davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-09-10
WATSON AT BONHAM.

Bonham, Tex, Sept. S.-(Special)-
Tom Watson came to Bonham today to
speak to a great crowd. He left Dallas
this morning at 4:30 and on the train
with him was his faithful friend and
campaign manager, Mr.. Reed.
Mr.. Watson slept most of the way to
Sherman. The train reached there about
6:15 n. M, but even at that early hour
there was little group on the platform
they were in the middle of the road.
After partalking of coffee and sand
wich the vice presidential candidate
boarded the train for this place. The
trip here was soon over.
At the depot, Mr.. Watson found u
thousand enthusiastic people waiting his
arrival. They had band and nearly
everybody in the crowd wore Bryan and
Watson badges. AS Watson stepped off
the car there was great cheering After
breakfast some of the citizens called on
Watson and told him he has been adver-
tised to speak at 2:30, and that the ex-
cursions bearing large crowds would not
arrive before | 80 at the earliest. Wat
son told them it was imperative that he
should go to Kansas Mt once, TINT he
was unused to speaking in the afternoon
and would much prefer the morning.
The committee requested him to change
his plans, but Watson was firm. He
said these hundreds and thousands that
are always coming on excursions never
come. "Our people," he added, "do not
ride on railroad trains. They come on
foot on horseback and in wagons. Send
a boy around town with placard and u
bell and from what / have seen, / will
get more people than can hear me-"
When it was over he was driven to his
hotel and this afternoon left for Erie,
Kansas, where he speaks on Thursday.
There was a large crowd at the depot to
bid him good bye. On the stand from
which Mr.. Watson delivered his speech
there were such notices as these: Down
with the court house ring" "Give the
people chance to look at the books"
"a nation of honor is nation of pa
triots." Bryan and Watson" "No
BRYAN and SeWalI"
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-09-10
NOR HARMONYS 5 SAKE
THE STATE REPUBLICAN CON-
VENTION DID NOT. CON-
VENE YESTERDAY.
WHITING ON EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
WHICH SPENT THE DAY TRYING
a TO HARMoNIzE CUNEY
n AND FERGUSON.
OUNtl PRtftR0 III fIGHl Il OUl
AND THE CONVENTION WILL |
CONVENE TODAY WITH A
BIG FIGHT ON.
1.-THE ADMINISTRATION MEN ARE Quite ACTIVE
They Put Forth Specious Arguments to
Show Where the Republicans Would |
Not Gain Anything by Fusion
With Populsts and Sound
Money Men-Conven-
tion Gossip.
AND THE CONVENTION WILL
CONVENE TO-DAY WITH A
BIG FIGHT ON.
THE ADMINISTRATION MEN ARE Quite ACTIVE

Fort Worth. Tex. Sept. S.-(Special.)-
A The black and tan voters of the Lone
Star state have been coming into this
city pretty steadily since yesterday morn
ing, and the result was a very goodly
sized assemblage in very truth this
morning, which was added to materially
as the day advanced. From the looks
Of some of the delegates they came to
this great conclave of the party on
Shanks' mare. There is little doubt but
what the average cOlored politician is
ever out for dust, but the amount some
had on when they showed up here this
morning bore conclusive evidence to the
fact that they had gotten more dust than
they bargained for, and had evidently
, Travelled from sections that had not been
blessed with rain in many moons.
This is the second prominent conven-
ton that has been held in this city
this summer. The other convention,
which met on August Is, came and went
and no blood was shed. This one is now
here and will doubtless leave without
filling the streets with rivers of gore.
but | am prepared to say that some of
''de colored gents" that are participating
in this convention are here with mischief
in their eyes. In some cases their
voices partake of the sweetness of the
sirens; in others the below of the bull
would be far more descriptive, but in all
cases they have an indomitable desire
to hit free lunch counter. Whenever
they do, and the unfortunate public bene-
factor balances accounts at the end of
the battle he find himself the loser to no
small extent.
In looking around among the assem-
bled gathering l saw many faces that
loomed up before my vision at the Aus
tin convention just few months prior
to that memorable onslaught upon the
speakers stand, when tables and chairs
went to pieces like chaff before the wind,
and newspaper men We're as scarce as
flies in January. On that memorable oc-
casion the crowd that rushed onto the
stand to govern by force that which could
not be done by argument, was sad mix
ture of black and white. And today as
I looked around me | saw the same black
and white cloud lowering to the north
east and south of me. 1t did not look
particularly ominOus at the opening hour,
but no man can say when it will break
forth and sweep the face of the universe.
The leaders all say that harmony will
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-09-10

