Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-06-24
ALMOST A RIOT
Instead of Harmonious Meet
ing of Kentucky Democrats.
Louisville Convention I'm the Hands
of Cutthroats and Assassins."
Fierce Fight Between the Hardinites and
Stone Goebel Followers.

LOUISVILLE, June 23.-fOr the tnlrd
time in as many days the Democratic
state convention. tonight. broke up in
disorder Ii will enter upon the fourth
day Of its sessions, tomorrow, without
accomplishing anything more than
temporary organization.
The report OF the committee on ere
dentials was reached in the order of
business. tonight, but its consideration
was prevented by the disturbing infu-
ence of persons who were admitted to
the floor Of the convention though not
entitled to seats.
The Hardin people place the respon-
sibility for this on local sympathzers
with the Stcne-Goebel combination, but
the latter candidates disclaim all
knowledge Of an attempt to pack the
convention and declare the disturbance
was due to loose methods Of the ar
rangement committee.
What influence the occurrence Will
have on the chances Of the candidates
can hardly be foretold, but Hardin is
most likely to profit by it,
1t is thought the convention viii get
down to work in earnest, tomorrow.
cables, which had been securely placed
in the hands Of Temporary Chairman
Redwine by the Stone-Goebel combina-
ton, the Democratic ship loosened
her moOrings and for half an
hour floundered about rudderless.
When the chairman, for the
fourth consecutive time since Wednes-
day night, declared the state conven-
tion adjourned. after a viva voce vote.
which his opponents declare was too
close to be determined in that manner
and had refused the call tof the coun-
ties as demanded by them they We're
primed for an explosion.
Judge Redwine left his seat. but not
50 the delegates. The Hardinites We're
wrought up to a high tension The
Goebel-Stone followers remained in the
hall and u ia4- with their cheers to
drown the yells of the opposition
Rumors Of a possible bolt had cir
culated all day. Indeed meeting had
been held, earlier in the afternoon. in
ncighbOring nall at which a number
Nj disgruntled delegates principally
the Hardin Louisville delegates who
expected to be unseated. had aJtuT7tr-rii
resolutions Of protest against the al
legged arbitrary rulings Of Chairman
RedWine. This added to the already
bitter feeling among the followers Of
three gubernatorial candidates.
When the noise and confusion had
lasted about u minutes. Charles Bron-
ston. Hardiuite. mounted the stage.
he had great difficulty in making him
self heard ana when he did his words
added fuel to the flames.
THE body | love better than life
itself" he exclaimed at the top of his
voice. lis in the hands of cut threats
and assassins."
The crowd was on its feet waving
hats. canes. fans ana handkerchiefs
and yelling like mad. the minority in
approval ana the Stone Goebel people
trying to cry down The battle of
voices ragged for several minutes. Bron-
Ston then resumed. hut his voice was
lost in the storm OF ye,ls. He contin-
ued to talk to those nearest to him but
only few could catch word here and |
there. When he made himself heard |
again, after five or 10 minutes. he con- |
tinued in a more cOnciliatory vein.
But we must ne patient said he. |
'"liIS pdCh Ut D CLOCK ana let us set |
tie our differences in this hall. If this |
is again declared adjourned |
without regard to the rights of the |
delegates we Will elect another chair |
man and proceed with the business
that brought US here"
This brought cheers from both sides
and after several minutes of gradually
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