The Saint Paul globe., 1897-11-06
ho" THE CENTRAL DEMOCRATIC
ASSOCIATION HOPES FOR
SUCCESS.
ORGANIZATION IS COMPLETED.
f. Il. KANE SELECTED AS THE
FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE
NEW CLUB.
OTHER OFFICERS TO BE CHOSEN
By Committee, Which VIII Also
Secure Permanent Headquarters
and Call Next Meeting.

want this association to place it
self squarely on record in support OF
the Democratic platform adopted in
Chicago in 1896, so the world will know
just where we stand. There is no de-
fiance in this, but under those condi-
tions only can we be recognized. Then
we can go into the city convention
next spring with our gold Democrat
friends, and we can unite on a local
platform, a platform for honest gov
ernment and the election of a man who
is not a partner of Red Griffin"
1t was in these ringing words that
John A. Townley outlined his position.
at the meeting held in Casino hall last
evening, for the purpose of organizing
the Central Democratic association of
ST. Paul. That view was also express
ed by T. d. O'Brien, by T. r. Kane i'm
argumentative tone. by Joseph Ehr-
manntraut and by heavy majority OF
those present When the meeting was
called to order last evening by Chair
man L. r. Kane, Casino hall was we'll
filled and in the audience were MANY
prominent local Democrats, several
Populists and at least one silver Re-
publican. The committee on organiza-
ton reported the articles of constitu
ton which had been drafted and which
We're published in the Globe of
thursday. When they came up for
adoption, John T.. Hearn moved that
action be postponed and that they be
considered only at an executive session.
rms motion, however didn't prevail.
Ihere was little discussion alluded
10 above, over section 3, of article one.
which reads as follows:
This association shall always act I'm
harmony with and be subject to the
national platform of the United States.
as adopted in the national conventions
OF the Democratic party"
John e. Hearn thought this should
be stricken out; that what was needed
In st. Paul, to unite the Democratic
party, was practical politics and not
theoretical politics, and he feared that
this section might keep gold Demo-
Gratis out of the organization.
James King also expressed his fears
that the gold Democrats might not
unite with them in local matters il
this plank was promulgated
Then T. d. O'Brien arose and said
that this section was not the political
principle of a convention that might
be held next spring or any time It
merely placed them Alright before the
public as Democrats. When it came
time for the holding Of a city conven-
ton the regular committee or COM
mittees will call the primaries. the
Democrats would go out to the polls
and they will select good men to go to
the city cOnventiOn-and the conven-
ton will nominate good men for Of
fee. And" continued Mr. O'BTien,
with the enthusiasm born of convic-
ton, I'VE will elect them whether we
have a gold platform or a silver plat
form, or no platform at ALL"
Mr. O'Brien's views were warmly
seconded by John A Townley, Joseph
Ehrmanntraut and others. Mr.. King
then asked. that this section be laid
over until another meeting, as he
thought it would lead to dissensiOns,
in fact, he feared that it had already
stirred up some feeling in the meeting
but hearty, good natured laugh, in
which everybody Joined, himself in
cluded, refuted this. The section with
others was adopted.
The election of officers then followed
and resulted as follows:
President. r. r. Kane: first vice
president, Joseph Ehrmanntraut; sec
ond vice president. Edward Peterson.
The important office of secretary
was left open until the next meeting
and in the meantime James A. Meade
will perform the duties of that office.
A treasurer and an executive commit
tee of twenty-one members will also
be selected then.
A committee consisting Of John T.
Hearn, Matt Bantz, James King, A. D.
McCloud, ]. B. Covington, John Ives
and T. d. O'Brien was appointed to Sc
cure permanent headquarters for the
association, to select and place in
nomination names of persons for the
remaining Offices and to call the next
meeting.
After adjourning the membership
rolls were opened for signatures.