ters, you have an idea of what COM
prises the dark side of this convention.
The old-time darkey is possibly in the
majority, so far as the numerical esti-
mate is concerned, but the "coon in
| town. makes up in hustling Qualfica-
tions what he lacks in numbers.
AS to the white element in this con-
of agreeable, affable men in every re-
spect capable of wise and just deibera-
ton.
Summed up in nutshell however,
this republican convention is one of
many conflicting elements. There are
men here who desire to deliberate with
that coolness and foresight that will
redown to the benefit of the party.
There is the old darkey who means well,
and there is the shrewd negro politician
that will flop ten different times between
suns. Thus, when all these elements
are concentrated into one hall and their
deliberations are directed through the
same channel, any one can readily see
the volcanic situation that confronts the
spectator.
n single misstep, Il single loosening of
the tightly drawn line of procedure, the
slightest diversion, and the row is on.
At the same time all factions must be
else there will be trouble. In bringing
about this harmony some must be set
aside, for all are not of one opinion, and
this will require tact and lots of it. If,
the ones who are set aside do not take
their rclegation cheerfully-and no one
does that-there will also be trouble.
Look at it in whatever light you will,
and the management of the proceedings
of this republican convention must be
handled with as much skill as Il chess
expert brings to his assistance in his
trying game. The reult of this game
will be watched with cagerness by all.
1t will be so watched for the reason that
it is known that there is warning ele-
ment here that is being pushed on by
outsiders. They will probably make
their stand and declare themselves, but
| believe that the more conservative, the
thinking and the far-seeing element,
which predominates in this convention,
will try and nip these riotous schemes
early in the game and that the delibera-
tions of this convention will, when
finally ended, be to the advantage and
marked benefit of the republican, party
in Texas. Be the results what they
may, however, there will never be har-
mony between Quincy and Grant.
speak by the card in this matter and
know fully whereof | articulate.
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-09-10

Neece were appointed to see Quincy as
| to Furguson's proposition. The commit.
tee visited Quincy tonight and he inform
ed them positively that he would not get
out of the race. This practically settles
the matter, and it will now have to come
up in convention tomorrow
|, This temporary Craftsmanship race has
widened until it has dragged everything
else into it, Numberless mud-singing
politicians are darting hither and thither
traducing Grant and trying their best to
down him and steal his prestige. Jealousy
pure and simple is actuating them. The
tidal wave of success is almost here, they
think, and they desire to take command
of the situation in place of Grant. They
have joined Quincy to down Grant. On
the other hand Grant has his following
He has some advantage of arrangement
of temporary roll, but as to whether
Quincy or Furguson will win is problc-
matical. Quincy yesterday promised that
if made temporary chairman he would
get down and out Immediately on per-
manent organization, would not make an
appointment of any committees or seek
permanent chairmanship. He made this
same promise at Austin. He is good at
making promises. The minute he was
in as temporary chairman he said he had
the reins and proposed to drive the horse
to SUIT himself. Having fiunked once, the
Grant faction does not care to trust him
again, and from indications tonight he
will win on his merits if he wins at all
tomorrow.
Today's proceedings were simply Il
repetition of Austin's freeze out game in
one sense with Grant in the saddle in
stead of Quincy At Austin Quincy fought
to oust Grant; here Grant fights to oust
Quincy, but is willing to quit if he will.
At Austin Quincy made no concessions.
Quincy men say tonight that they will
stay the convention out if it's month
and live on air, though they say, and
others agree with them. tomorrow even
ing will, in all probability, end the con-
vention. The battle will be short. 1t
will be decisive. 1t means victory for
one, defeat for the other. Which shall
it be?
While trying to settle this important
question tonight the lobbies are still Il
mass of seething, sweltering and politi-
cally excited humanity at l o'clock
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-09-10
SOME OF THE CHARACTERS
Found in Attendance Upon the Fort
Worth Convention.


