Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-11-21
THE DEMOCRATIC CAMPAIGN

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Practically Inaugurated at Chicago,
Yesterday Afternoon,
WHEN THE EXECUTIVE COMMIT
TEE CONVENED AT THE SHEER
MAN HOUSE WITH A LARGE
ATTENDANCE - CHI AIRMAN
JONES PRESIDED-AiTs. BRYAN
NOT PRESENT-THE SESSION
WILL BE CONTINUED TO-DAY.
CHICAGO, Novembe 20.-The Demo-
cratic National campaign for 1900 was
practically inaugurated to-day when the
members of the National Democratic
Executive Committee met in secret ses-
sion at the Sherman House. Nearly
every member of the committee was
present when the session was called
to order by Senator j. K. Jones. of
Arkansas, chairman, the only absentees
being former Governor J.. Stone, Of
Missouri, and T. D. O'Brien, of Min
nesota. 1t was said, however, that they
were expected to arrive during the
day, although the absenceof Governor
Stone caused some comment. Those
present were Chairman Jones. Vice
Chairman J. G.. Johnson, of Kansas;
Secretary G.. A. Walsh, of Iowa: H. d..
Clayton, Alabama; Thomas Gahan, Ill
inois; J. G. Shanklin, Indiana; d. j.
Campau, Michigan; w. II. Thompson,
Nebraska; J. NJ. Guffey, Pennsylvania;
Edwin A. Price. of Nashville. Tenn,
held a proxy for Committeeman Head,
of that State, while Norman Mack, Of
Buffalo, N Y, held a proxy from
George Fred Williams. of Massachu-
sets.
A number of other prominent DEM
ocratic leaders were also in attendance
on the meeting. This was the first
meeting of the committee held since
the recent elections and although only
routine business, including the naming
of place and date for meeting Of the
full Democratic Committee, was stated
to be the object of the meeting it was
the general feeling that the general
scope and character of the methods TO
be pursued in the coming Presidential
campaign would be practically outlined
before the meeting came to a close.
There is one thing certain" said
Chairman Jones; "the meeting will at
firm the Chicago platform. At this
time everything is favorable for the
Democrats"
1t was expected that VIM. ]. Bryan
would be present at to-day's meeting,
but according to a telegram received
yesterday he will not be able to attend
Vice Chairman Johnson. of Kansas,
said that considerable time would be de-
voted to a discussion of the general sit
uation as indicated by the recent cleo
tons held in various States.
Committeeman Gahan was emphatic
in his declaration that the national
campaign of 1900 would be directed
from Chicago as in 1896, and any move
ment looking toward change would
be strongly fought.
A warm contest for the honor of en-
tertaining the Democratic Presidential
convention in 1900, was indicated by the
delegations present to urge the advan-
tages of their respective cities. Mil
waukee had big delegation present,
while delegations were also present
from Kansas City and Cincinnati.
The committee had been in session
but a short time when Congressman
William J. Sulzer, of New York, who is
a prominent candidate for the minority
leadership in the House Of Representa-
tives, was called into the conference.
Mr.. Sulzer went over the New York POI
litical situation thoroughly and made
the statement that the New York dele
cation to the national convention would
be for w. ]. Bryan for President. He
also expressed the opinion that with a
strong antitrust plank in the Demo-
cratic platform success could be looked
for in the election in New York State,
as the sentiment against the trusts was
extremely strong. Shortly before one
o'clock the committee took a recess
until two o'clock. It was then appar-
ent that the work of the committee
would hardly be finished before to-mor-
row noon. Some surprise was caused
by the appearance in the committee
rooms before the meeting was called Of
former Governor John P. Altgeld, Of
Illinois. The Governor was warmly
greeted by Senator Jones and others Of
the executive committee.
National Committeeman Trey Wood
son, of Kentucky, who was present to-
day at the meeting Of the Democratic
national executive committee, said
there was no doubt that the State board
of elections of Kentucky would award
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