Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-08-12

GENERAL GEOltOfI d. III
Some few took a morning walk OF uriVe
TO the foot of nearby mountain PEAKS,
but the great majority whiled the hourS
awav minglng with the candidates ana
leaders in the hotel lobbies and respec-
tive headquarters. All Of the aspirants
for honors at the hands of the conven-
tion were looking fresh and well. MAJOR
TYLER spent a quiet night and was much
better to-day than he has been Tor
week or more Mr.. William X. Alex
auder. who was quite sick yesterday
was also much better to-day.
THE BAND PLAYED DIXIE.
The stream Of delegates set in towards
tho Academy Of Music about IL o'clock,
but il was past the noon hour when the
different delegations were seated. The
procession to the opera-house was headed
hv the band OF the Roanoke Machine
works. which also beguiled the interim
between the opening of the doors and
the commencement of the proceedings
with such familiar strains as Dixie
and .'Nly Maryland" rousing the audience
IN q high pitch OF enthusiasm, while the
singing OF a song-"AHuntins We VIII
Go5-was loudly applauded.
The house IS a very handsome one
3, which the art of the decorator is
al
ditionol establishment would have been
e,norGtous. Nevertheless the United
states colors float over the convention,
susnended from tho galleries, and al the
hack of the stage two huge portraits I'm
cravon. the one Of jefferson and the
other Of William Jennings Bryan. are
hung. both surrounded by borders Of
stars and Stripes. The Third District
allegation is seated on the right-hand
side of the dress-crcie, that of the
sixth District In the centre. with the
Tenth Delegation on the left On the
floor of the house are the delegations
of the First, Second, Fourth, Seventh.
Eighth. and Ninth, and at the back Of
the stage the Fifth's.
CHEERING THE LEADERS.
When the convention was called to
order every seat in the Academy was
taken. and the aisles were crowded, as
were also the boxes, and still the stream
noured in. The heat was intense, but
tina, did not suppress the enthusiasm
and excitement and calls for cheers for
Senator Daniel and other prominent war
horses OF Democracy ELECTED frantic out
bursts of enthusiasm and noise. which
showed in some measure what the con-
vention was capable Of doing in that
direction. The convention is made up
of a remarkably fine body of men. All
the leaders are in evidence, and the rank
and file Is composed Of men, for the most
part, Of distinguished physique. tried and
true Democrats all, whose outward de-
meanor reflects the strength Of their in
ward convictions. Members OF the press
were provided with seats at semi-cir-
cular table, running the whole length OF
the stage. just behind the speakers, and
their interests are carefully studied by
an energetic committee Of Roanoke citl-
zens, headed by Chairman Llewellen Il.
Luckabill. The large stage was crowded
with earnest Democrats. Besides the
Fifth District delegation and members
of the State Committee, Senators Daniel
and Martin. the Democratic congress-
men, and other party leaders had seats
of honor. None of the candidates were
present.
CALLED TO ORDER.
General George j. Hundley, who had
been delegated by the State Committee
at Chairman Elyson's request 10 call tho
convention TO order, performed that duty
i'm a very graceful manner. IL was six
teen minutes after o'clock when he rap
ned the body to order and set the po-
l5ticaI machinery i'm motion. lie used
very handsome gavel, made OF piece or
wood from the wreckage Of the kear-
sarge. which had been presented to him
by Mr.. Luckabill General Hundley's re-
marks were brief ana timely. lie said:
ut becomes my pleasing duty, as the