Fort Worth, Tex, Sept. S.-(Special.) y
AS is usually the case upon such an oc-
| casion as this, there are IA number of odd
characters in attendance upon this con-
vention. In some respects the oddity of
those in attendance consists in their wild
enthusiasm. There is Bill Mcdonald,
the rubbcr-nccked negro statesman from
Forney. Bill is never so happy as when
in convention or a fight unless it is
when he is eating. When he struck
town | asked him what he was here for.
Use here for hominy, sar. | understand
dat there is some talk bouts dar being a
fight Well. Use for dat. too. if it do
come up. Use always pared for what
ever's coming, and | just lebe have one
as t'other. Use for hominy, though |
tells you desc niggers needing have no
though bout running over me cause Use
for hominy. Cause if dey try it Use
liable to prove 'ceedingly dangerous to
some of them" Bill always has a good
load of good humor on board, and be-
lieve that he will be able to hold his own
against all cOmers. He led the hosts of
battle at the Austin convention for the
reason that the crowd hemned him in
and he couldn't get away, and from the
way he talks here he is not opposed to
heading another invading army.
Another unique character here is III. l..
Storms, the ocean tossed ebony states
man from Travis county. Storms has
slcked up expressly for the occasion,
and really makes some pretentions to be-
ing handsome. He has Oh new suit of
clothes, bran new black derby, and his
side-whiSkers are cOmbed as carefully as
though he was going to be married. He
is also sporting pair of gold-rimmed
eyeglasses and an umbrella, and is quite
the cynosure of all eyes. He looks over,
under and around the corner of his
glasses and talks harmony. AS he does
so his eyes assume n far-away look, as
though he was thinking of the Travis
county district court room on that mem
orable day when he rushed on the speak
er's stand and, grabbing the gas pipe,
yelled, lets have peace" just as the gas
pipe pasted near the desk top and he
described rainbow circle over the heads
of the crowd to the floor, some ten feet
below.
His eyes moistened slightly as he
thought, and lifting his new hat he re-
marked, as he softly rubbed his head:
81 do hope and pray, sar, dat we'll
have hominy at dis convention"
There is one old negro here from North
Texas, named Nelson, who is country
saver right He has the right plan if he
can ever get it in operation. He told
me today that he was in favor of do
ing away with all presidents, governors
and all political parties, and especially
the boss politicians. and letting the Lord
and the people run the country for awhile.
He said that if the Lord would look after
the big cities and the railroads that the
farmers, white and black, could manage
their affairs. and he believed that pros
perity would be resultant
The old negro's plan is slightly off line,
but it would not be bad idea to try his
scheme awhile.
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-09-10
A RIG SLIT.

Galveston, Tex, Sept. S.-(special)-A
suit of considerable inus litude and i'm
portance, in the form of bill in equity,
was filed today in the United States dis
trict court-the Girad Life Insurance,
Annuity and Trust company of Philadel-
phia, trustee under the will of Wistar
Morris, deceased, against the j. b. Wat
kins and the Farmers Loan and Trust
company-asking for the appointment of
a receiver for all the property of the j.
b. Watkins Land Mortgage company.
Upon September the complainant
also filed a bill in equity in the United
States district court for the district of
Kansas, praying the appointment of re-
ceiver.
The prayer was granted, and j.. b.
Watkins, John p. Switzer and M. Sum-
merfield of Kansas were appointed re-
ceivers.
Judge Bryan made an order which, af-
ter recognizing the jurisdiction and ac-
ton of the circuit court in Kansas, de-
creed that r.. w. Ford of Harris county
be appointed receiver Of the J. b. Wat
kins Land Mortgage company, ancillary
to the receivership opened in Kansas.
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-09-10
FAILED TO CONVENE.

