The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1899-08-17
Most Prominent of the Iowa Dem.
ocratic Gubernatorial Candi.
date Withdraws.
Announcement Made Just Before
Convention Met and Was q
Surprise.
Believed He Could Not Succeed
Without the Influence Of the
Bryan Men.

DEs MONIES, Ia. Aug. l7.-Just be-
lore the Democratic state convention |
opened its 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
hight. Sells unexpected action threw
She forces Of his rivals into disorder and
confusion, and the delegates went into
the convention without the suspicion OF
slate and with the outcome of the
race for the head Of the ticket very
much in doubt. 1t 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 lG to banner. 1t is intimated
that he felt forced 10 withdraw owing
10 his conviction that without Bryans
support he could not be nominated.
| When the convention assem- bled 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 II
he was expected to avow his position on
the silver question.
In his address Sells said in part:
Jus; what the Democratic national
! platform Of 1870 will contain. do not
/ know. but firmly believe that IL will be
| along the lines Of the last platform. with
| such an indictment of the Mckinley
| regime for its maladministration, clas.
| yreiermcnt. and unconstitutional conduct
| us TO insure the support OF every citlze.
| who has been, Is. or wants to bc Jener
sonian Democrat.
"Bimetallism Is as much Fundamental
| principle Of Democracy as equality O
, rights. aud this convention would betra!
the par,y should II fail to declare for III,
| reinstatement OF silver to its legitimate
place in the nation monetary system.
| We have reached crisis in our ma
,ional life The declaration OF independ
| once. federal constitution and Monroe
doctrine are being dcyoured by avariciou
cannihals he money trust. industrial
trusts and patriotic trust have masked II
the false garb destiny for desperate at
tack.
The state and national campaigns upol
which we are about to enter Will be III
turning point for the republic. and il
reople. The armies are forming in bait!
array. The call for enlistment has beef
made. l, is not what You have been, bu
wha, YOU are now that puts your nam
on the muster roll. Loyalty TO the caus
fer which we fight is the only requir,
ncnt.
our commander is Democracy's grea'
. -, lca,ler--,he able, fearless and incol
ruu,ible champion Of equal rights an
human lihcrty-thc modern Thomas Jei
,,r.on-W William Jennings Bryan.
After the mild sensation caused b
Sells appearance and address had sui
i. sided, the delegates settled down
, ronid work. $. Morrissey OF Shelb
was chosen secretary. District com
. mittee reports were received and n
cess was taken until 2 o'clock.
The general impression among tn
| delegates was that NJ. l.. Bevis OF Tam
) woulthave little opposition in his col
test for the nomination for lieutenai
, Governor. Professor Hoist OF Boon
was the only avowed candidate for III
nomination Of state superintendent
public instruction.