The San Francisco call., 1899-06-22
observation-disclosures

LOUISVILLE, Ky. June 21.-The first
law of heaven had little to do with the
regulation Of to-day's proceedings Of
the Democratic State convention. On
the contrary order gave place to great
confusion, and after sweltering through
nearly eight hours of tedious hearing
of contests the convention, without
nominating a chairman. adjourned un-
I'll evening in a whirlwind of chairs,
fans, tally sheets and reporters copy.
Fortunately no one was hurt
This finale was as unexpected as it
was lively. The sweltering, packed-in.
jammed-together mass of delegates,
politicians and onlockers had yelled it
self hoarse, famed itself pallid 1t was
more in humOr to do justice to a din
ner than priZe-fight.
Feeling was at high tension over an
argument that was in progress before
chairman Johnston over the contested
delegation from Kenton County, the
home Of William Goebel, one Of the
leading candidates for Governor. Con-
gresham Ellis Of the Sixth District a
venerable gentleman of much vehe-
mence, was elOquently presenting the
fOebel side Of the case. and was being
interrupted at short intervals by noisy
demonstrations of approval. AS much
OF THIS interference came from the
stage, which was crowded with candi-
dates. guests. officers of the convention
and newspaper men, Chairman John
ston announced that the platform would
ne cleared at the next Interruption A
2OO-pound ruralite, little the worse for
his political and spirituous excitement.
mounted chair and challenged Major
Johnston to carry out his threat. an
nOuncing incidentally that force would
be necessary in his case Quick as a
flash jim Williams started from the
front of the stage for the intruder in a
businesSlike way. Williams is a iovial
character of some repute in gunnery.
and his activity was the signal for a
stampede toward the exits Almost
everybody was standing on a chair
when the affair occurred. and the re-
suit was a general scramble to get out
or the way OF general disarrange-
ment Of furniture Half a dozen men
surrounded each Of the belligerents and
the disturber was hustled out. Not.
however, until the crowd had cleared a
space in the middle of the stage about
thirty feet in diameter. having a fringe
OF huddled humanity around the edge.
crouched in corners or behind shelter
ing walls. AS no weapon was drawn
this struck the humor Of the crowd and
quiet was restored but meanwhile
Chairman Johnston had declared the
convention adjourned until evening.
Aside from this incident the day's
session was dull mOnOtOnV varied
only by an occasional heated discussion
between heads of rival delegations or
an outburst Of applause as one or an
other candidate scored an advantage in
the roll call for temporary chairman
For this position the Stone GoebeI
combination nominated Judge David B.
RedWine Of Breathett County, while
the Hardin men named Hon. w. Fl
Sweeney Of Marion County When the
roll had been called once Redwine had
54012 of the votes and Sweeney 42S1h
but $50 votes had been passed on ac
count Of contests. These were taken
up by counties, and Chairman Johnston
Of the State Central Committee heard
arguments by both sides before recog-
nizing a contested delegation. This
consumed the entire days session and
caused changes which left the vote at
adjournment as follows: Redwine.
5691a: Sweeney, 5281a.
When the convention got together
this evening Chairman Johnston took
the KentOn County contest under ad-
visement after which he decided in
favor Of the regular delegates in two
districts and threw out the third
Johnston then announced the result of
the ballot for temporary chairman, de-
claring Redwine elected by a vote of
551 90 to 529 1-6 for Sweeney. This
marked the success of the first step in
the Stone-Goebel combination. The an
nOuncement was received with tumult-
uous applause. Judge Redwine made a
brief speech Of thanks to the conven-
tfon and assumed the chair. After en-
powering the chairman TO appoint COM
mittee members of the State at large
the convention adjourned until to-
morrow morning