While the republican convention was
SUPPOSED 20 ,neet at ] o'clock today, it
has not convened at all and will not be
until tomorrow morning at 10 O'clock
Twice today it looked as though it would
convene, but the executive committee
was conveniently at work, and both
times the meeting was STAYED off. At /
O'Clock the regular meeting hour, post
ponement was had until , O'Clock: then
until g. still waiting on the executive
committee. who We're announced to be
engaged in incubating allopathic doses of
harmony. Chairman Grant. at O'clock
wanted to hold off until $50 tonight
but being reminded of the street parade
and the demonstration, he fixed the hour
ut o'clock. Shortly after 6 Web.
Flanagan appeared on behalf of the
committee and stated that it was. work
ing for harmony, which was the reason
their appearance was so long delayed;
that no lights could be secured for the
hall and that it was best to adjourn
until S:3O i'll the morning. Various mo-
tons to adjourn until morning were put
and voted down, there being considerable
opposition. led by Austin Robinson.
Finally Chairman Grant appeared on the
rostrum and stated that the committee
was working for harmony and the inter
ests of the party. Just then some wag
turned Lne electric llgnt button and
threw Web Flanagan into question
able position by flooding the hall with
light. The crowd Immediately began to
yell Lets get to business One dele
gate moved to proceed with the election
OF temporary chairman. Grant paid
no attention to all this. but announced in
n clear, determined voice that as the
chairman of the state executive commit
tee he desired to say that he would con-
vene the convention at 10 o'clock tomor-
row morning and then left the stand
midst deafening yells from his followers
while the Quincy faction yelled that the
old Austin game was being played but
that they were the originators of that
movement and were here to set up with
any freeze-Out game.
During the afternoon. while the dele
gates were waiting for the convention to
convene, many speeches were made, and
quincy. IN response to a request. made a
speech and talked harmony by the yard
while his keen eye glittered with any
thing but harmony glitter. Ferguson.
the other candidate for temporary chair
man, also made a brief speech.
At 6:2O all the delegates had left the |
hall after the summary adjournment. or
rather the failure to convene, and thus |
ended the first days session of the re- |
publican convention.
Tonight big street parade and speak |
ing was had. which was participated in |
by about $500 people.
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-09-10
JARVIS AGAINST LANHAM.

Fort Worth, Tex. Sept. S.-(Special)
l met Il sound money man from Ian
hams district this morning and he in
formed me that the sound money men of
his distIicI would get j. j. Jarvis out
against Lanham this year and would
beat the silvcr-tongued orator. This
gentleman, who is II well known demo-
crat, stopped off here to meet a few
republican friends and he favored me
with this expression as to congressional
matters and also stated that he hoped
that this convention would fuse with the
populists and gold democrats.
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-09-10
BROKE UP BY HOODLUMS.
The Republican Ratification Meeting at
Fort Worth Was Howled Down.

Fort Worth, Tex, Sept S.-(Special)- y
Tonght's ratification of the republican
party at City Hall square was largely at
tended, but II gang of hoodlums swooped
down on the meeting and created such
Il din for two hours that none of the
speakers could be heard. Col Swayne
of Fort Worth mounted the rostrum and
asked the hoodums to desist, and was
greeted with shouts of derision while the
crowd howled on. The hoodums yelled
listen to no one and kept up such din
that the speakers finally had to leave the
stand
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-09-10
HAS MANY FRIENDS.

Pittsburg, Tex, Sept. S.-(Special.)- J
Governor Culberson addressed a large
audience In the college grounds here yes
terday. Governor Culberson was raised
near here and has many warm personal
friends in this vicinity who have known
him since boyhood.
A reception committee of ladies and
gentlemen gave him hearty welcome
and served lunch at the home of District
Judge ShpDDerd
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-09-10
CULBERSON SPOKE.

Mount Vernon, Tex, Sept. S.-(Spe-
cial. )-Governor G. A. Culberson spoke
here to $500 or 1000 people. The occa-
sion was barbecue and picnic. He
created great enthusiasm and made many
friends.
Cyclone Davis, populist nominee for
congress, spoke in the evening and was
answered by Howard O'Neal, Bryan and
Sewall eector for this, the Fourth, dis
trict.
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-09-10
THE NEGRO DELEGATES WITH
RAILROAD PASSES.

Fort Worth, Sept. S.-(Special.) with
the first arrival yesterday and with sub
sequent arrivals today of negro delegates.
it has become evident that many of
them have been creased Quite a num-
Der of them are reported to have come
here on railroad passes and several
negroes were seen with passes.
Times are hard and dollars grow very
large at times. These negroes say that
they favor railroad men for the state
chairmanship or anything else they want,
and that they will follow in their wake
wherever they lead. l am led to think
that there is something rotten in Den
mark, but then this convention is cosmo-
politan and it is very hard to find cos
mOpolitan gathering that is as pure as
the driven snow.
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-09-10

county contest the Allen delegation was
Cain delegations. The divisions were
not along partisan lines, even Bill Me
Donald Cuney's chief lieutenant, voting
to seat Allen. who is an enemy of
Cuney's. This was the only kick as to
the temporary roll, which was left yes
terday to Chairman Grant and Secretary
Easton to make out.
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-09-10
THE GREEN-BURKE RACE.

