The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1898-04-21

Birmingham would capture the next state
convention.
Politicians by the hundred gathered in
squads on the street corners during the
early hours, laying the last plans. The ex-
ecutive committee convened at 10 o'clock
and the convention was not stated to as
semble until 12 O'Clock. The only business
before the executive committee was to form
recommendation in regard to the Lowndes
county contest case. 1t seems decided to
recommend that the w. C. Woods faction
be seated. This may mean that there will
be two candidates running before the peo-
pie of that county for probate judge and
claiming to be democrats. Strong efforts
are being made to harmonic matters and
this may be done in the convention, the
result of which will be told below.
When the executive committee adjourned
the multitude marched on to the capitol.
Up the hill they went and soon the corri-
dors of the state house held a writhing
mass of humanity. For some unaccountable
reason the doors were not opened until past
IL o'clock. The crowd became so restless
that they pounded their rs against the
doors like a crowd in front of a Bowery
theater striving to gain admittance to-the
peanut gallery" seats. 1t was almost
half hour past noon when the doors were
thrown open and the throng made rush.
The stream of humanity rushed through
the entrance way like the maddened waters
of the Mississippi going through crevasse.
part of the early bird 1t was soon discover
ed that there was not sufficient room for
the delegates to sit comfortably, let alone
to admit visitors on the lower floor. In
moment men were sitting In windows and
crouching in every available space. The
front rows of the gallery were filled with
beautiful girls for which Montgomery has
always been paid homage. In their spring
apparel they made a beautiful background,
nodding and smiling upon the stalwart sons
of democracy below.
Birmingham Stands a Good Show
More than one of the Jefferson delegates
mentioned Birminghams great auditorium,
while they scanned the hall for some va
want place for friend who had been given
a ticket of admittance. There were enough
comments of favorable nature to warrant
the belief that Birmingham will stand an
excellent chance to entertain the next state
convention.
The patience of the throng was almost
worn threadbare when Hon. John w. Tom
linson and Hon. John B. Knox entered from
side door. The two leaders of democracy
were enthusiastically sheered as they wend-
ed their way to the speakers stand. Mr..
Knox raped for order and the great hub
bub ceased in a moment.
Mr.. Knox then made ten minutes
speech, which was frequently punctuated
with outbursts of applause.
Before taking his seat Mr.. Knox pre-
sented the name of Hon. John w. Tom,in-
son for temporary chairman and Elmore
Garrett for temporary secretary. Amid
wave of applause they were elected unani-
mously.
In accepting the honor Mr.. Tomlinson
made an address of fifteen minutes dura-
tion in which he gave a clear and lucid
explanation of the monetary que stion,
drawing a striking similea in the fight for
suffering (abroad) and the fight for the
poverty stricken workman under the ban of
the gold standard in own land Every
reference to Bryan, Governor Johnston and
the Chicago platform was received with
demonstrations of approval. Mr. Tomlin on
said:
When introduced by Hon. John A. Knox
Mr. Tomlinson said:
after two years of eventful history, dur
ing which time great advancement has
been made throughout the nation towards
the ultimate triumph of true democratic
principles, is again assembled in state
convention the unwavering democracy of
Alabama.
"The democrats of the state could not
all convene here, but they have sent us
as their representatives to this convention,
and delegated to the authority to
cord their will. Need say what their will
is?
-"It is that this convention shall reaflrm
continuing allegiance to the eternal princi-
pies of democracy as declared in the Chi
cago platform. (Applause.) 1t is that we
shall commend the fearless fight made and
being made for the supremacy of these pr n
ciples by the great leader, William J. Bry-
an. (Applause)
Josinston's Administration
"No one will he found In This convention
to dispute that 1t Is also the will of the
democratic masses of this state that this
convention shall indoTse the truly demo-
cratic and thoroughly business adminsra-
tion of our state affairs by one of Aabama's
greatest governors. Joseph F. Johnston
(Applause)
"All agree that In his splendid admin
istration the doctrine of equal right to all
and special privileges to none has been
exemplified in every detail; that equality
before the law has been the guiding STAR
and that the burdens of government have
been placed, in fair proportion, on the
powerful as well as the weak, the rich as
well as the poor. Is -
How different at the national capital.
There the government is run exclusively in
the interest of the rich and powerful: there
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