Omaha daily bee., 1899-06-15
DEMOCRATS SURE OF PLACE
Peculiar Pennsylvania Law Gives Them a
Supreme Judgeship,
MANY CANDIDATES FOR COVETED PRIZE
Conventions strength is Divided
Among Dozen CRndidntes-Lights
of the Party Discuss Policy
for Coming Campaign.

HARRISBURG, Pa, June 14.-For the first
time in many years the democracy enters
upon state campaign assured OF the sue
cess Of at least a portion of its ticket. This
is due to the conditions governing the cleo
tion of two supreme court judges next No
vember to fill vacancies caused by the death
OF Judge Williams and the retirement OF
Chief Justice Sterrett next January. No
elector is entitled to vote for more than
one candidate for this office, and as there
will be two elected. each of the great par
ties will get one. Governor Stone will prob
ably appoint the democratic nominee as
judge as soon as his nomination is certified
to the State department in which event he
will rank the nominee of the republican
state convention, which will not meet until
August or September.
EX-Congressman Simon P. Woverton and
Superior Court Judge Smith of Scranton are
leading candidates. The selection of the
candidates for the offices of state treasurer
and superior court judge and the making Of
platform has been almost entirely lost
sight of in the struggle for supreme court
judge. Only few of the score of candi-
dates are here, but each has his political
manager, with a host of lieutenants and
shouters. The best of reeing seems to
prevail among the friends of the various
candidates and the rivalry thus far has been
very friendly Representative William T.
Creasey OF Columbus is almost certain of
the nomination for state treasurer. AIT in
dications point to a two days convention.
The platform as prepared by the executive
committee was adopted by the resolutions
committee motion to amend by making
straight-out declaration in favor OF the
Chicago platform was defeated.
The convention was called to order at 1910
p. m. by State Chairman Killing. Tenn
porary Chairman William NJ. Brinton of
Lancaster made a brief speech congratulate
ing the democracy on it's fight in 1896 and
| 1898. His mention Of the name OF William
]. Bryan as the great leader Of the
democracy was received with widest ap
plause. He said the democrats in the last
legislature made record of which they can
be proud. He predicted the election Of the
ticket next fall and If an election of gov
ernor were held this year the democrats
would win by 900 majority. He crit
icized the management of the treasury and
said the freedom of Cuba was due entirely
to the untiring efforts of the democratic
minority in congress.
John NJ. Garman Of Luzerne was chosen
chairman of the resolutions committee
Charles j. Riley of Lycoming was selected
by the organization committee for per-
!
The convention took a recess until 8
o'clock.
Foes Condemned, Friends Comm ndcd
When the convention reassembled at 3:l5
-peruiaoent organization was effected, GiLh
Charles j. Riley of Lycoming chairman. Mr..
Riley said:
The democrats of the state are awaiting
dignifed proclamation of the will of your
majority and the redemption of Pennsylvania
from a character of rule which is opposed to
the generous nature of institutions and sub
versive of the basic and fundame1tal prin-
ciples Of our civic existence"
He commended the democrats OF the last
legislature and charged the republicans with
failure to comply with the plain mandates
of the constitution by making unnecessary
proportionments," the neglect of the in
digent insane and the alarming prevalence of
such methods as puts a price on every
head and makes mercenary the youth and
life of our people,
Touching upon the history OF the demo-
cratic party he said
This great party gave us jefferson; it
gave us Jackson and a Hancock; it gave
us Tilden; it gave to us a Schley; it gave
us the matchless leader, William Jennings
Bryan"
The report Of the resolutions committee
was unanimously adopted.
Member Objects to Bryan.
James Cadwallader, jr., of Philadelphia
said that since William j. Bryan's name had
been mentioned in the platform he desired
to withdraw a delegate from the conven-
tion. Mr.. Cadwallader left the hall and John
McNenanim of Philadelphia was substituted.
The convention then proceeded TO the
nomination of candidates for supreme Judge
and the following names were placed John
M. Kennedy of Allegheny, Lucien w. Doty
of Westmoreland, James W. Ermentrout OF
Berkes, Herman Yerkes of Bucks, eX-Judge
David l.. Krebs Of Clearfeld, Dewitt c. De-
witt OF Towanda, o. b. Dickinson of Della
ware, George A. Allen of Erie, Judge Mes
terzat of Fayette Peter +. Smith of Lacka-
wanna, Edwin Albright of Lehigh and John
Lynch of Wilkesbarre C. Larue Munson OF
Williamsport Simon p. Wolverton OF Sun
bury, Judge o. p. Brecktel of Pottsville
Judge w. +. Bay Stewart of York and VIII
liam T.. Little OF Wyoming
The nominations then closed and the con-
vention proceeded to ballot the vote being
taken by counties.
After the eleventh ballot the convention at
| 1907 a. m. adjourned until 10 a. m.
EEATlInrC rnn nhnIo NnrtI