Fort Worth, Tex, Sept. S.-(Special.)-
While it is generally conceded tonight
that Il. III. II. Green has the state
chairmanship race against j. w. Burke
of Austin, Maj. Burke denies the rumor
that he has withdrawn and says he is
still candidate regardless of results.
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-09-10
GRANT WANTS A SOLID ELEC-
TORAL TICKET

Fort Worth, Tex. Sept S.--(Special)
Quite number do not seem to under
stand why State Chairman John Grant
insists on having fifteen republican cleo
toral votes instead of split delegation
His reasons are very good, though many
do not approve them. He says that If
it was necessary to have six or eight
votes to elect Mckinley he would cheer
fully work for that number and split the
delegation, but, as it is now, that Nc
Kinley will be elected before the Texas
vote is ever reached. and that party
pride and nothing else makes him ask
for straight republican electoral ticket,
win or die. That the one object in his
mind is to fight to make Texas 90 solid
for Mckinley, and that to send split
delegation to the electoral convention
would simply be little short of foolish, as
it would be lot Of hotch potch and
nobodys victory. He gives his assur-
ance that he will fight to deliver all re-
publican votes to the populist state
ticket if they will give him the straight
electoral ticket. and he considers that
this is an exceedingly fair divide.
RAILROAD MEN TAKING A DISH.
Fort Worth, Sept. ESPECIAL .)-While
the general opinion yesterday was that
the railroads were taking a dish in this
it is still more apparent to-
day. judging from what the leaders say.
They claim open and above board that
the railroads of the state are here with
their 'barrel" for the purpose of bring
ing about disruption and discord and
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-09-10

forcing this convention to not only
eschew all thoughts of fusion, but to get
out straight state ticket, thinking that
1t would benefit Culberson and the pres
ent administration very materially. The
republican leaders charge that these rail-
road men are so exceedingly well pleased
with the present railroad commission,
which is as wax in their hands, that they
Will tight to the end to keep it in power.
That they prefer McKinley's election.
but when narrowed down to immediate
benefits they prefer the present railroad
commission nominees. and will do every.
thing in their power to compass their
election. The charge is made further
that the railroad men have been doing
their best for some time to find out the
cheapest way to secure the election of
the present commissioners, and have de-
cided that it is by using ''persuasives"
on this republican convention as to
whether there is any cause for all this
talk. do not care to assume the res
possibility of saying. Railroad men are
here in goodly numbers, however.
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-09-10
WILL BE FOUGHT OUT TODAY.
Executive Committee Failed to Solve the
Temporary Chairman Problem.


Temporary Chairman Problem.
Fort Worth, Tex, Sept, S.-(Special.D J
The row over the position of temporary
chairman is liable to go before the con-
vention tomorrow morning and that is
up IN trying to prevent. All leaders
exactly what all of today has been taken
want harmony, but there can be no har-
mony with Quincy and Furguson running
before the convention for that position.
To find solution for the problem this
afternoon about 4 o'clock executive COM
mittee was convened for the third time
today. This session was behind locked
doors, everybody being fired out. The
purpose of the meeting was to try TO
have Furguson get out of the race for
temporary chairman and give Quincy the
right of way.
j. n. Huston of Indiana was present
with the committee. and having doubt
less caught his cue from harmony atmos
phere talked that line. saying that he
spoke as representation of the nationaI
committee, and that he was authorized
to say if the republicans of Texas would
Rarmonize and hold respectable and
peaceful convention that the national
committee would take up their fight and
make strenuous efforts to win the state
for Mckinley. Chairman Grant also
spoke, intmating that in the interest of
harmony he would not object to Furgu-
sons getting down. but intimated that
he thought the other side ought to do
similar, saying, however that
he would take no part in the matter.
Furguson was present and said that he
would withdraw if Quincy would and let
a third man go in, but not otherwise.
Accordingly the committee composed of
Hugh Hancock, J. A. Smith and J. Il.