The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-02-25
reform PRESS EDITORS
.
CHARGES AGAINST VAN DER
WORT INVESTIGATED AND
ACCUSERs CONDEMNED.
0VERIURES FROM KANSAS CITY.
A Telegram Negotiating for Harmony
Met an Evasive Reply-Another Tel
egram From Kansas City Re-
quests a Direct Answer.

the Reform Press association was full
of interesting talk. The discussion was
precipitated and the anger of the dele
gates aroused by the statement of Sec
rotary Parker that he had received an
official communication from the Nebras-
ka Reform Press association which pre-
ferred charges against ex-President Paul
Van Dervoort, and asked that Mr.. Van
Dervoort be tried and expelled from the
association. Mr.. Parker said the com
munication had charged Mr.. Van Der
voort with being paid spy of the repub-
rcan party, and traitor to the cause
L. populism. The convention howled at
he charges and showed in moment that
hey had the utmost faith in Mr., Van
DeryoOrt, both as man and as mem
Der of the populist party. MIR. Van Der
WORT demanded an investigation, how
ever, and a committee of three was ap-
pointed.
At the afternoon session the commit
tee reported it's decision, generating MT.
Van Dervoort of all charges made by
the Nebraska Reform Press association,
and condemned his accusers. A vice
president, secretary and executive board
we're elected during the day.
An interesting exchange of kilograms
between the Memphis and Kansas City
conventions over the Associated Press
leased wires was feature of the days
proceedings. Kansas City wanted to
know if members who joined the organi-
zation at Memphis would be required to
seyer all connection and cooperation with
the free silver forces in opposition to the
action Of the st. Louis convention. The
Memphis convention, in reply, through its
executive officers. cited sections /, 2 and
3. of article 8, Of the constitution, which
gives the executive board power to ex-
pei any members not acting in accordance
with the Omaha and st. Louis platforms.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE MEETING.
Memphis, Feb. 23.-Frank Burkett OF
Mississippi, the newly elected president,
called the Reform Press association to
order promptly at 10 o'clock today.
Prominent among the late arrivals was
Gen. Jacob Coxey of commonweal fame.
Mr.. Coxey was delayed en- route and did
not reach the city until late last even
ing. He will take an active part i'll the
proceedings, and will address the conven-
ton at an opportune time.
Immediately upon assembling Joseph
Parker of Louisville, the secretary, rose.
He said charges had been made by the
Nebraska association against ex-Presi-
dent Van Dervoort. The Nebraska lead
or was charged with being a spy in the
populist ranks.
Mr.. Van Dervoort immediately took the
floor and demanded an investigation.
He said on behalf of himself, his wife
and children, and his friends, that the
charges should be investigated.
4 motion was made to appoint COM
mittee of three to investigate the charges
and dozen delegates were on their feet
in a moment bowling for recognition
The convention got into hopeless parlla-
mentary wrangle
Mr.. Mcdowell of Tennessee was finally
recognized, and in vigorous speech de-
manded that the charges be ignored. An
exciting debate ensued. 1t was suggest
cd that Messrs. Mays of Washington.
Mcdowell of Tennessee and Babb of
North Carolina be named as commit
tee.C
National Committeeman Washburn
here took his first part in the proceedings.
He argued that as Babb is strong anti
Butlerite the country might think 1t vas
a scheme to whitewash Mr.. Van Der
wort. Thereupon Mr.. Babb was with
drawn and Mr. Ferguson of Texas was
substituted The committee was then ac-
cented by the convention and the resolu-
tion passed. Mr.. Van Dervoort invited
the committee to his rooms, saying ne
would easily disprove the charges made
against him. $3.50.
The committee on bylaws and consti-
tuition next reported. The report was Or
dered filed.
The election of officers was the next
w. +. Mays of Washington state end
ID. 81. Washburn of Boston were noml-
mated for vice president. Mr.. Wash6urn
Uuickly withdrew his name and Mr.. Mays
was elected by acclamation. a
The other officers elected were:
Recording secretary and treasurer,
Soseph Parker of Kentucky; correspond
ing secretary, John Boyd of Texas;
ready print" editor, Morgan or lndaha'
members VI Tic lSASSutl'S
II. Ferris, Illinois; n. II. Mortsinger: In
diana; r. H. Peters, Texas; Paul j. DIX
on, Missouri; G. S. Gessler, North Caro-
lima. TT
Committee on Educational Work. II.
Ferris. Illinois: Paul Van DervoOrt. Ne
braska; Abe Steinberger Kansas; b. 5.
Peters. Texas; b. G. West, Tennessee.
A resolution was adopted allowing men,
hers of drought-stricken districts OF
Louisiana gratuitous membership Tor one
year.
A recess was then taken until p. m.
When the convention reassembled, COM
mittee reports were IN order. There were
no reports ready, and recess OF an hour
was taken.
When President Burkett raped for or,
der the special committee appointed at
the morning session to investigate the
charges against eX-President Van Der
WORT reported. The committee found
the charges were without foundation.
The report condemns the accusers for an
unwarranted attack upon Mr.. Van Der
WORT, and expressed unlimited confidence
in both his moral and political honesty;
"Cyclone'' Davis of Texas offered
resolution of thanks to the committee, On
entertainment, the people of Memphis.
and the press, for kind and courteous
treatment. Adopted.
A special vote of thanks was rendered
Gen. Peter Tracy for the trouble taken