The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-07-22
Proceedings of the Convention.

liz Louisville, July 14.-On account of the
\ tabsence in Europe of the Hon. q. Nj.
Davis, the duty of calling the convention
of national democrats to order fell on
noHon. M. ]. Carroll of Louisville. By 2
kQck this afternoon the convention hall
filled to its seating capacity by men
j would impress even strangers with
E'fact that they were indeed of Ken
49t6cky's best manhood. A noticeable
point was that elderly men predominated
The first overflow of enthusiasm was
when Senator Lindsay entered the hail.
and before the cheering for him could
die out, ex-Secretary John G. Carlisle
and Hon. Henry Watterson appeared
and gave a fresh impetus to the now
! thoroughly aroused enthusiasm, and yet,
: Judging from the volume of applause, it
was to Col. w. G. p. Breckenridge that
the heartiest recognition was accorded.
The boxes and stage were graced by the
ladies, who contributed their full share
to the honors shown to the men who have
won renown in public service.
The formal opening of the convention
was through an appropriate prayer by
Rev. Charles Kraik.
In his opening remarks, Chairman Car
roll made it clear that the issue was
forced upon and accepted by those who
were, from conscientious principles. I'M
OpDOStl W tuc llcC SHNtl uc-
fusion. He charges the Frankfort con-
vention, at which Hon. j. G. 7. Black
burn was so great factor, with having
run up the ''piratical flag" and followed
this with the assertion: 1--WE will con-
tinue the fight with the vigor of minds
and hearts until the last vestige of here
sy is eradicated.'
The substance of his speech centered
upon the necessity of sound ideas and
sound finances.
With a neatness for which Kentucky
oratory has won distinction beyond her
borders, Mr.. Carroll led up to the intro
duction of the Hon. j. G. Sims of Bowl
ing Green as temporary chairman of the
convention, and upon mention of the
name of this popular leader the assembly
again gave itself up to an applause which
was spontaneous.
AS Mr.. Sims wound up his arraignment
of 'isms" with 'Bryanism,' the conven-
ton burst into loud applause, which was
exceeded by that which sanctioned his
} glowing reference to Grover Cleveland.
The opportunity for laughter came when
he alluded to office holding as the chief
end of man.
Immediately after Mr.. Sims speech,
the routine work of the convention was
taken up by calling the districts and
the naming of committees.
When the several committees had been
named there suddenly broke forth a
seemingly unanimous call for "Breckin-
ridge!" "Breckinridge" which would not
he silenced until he came forward. With
ont attempting more than a few words
of commendation for the purpose of the
convention he appeased his hearers, who
then in turn raised their voices in calls
for such favored ones as Carlisle Wat
terson. Lindsay and others, but none of
-,.,,nnInl of fbo finn G IL would
have delayed important routine work.
Permanent organization was speedily
effected. with the Hon. John G. Carlisle
as chairman, and the. convention arose
as one man to wave hats and cheer as
he assumed the presidency. Mr.. Carlisle
stood. bowling his recognition of the very
hattering reception
John G. Cnrlisle's Speech.
When quiet had been restored, Mr..
Carlisle spoke as follows:
81 congratulate the national democrats
of Kentucky upon the magnificent re-
sponse they have MADE to the call for
this convention. and l congratulate the
friends of sound money, tariff reform
and good government In every part OF
the country upon TINS suspicious opening
of campaign. which, | am sure will
be memorable in the annals of our party.
The proceedings of this great assembage
of intelligent and patriotic democrats,
who have refused to abandon their life
long convictions and transfer their ALE
glance to u new political combina ton
formed without their consent and COM
posed largely of their old opponents, will
be watched with intense interest by con-
servative anu law-abiding citizens in
every state in the Union, and will inspire
our friends everywhere with new zeal
and courage for the conflict in which