The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-07-08
THE LARGEST CIRCULATION OF AMY NORTH CAROLINA DAILY

gayel they called loudly for the de-
feated leader, but the experienced
general who has tasted the bitterness
OF defeat before as we'll as the sweet
ness of victory, only smiled grimly.
This was the first result of this re-
markable convention which is ready
to sacrifice all else that the white ban
ner Of silver may float about the party
as its ensign and rallying cry,
AN INSPIRING SIGHT.
The convention itself was a most in
spring sight. Never before since the
present system of National conyen-
tions was inaugurated, by the old
National Republican" party in Balti-
more in 1881, has a convention met in
such capacious and admirably a.
dapted structure. On the North side
where the platform and the press
benches are situated, the galleries rise
one above the other sheer from the
floor, while in front from all sides of
the rallied enclosure, where the dele
gates sit, each State marked by the
neatest of stats, slope away the wilder
ness of seats in gentle terraces to the
most remote limits of the Coliseum,
which are almost four hundred feet
in direct line from the chairman's ta-
BILE The hands of the big clock oppo-
site the platform cannot be discerned,
vet the acoustic properties of the
building are so perfect that every
word could be distinctly heard.
The decorations are simple but eff
fective. From the lofty girders which
hold up the arched roof flutter gay
trappings. The galleries in front are
entwined with National colors. A
large portrait of Mr.. Cleveland was off
to one side, the only one displayed of
a living Democrat.
The invocation of the boyish chap
lain, DIR. Stires, an Episcopal divine,
with it's appeal for peace, had hardly
ascended to the throne of grace before
the contending hosts met in the shock
of battle. The gold men carried out
| their programme of presenting Sena-
| tor Hill for temporary chairman, but
| the silver leaders also held to their res
olution and immediately antagonized
| him with Senator Daniel. For two
| hours the oratorical gladiators of the
| opposing forces fought it out upon the
| nlatform. The result of the roll-call
| showed $50 votes for Daniels and $40
votes for Hill, practically the strength
| of the two sides.
THE NECESSARY TWO-THIRDS.
Although this did not show two,
thirds majority, the silver leaders dis
| play no anxiety on this score, as the
| Nebraska gold delegation of 20 will be
| unseated and the representation from
| The Territories VIII be increased from
| two to six each.
| Senator Daniel, who assumed the
duties of presiding officer, is an inn
| pressiye figure, and most eloquent
| orator of the old school. He sounded
| the key-note for silver in a ringing
| speech. but the fact that he spoke from
| notes was rather disappointing TO his
| friends.
The silver leaders in control carried
| through The remainder of she pro-
gramme to-day, and tonight the com
/ mittees are in session with silver
| everywhere in control
There is little change in The situation
| tonight as to candidates. Bland still
| has a strong lead, but the possibility
of all sorts of complications which
may blockade his way to the coveted
| prize have made .his followers anxious
| and the talk of abrogating the two
| thirds rule in his interest has been re-
| vived. There is, of course, the national
| disposition to crowd onto the band
wagon, but the calmest observers can
| not yet figure out how he can win.
| They still look for Boies or a dark
horse. The use which the gold contin-
| gent will make of their votes compli-
Gates the situation, and many believe
in the present disorganized condition
| of the silver men as to a candidate,
| they can force compromise.
| Stevenson is most prominently spo-
| ken of in this connection. To forestall
| the gold men,concerning whose plans
| in this regard there is much mystery,
| the silver men intend TO mold a caucus
as soon as dead lock develops.