, by the representative Of the
state, in the presence Of the whole
world!
1t was proposed, again, by our
friends in other states. that We should