Evening star., 1896-06-17
THE UNSEEN BATTLE.
The Struggle That Has Been Wn&ed
In the Council Rooms.

The Struggle That Has Been Waged
In the Council Rooms.
Special From a staff Correspondent.
ST. LOUIS, June 16.-The situation here is
one that is difficult to describe and to give
correct understanding Of it. BY most of
the people here on the ground it is not fully
understood. Much about it is paradoxical
and utterly bewildering to the superficial
observer. To those who have nothing in
mind but the selection of two candidates
on the ticket the situation is devoid of ex-
citement or feverish interest, for 50 much
Of that work was done before the conven-
ton assembled that in a general way the
result has been a foregone conclusion. But
the lack of enthusiasm and noisy demon
stration is not due entirely to the absence
of uncertainty as to the nomination. The
men who are merely the general followers
of conventions are made conscious of some
thing unusual and oppressive in the atmos-
phere, which holds them in. restraint and
they attribute it to the most apparent thing
that the nomination is beyond being influ-
enced by shouting. They wait for the men
of affairs, the great leaders. to give the
word and to lead the shouting. but the sig
nal does not come.
The leaders are otherwise engaged. They
have grave considerations occupying their
attention, and in this lies the real secret of
the absence of the usual demonstrations.
The great struggle Of the convention is
going on under the surface, out of sight of
the badge-bearing and marching crowd,
and unknown, except in a general way, to
the curious spectators. The establishment
of principle is being contended for by the
leading doctors Of statesmanship. The per-
sonal equation becomes insignificant Silent
and mighty forces are contending in q ter
rible struggle over an abstract question on
which depends the fortunes of men and the
future of parties The simple question. of
what individual shall be named for prefer
ment becomes a secondary consideration.
So intense and absorbing is the contest that
the men whose minds are occupied with ii
do not stop to think of the smaller details
They forget to set the bands playing and
to give the signal for a cheer. The super
fetal show is not in their minds.
Thus the paradox is presented of the very
intensity Of their excitement, the great ten
sion at which all their faculties are drawn,
producing calm and almost cold aspect.
The coldness of the convention at it's first
days session forced upon the Mckinley
managers. with the shock Of surprise, the
realization Of the fact that details affect
had been overlooked.
They at once took steps to correct the
error Immediately after the adjournment
Of the convention yesterday. Mr.. Hanna
and number Of the Mckinley leaders
held a formal conference to consider what
was to be done. They decided that out OF
consideration for public appearances there
should be some demonstration Of popular
enthusiasm They realized that it was an
oversight to ignore entirely the spectacular
A number Of men were selected to take
charge Of tae matter, and to see that a,
today's session there should be a suitable
display Of enthusiasm. This is merely a
concession to the popular idea Of how a
national convention should appear on the
surfaca.
While the convention is proceeding along
on fixed lines. there is a feeling of i'm
nlense. responsibility, a strain Of intense
anxiety and a bitterness Of passion held In