New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-03-24
"YOUNG BILL" HAD TO WAIT.
THE NOMINATION WAS MEANT FOR SENATOR
Villas. But HIS FATHER TOOK 1T.
From The Washington Post.

Villas. But HIS FATHER TOOK 1T.
From The Washington Post
Senator Villas never da wned q great light
the political horizon until the Wisconsin Democrats
sent him to the Chicago Convention which nomi-
mated Mr.. Cleveland for the Presidency. For many
weary years the man who has since made such
brilliant reputation as Cabinet officer and mem
Der OF the United states Senate was overshadowed
an abiding faith in himself. AMI never quite reached
that degree OF se"-persuasion that the younger
bearer OF his would ever set the world
fire with his wisdom and sagacity. Young Bill"
he was caHsd. was persistently crowded to the
rear make room for his father. The elder Villas
went to " isconsn from Vermont time in the
thIrties. and settled at Madsoa. He was man Of
q good deal ability. and a Democrat. He had
a way of ebowIng his way into power. and Of MI
Ing the most important poli..cal Offices which fell
County Judge to Mayor of Madison Whenever
there was an office which the Democrats stood
be nominated. Young Bi!l'' was often mentioned.
but his sire was ever the first in the race and
there was never any room for the junior
When the broke out young Villas shouldered
a musket and marched out to fight the battles OF
his country. He fought so well that wren he re-
turned home there much talk OF nominating
him for Governor by the Democrats. The wish to
nominate him began TO spread. and In short time
the people were talking everywhere Of William F.
Was pere had the samc name and initials. and
the Idea never possessed him that young Bill
be thought OF for so eminent place, even though
the nomination was bound to be .arge.y gratuitous.
he quietly con TSnclgded that all the agitation was
Villas was there as delegate: Somebody got up
and placed Ia nomination William +. Villas. and
there was great deal OF hurrahing and shouting.
and the band played When Johnny Comes March.
ing Home" But all this never phased the old
Squire in the honest conviction that all this TODD
him. and In the midst OF the enthusiasm
he assembled the platform and so.emn.y assured
the convention of his acceptance 81 the honor which
had been conferred him
There was painful suspense In the hail. and
everybody realized that an embarrassing mlsunder-
standing had been created. For white none OF the
delegates could find explanation adequate to the
distressing situation. But finally one OF the dele
gates timdly rose to his feet and said
Squire. ] reckon there Is misunderstanding
here. This nomination intended for young
Bill
The Old Squire looked painfully SURPRISED and
offended He walked to the front OF the platform
and. fastening ms eye firmly the venturesome
delegate. exclaimed:
What young BIZ for Governor? Not much
He can walt Just well. II anybody by the name
OF Villas takes the nomination it's William f.
Villas. ST.
The old man said II, ruf1ed his brows into Jove-
like frown. and sat down. But the convention nomi-
mated him, and young Bill had to wait until the
magic name Of Cleveland conjured up a new era
In Democratic history which superseded the regime
OF the elder Villas