The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1899-08-17
:. Most 1'ss' Prominent ?: Of the Iowa Dem
: socratic Gubernatorial Candi-
date WithdraWs.
Announcement Made Just Before
r.
Convention Met and Was a
Surprise.
Believed He Could Not Succeed
Without the Influence Of the
Bryan Men.

Dies MONIES, Ia, Aug. 17.-Just be-
tore the Democratic state convention
opened it's session in the Auditorium
here, Cato Sells, who had been the most
prominent figure in the race for the
nomination of governor, withdrew his
name and declined to remain in the
fight. Sells unexpected action threw
the forces of his rivals into disorder and
confusion, and the delegates went into
the convention without the suspicion of
a slate and with the outcome Of the
race for the head Of the ticket very
much in doubt. It was stated by many
of Sells supporters that Frederick
White, who was the Democratic nomi-
nee two years ago, would receive the
support of Sells forces.
Why Sells Withdrew.
Sells withdrawal is regarded by
many of the party leaders as proof of
the absolute control of the Iowa state
Democracy by w. j. Bryan. Sells free
silver views have been seriously ques-
toned and he had apparently made no
effort to place himself irretrievably un-
der the 16 to banner. It is intimated
that he felt forced to withdraw owing
to his conviction that without Bryan's
support he could not be nominated.
When the convention assembled every
county in the state was represented by
delegates, for the first time in five years.
The gathering was called to order by
Chairman Reed Townsend of Abba,
who spoke very briefly in introducing
Cato Sells of Vinton as temporary chair
man. Sells speech was awaited with
great interest by the delegates as in it
he was expected to avow his position on
the silver question.
In his address Sells said in part:
Just what the Democratic national
platform OF 1900 will contain, do not
know, but 1 firmly believe that it will be
along the lines OF the last platform, with
such an Indictment of the Mckinley
regime for its NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS., class
preferment, and unconstitutional conduct
as to insure the support of every citizen
who has been, is, or wants to be a Jeffer-
sonian Democrat.
"Bimetallism is as much fundamental
principle of Democracy as equality Of
rights, and this convention would betray
the party should it fail to declare for the
reinstatement of silver torits legitimate
place in the nations monetary system.
I'VE have reached crisis in our ma
tional life. The declaration of independ-
ence, federal constitution and Monroe
doctrine are being devoured by avaricious
cannibals. The money trust industrial
trusts and patriotic trust have masked in
the false garb destiny for desperate at
tack
1.-The state and national campaigns upon
Which we are about to enter will be the
turning point for the republic, and it's
people. The armies are forming in battle
array. The call for enlistment has been
made. 1t is not what you have been, but
what you are now that puts your name
on the muster roll. Loyalty to the cause
for which we fight is the only require
ment
Our commander is Democracy's great
est leader-the able fearless and incor-
ruptible champion of equal rights and
human liberty-the modern Thomas JET
ferson-William Jennings Bryan
After the mild sensation caused bv
Sells appearance and address had SUBJ
sided, the delegates settled down to
rapid work. S. Morrissey Of Shelby
was chosen secretary. District COM
mittee reports were received and re-
cess was taken until 2 o'clock.
The general impression among the
delegates was that M. L. Bevis of Tama
would have little opposition in his con!
test for the nomination for lieutenant
governor. Professor Hoist of Boone
was the only avowed candidate for the
nomination of state superintendent of
public instruction.