The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1896-07-01

CHICAGO, June 30.-The Illinois del
egation of the national Democratic
convention voted unanimously today
to support in the convention resolu-
ton for the abrogation of a rule re-
quiring that the presidential candidate
shall receive the votes of two-thirds of
the convention to insure his nomina-
ton. The proposition was supported
in an earnest speech by Altgeld. He
declared the two-thirds rule had been
the curse to the Democratic party.
The principal object of the two
thirds rule, Altgeld declared, was to
allow the minority to dictate the nom
nations to be made by the party.
Furthermore, the rule was un-Demo-
cratic, as the Democratic party was
pre-eminently of majority control. He
declared also that the
ABRoGATIoN OF THE RULE
at this time was the key to the situa-
ton. With the rule in existence the
party might be at the mercy of the
gold forces; with it wiped out there
would be no possible question of the
supremacy of the silver forces.
After several others had spoken the
motion prevailed without division.
The delegation also discussed at
more length a suggestion offered by
ex-Congressman Williams, that the
delegation should express a preference
for presidential candidates. Mr.. Will
Jams made a speech in support of this
proposition and was supported by Mr..
Bell, who was temporary chairman of
the Peoria convention. The temper of
the delegation was somewhat opposed
to the action on this subject, and Mr..
Williams withdrew his proposition.
Mr.. Williams is a district delegate
and is instructed for Bland.
The delegation expressed itself as
favorable to taking the steps neces-
sary
TO SECURE A SILVER NAN
for temporary chairman, regardless of
the choice of the national committee,
if that choice should fall upon a gold
advocate, but expressed no preference
as to aspirants.
Governor AHgeld was elected chair
man of the delegation, c. w. Bliss of
Hillsboro, secretary, and Colonel Heff-
eron OF Bloomington, sergeant alarms.
The delegation adjourned to meet
again next Saturday at 10 a. m.
The fact that the delegation today
postponed its decision as to what can
didate it would support in the con-
vention, has created almost as much
comment as the decision which the
delegation reached looking to the abb
rogation Of the two-thirds rule.
The only explanation made is that
it was considered desirable to look
the field over more completely than
had been possible before taking posi-
ton. 1t is minated, however, that
Governor Altgeld, who is in complete
control of the delegation, has plans of
his own which are not yet sufficiently
maturad to be sprung. Those who
have talked with him say he is es-
pecially concerned to secure a candi-
date on the national ticket who will
add
STRENGTH TO THE PARTY IN
ILLINOIS.
Ex-Congressman Williams, who made
the suggestion that the delegation
should indicate its preference, said he
has introduced the subject because he
believed if the Illinois delegation would
take a position at this time it could
practically name the candidate, be-
cause of the influence it would have
upon other doubtful delega tons.
81 shall renew the suggestion at our
meeting to be held next Saturday." he
said, ''and hope It may not then be too
late for the state to make its influ-
ence felt; but. the sooner we act the
stronger we shall be-
Mr.. Williams admitted that while
the name Of no person had been men
toned in the meeting. his purpose had
been to. if possible, secure instructions
for Bland.
"He is the man for us to nominate.
if we would not be misunderstood,
said Mr. Williams. THE people know
where Mr.. Bland stands on the money
question, and while others may be as
reliable for silver, they are
NOT so WE'LL. UNDERSTOOD
to be, for none others have been so
thoroughly identified with the cause
as he has been. No explanations
would be necessary with Mr.. Bland as
the Democratic candidate"
Mr.. Williams said also that the DEM
ocrats of southern Illinois were prac-
tically a unit for Mr. Bland, and ex-
pressed the opinion that Bland could
carry the state on free coinage plat
form.