The age-herald., 1898-10-05
FREE SILVER
 THE KEYNOTE Democrats of Massachusetts h. dOrse the Chicago Platform BRUCE NAMED FOR GOVERNOR w. J. Bryan and Geo. F. Williams EuIogized in Resolutions. THE ADMINISTRATION SCORED Military Conduct of the War a StIg-
 ma on Our History. SOLDIERS WERE WITHOUT FOOD Placed Under Incompetent Command CTS, They Were Left to Suffer and
 Die With Undressed w Wounds
 and Burning Fever.
Military Conduct of the War StIg-
 ma on Our History.
SOLDIERS WERE WITHOUT FOOD

Worcester, Mass, October 4.-The demo- cratic state convention opened today in Mechanics 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 en- tirely lacking today and the proceedings were, as rule of the most harmonious nature. This was principally due to the fact that those who still oppose the leaders now in authority had decided to wait an- other year before again attempting to ob- tain control of the party machinery.
 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 Cha rman Callahan addressed the convention.
 Nr. Callahan put silver strongly to the fere and denied republican assertions of prosperity under the present standard. He denounced the administration for plotting to steal from the Cuban people their inde- pendence and opposed the retention of the Philippines.
 At the conclusion of MT. Callahan's speech the committees on credentials and permanent organization reported. Philip J. Doherty was made permanent chairman and escorted to the platform where he was received with applause.
 Chicago Platform Affirmed
 The democracy of Massachusetts endorses and reafirms with emphasis and profound conviction the great and patriotic platform of the principles adopted by the party in na- tional convention at Chicago in 1896.
 Then comes denunciation of the republic can party's record bimetallism and statement that the business of the country is in a more deplorable condition than in 1 S96 It is followed by a demand for free coinage. The platform had this to say of the con- duct of the war:
 '"The military administra tion during the recent war has been a stigma on the his tory of the republic and a disgrace to civ iization. The army which sprang into ex- istence has been made the prey of incom- petents and favorites, who have fattened on the sorrows of American soldiers. The the West Indies were left without adequate food, medicines or surgical assistance.
 Left to Suffer and Die
 "They were put under incompetent com- manders and were left to suffer and die with undressed wounds and burning fever. Hundreds of their comrades who returned alive have come back emaciated and ghost ly to stagger through the streets as living witnesses against those who were respon- sible for their sufferings We demand that a thorough investigation by congress, not by administration committees organized to acquit, shall expose the guilty and drive them mercilessly from the office which they have disgraced.''
 The platform concluded by strongly en- dorsing Bryan and George Fred Williams.
 Nominations were then in order, most of the candidates being selected by acclama- tion.
 The ticket nominated is as follows
 Governor-Alexander B. Bruce, of Wor- cester.
 Lieutenant Governor-Edward J. slattery, of Birmingham
 Secretary of the Commonwealth-Har L. Lloyd, Boston.
 Treasurer and Receiver-General Pierre Bonvoulier, of Hoyoke
 Auditor-Charles F. Parker, of Boston
 Attorney-Patrick F. Kilroy, of Spring. field.
 Conflict of Orders