The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-10-05
PROSPERITY
is A MYTH.
Massachusetts, Democrats Deny
Its Existence.
Stand by the Chicago Platform
and Declare
FOR SILVER Is TO L
FOR SILVER Is TO 1
DenOunce Conduct of the War
In SeVerest Terms
And Endorse Bryan and George
Fred Williams.

Worcester, Mass, Oct. 5.-The Demo-
cratic state convention opened in Me-
chanic's hall with little of that excite
ment attending it which for the past two
or three years has been the feature of the
meeting of the leaders of the party in this
state. Warning elements were entirely
lacking and the proceedings were, as
rule, of the most harmonious nature.
c. J. Callahan, chairman of the state
committee, called the convention to order.
The chairman and secretary of the state
committee were made temporary officers
of the convention and the regular commit
tees were appointed, after which Chair
man Callahan addressed the convention.
Mr.. Callahan put silver strongly to the
fore and denied Republican assertions of
prosperity under the present standard He
denounced the administration for plotting
to steal from the Cuban people their in
dependence and opposed retention Of the
Philippines.
At the conclusion of Mr.. CaIIahan's
speech the committees on credentials and
permanent organization reported. Philip
J. Doherty was made permanent chairman
and was escorted to the stage, where he
was received with applause.
The platform, in part is as follows:
1.-The Democracy of Massa chusetts in
doses and reaffirms with emphasis the
statement that the business Of the country
is in more deplOrable state than in 1896"
This is followed by a demand for silver
coinage, in these words:
THE Democratic party with a convic-
ton and persistency which has now been
confirmed by the experience of two addi-
tional years of disaster, again demands
the return to bimetallism by restoring sill
yer and gold to coinage at the ratio which
was maintained during so many prosper
Gus years in the history of our country,
the ratio of 16 to IL
A declaration is made that the country
should follow the policy of Washington
as announced in his farewell address; that
we should cultivate friendly relations with
all nations and entangling alliances with
none. In following this policy, the Demo-
cratic party of Massachusetts declares its
uncOmpromising opposition to imperial
ism, whether within or without the do
main of the United States
The platform had this to say of the con-
1.-The military administration during the
recent war has been a stigma upon the
history of the republic and a disgrace to
clElIzauOn. The army which sprang into
existence has been made the prey of in
cOmpetents and favOrites who have fat
tened on the sorrows Of the American SOL
diers. The brave men who fought our
battles in the West Indies were left with
out. adequate food, medicine or surgical
They were put under incompetent com
manders ana LEFT to suffer and die with
undressed wounds and burning fevers.
turned alive have come BACK emaciated
and CHASTITY to stagger through the streets
as living witnesses against those who were
mand that a thorough investigation by
congress- not by an administrative com
mission ganized to acquit, shall expose
the guilty and drive them mercilessly from
the Offices which they have disgraced.''
Nominations were made by reclamation,
as follows:
For Observation-Disclosures B. Bruce of
Worcester.
Lieutenant Observation-Disclosures ]. Stat
terry of F'ramin CHAM.
Secretary of commonwealth - Henry
Lloyd of Boston.
Urea surer and receiverGeneraI Pierre
BcnvOulier of Holyoke.
Auditor-Charles E. Barker of Boston
Attorney-Patrick F. Kilroy of Spring