Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-08-31
LATE NEWS BY WIRE
Pennsylvania Democrats Cheer the
Name Of VIM. ]. Bryan.
STATE CONVENTION At READING
Temporary Chairman Ermentrout
Stirs the Boys Up in a Speech.
A FIGHT ON THE STAGE

CONVENTION HALL. READING, Pa
August 31.-The democratic state conven-
ton to nominate candidates for auditor
general and state treasurer met in the
Academy of Music today. A conspicuous
feature of the decorations was a handsome
banner. adorned with a portrait of VIII
liam j. Bryan and bearing the inscription.
Liberty. Justice. Humanity. Equal Rights
TO All Special Privileges to None
band played STARS and Stripes For
ever an dother popular tunes while the
delegates, of whom there were 49, located
themselves in the seats set apart for them
State Chairman Garman called the con-
vention to order at 1870 pm. and an
nounced the temporary organization as
agreed upon by the executive committee
Congressman Ermentrout. temporary chair
man. received round of applause when he
teceIved the gaSel from Mr.. Garman.
Mr. ErmentrOut's Speech.
He spoke as follows: This is not con-
vention of men who are about to become
democrats. but of men who are democrats
already Those who would participate and
hold the commission of the party should
be such and only such as have shown the
sincerity of their principles. by open and
notorious devotion to our platform and
ca nlidates
1t would be an outrage on the brave men,
VINO IN the great campaign of 1896. so fear
IeSSiy fought Under the banners of our
nlatchless leader, VIM. j. Bryan, and the
chicago platform, not to allow the admin
istrative offices of the organization to re-
main in the hands of those who by their de-
sertion brought about our defeat
Had il not been for such as they the
situation today would have been far differ
emit The country would have been spared
the spec tacle of Mark Hanna in command
LEGISLATORS
There would have have been no republic
can ConSress--no Janus-faced Dirgley bill,
which, III the twinkling of al eye. put into
the pockets of a monstrous trust s. 600 600
ana made the nation tributary to it in the
future The last campaign proved that
the democratic party does not need such
leaders as the late President or the late
senator from New York or others in your
own state, who either voted against Won
or old not raise their voices for you while
you Were battling bravely for the good old
cause. ~
II is not for me to say to this convention
what shall be the policy of the coming
campaign That is for the convention 10
decide
Holds Out Warming
UPON whatever policy this convention
nay conclude. however 1 warn YOU that
any action You may take or any decIara-
tions you may make that will reflect di-
fectIy III the least on the candidates or
Pi''ti'i All VI the chicago convention, or On
the men who fought for them. will invite
party Generalization, and will not NEE.
with the approval of the democratic
masses.
In conclusion let me hope that You will
draw inspiration from the memories that
cluster around the county in which YOU
are assembled Inspiration to be true TO
the faith. inspiration to be firm in execut-
ing justice. inspiration in a determination
1or harmony. Inspiration never 10 yield
until the democracy, the party of the peo-
pie. shall again possess the high places of
power IN the state and nation.
A Wild scene of enthusiasm followed Mr.
T.rnentfout mention of the name of
william J. Bryan Delegates and specta-
tors stood in their chairs and waye,l hats
and harGkerchiefs as they cheered the
name of their leader.
Right ON the Stage.
The roll call was long and tedious owing
TO the number of substitutions.
After the calling of the roll John T. Len
ahan OF Wilkesoarre claimed several of
the delegates from Luzerne were not reg
uIariy elected, and were not entitled 10
seats Chairman Ermentrout refused to
recognize Lenahan. and declared the con-
Vention adjourned for an hour
John T. Murphy of Philadelphia a sec
rotary. grabbed the gavel from Ermen-
tout and attempted to preside Ermen
trout tried to recover the gavel and free
h5ht ensued on the stage. The police were
called l. TO quell the riot.
Murphy was finally elected from tho
stage. and The belligerents ordered to take
their seats. Nobody was injured in. the
scrlmmaSe. but much bad blood was en-
gendercd. The conv enton took a recess at
2 o'clock for an hour