The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-07-08
.POPUL|STS At NASHVILLE
FIRST MEETING OF THE MIDDLE
OF-THE-ROADERs
TEXANS PRESENT.
RAMPANT SPEECHES AGAINST butler
The National Chairman and other
Leaders Are Accused of Trying
to Deliver the Party Over to
the Democrats.

Nashville. Tenn, July 2.-The National
Reform Press association held its opening
session in the hall of the house or repre-
sentatives at the state capitol this morn
ing. About seventy-fve delegates were
present, fifty of whom were from Texas.
Hon. Frank Burkitt of Mississippi, pre-
sident of the association, being absent on
account of illness. Vice President Mayes
of Pomeroy, Wash, presided. Prayer
was offered by Rev. J. ID. Barbee, DID,,
of Nashville. after which Vice President
Mayes delivered brief speech. Hon j..
ii. Mcdowell of Tennessee made the adj
dress of welcome and James Bradley of
Texas responded. Harry Tracy of Texas,
Paul Dixon Of Missouri, Nj. H. Mitzsinger
of Indiana, j. A. Parker of New York and
Abe Steinberger of Kansas were appoint
ed committee on resolutions. 1t was de-
cided that all resolutions presented should
be referred to the committee without de-
bate.
At $50 n. M, the convention reas-
sembled. The regular order of business
was suspended, several honorary members
were elected and then general speech
making ruled The topic, "How shall the
party get out of the troubles which the
last election has brought about" was dis
cussed.
Strong anti-fusion speeches were made
and many middle-of-the-rOad populists de-
clared in strong terms against fusion.
Jesse Harper of Illinois advised concilia-
tory course and spoke of the coming con-
ference declaring it should adjourn and
after adjournment reorganize into ma
tional convention and declare for the
Omaha platform.
Metzsinger of Ohio placed all the blame
for the present condition of the party ON
the democratic party, and declared Allen,
Butler. Maubeneck and Simpson were
agents for that party, and that the demo-
cratic party was preparing to stampede
the populists. Other speakers assailed
Senator Butler vehemently and especially
were the speakers from Texas severe in
spea king of him. Other speakers insisted
that the national committee should be
forced to yield to the demands of the peo-
pie.
Vincent of Indiana urged that the past
be forgotten and the party keep in the
middle of the road.
Robert Schiiling spoke, urging harmony
and reorganization and defended Senator
Butler. His defense stirred up the dele
gates and the attacks on Senator Butler
were renewed with yigor and several were
made on Schilling.
w. s. Morgan of Arkansas handed
Schilling list of charges and requested
an answer 70 them. Schilling spoke say
ing he was not representing any one but
himself, and if Senator Butler was proven
guilty of treason he would quickly take
up the fight against him.
The committee on organization reported
recommending the club plan and non
partisan cooperative branch, the. clubs
being the supervising bodies. Action OH
the renorts was deferred.
The convention adjourned until Monday.
The trend of nearly all of the speeches
were bitter arraignments of Senator Mar
ion Butler and the bulk of the delegates
agreed with the speakers.