The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-06-30
In KentuckyD Democratic
Convention.
A DAY OF Wild DISORDER
The Minority, by Creating Confusion,
Attempt to Prevent q Ballot for Gu.
bernaIorfaI Candidate Being Taken.
They are Successful for Many Hourx.
Two Unsuccessful Ballots Taken.
Narrow Escape From n General Row.
GoebeI i'm the Lead.

Goebel In the Lead.
Louisville, KY, June ga continu-
Gus performance OF bowling farce last
ing eight hours, a rare vocal enter
tainment with ~soloists and chorus of
several hundred voices. defamation
UP the programme of the sixth days
session of the democratic state conven-
ton and it narrowly escaped winding
up in an exhibition OF pugilism and
craftsmanship.
From 10 o'clock until 6 O'Clock today
Central Music hall contained without
doubt the most u~proarious and discor-
derby body of men that ever gathered
together for the transaction of politi-
cal or other business.
Angered by what they considered an
arbitrary ruling of the chair, in refus-
ing to allow an appeal from his decis-
ion declaring out of order a motion to
remove policemen from the hall, over
half the delegates set about with all the
energy they could command to prevent
by d~eafening noise, the transaction of
any further business until they secur-
ed a final vote On this appeal. This
plan was successfully carried out until
8 o'clock this evening, when, princi-
pally because of utter physical ex-
haustion, the filibusters allowed them
selves to be Outwltted and the ballot on
nomination for governor, which the
chair had ordered early in the morn
ing n a tried repeatedly to pro-
coed with, vas concluded by having
the county chairmen, or as many as
would come to the stage and yell their
votes to the clerk, who at a distance
of a few nch was able to catch the
figures.
Before they fairly realized it they
were beaten and a second ballot was
reached, this time with less tribulation.
These two ballots, both fruitless, repre-
sent h days work of the convention.
After they were completed all were
glad enough to adjourn until 10 O'Clock
tomorrow morning.
Behind this spectacular entertain
ment the three candidates for governor
worked like beavers. Today it was
clearly Goebel against the field and
n Fenton county leader, cold and
nerveless as ever, has successfully de-
fled his two opponents to combine and
beat him. They may do it yet, but so
far they have shown themselves Woe
fully lacking in their ability to throw
their vote in any n direction or to
keep it silent when their managers
deemed it best that no votes be cast.
Goebel controls the organization of the
convention n through it the state
central committee, but at present the
fight is as open and as fierce as it has
been at any time.
Many delegates, weary after last
weeks excitement or at the end Of
their allowance for expense account,
have gone home. What effect this will
have on the contest is an open ques-
ton, but it has seriously alarmed many
of the candidates for minor offices.
The chairman'S efforts to secure a
roll call on the nomination for gov
ernor, after the convention convened
developed a season of excited speech
making.
Then came a deafening chorus Of
sing-song yells, the chairman beating
time con fuoco with his gavel. After
several minutes Of this pandemonium,
a facetious delegate arose.
Gentlemen" he said, after strug-
Cling some time to make himself
heard, there seems to be a general
disposition to sing. Why not let US
sing together, let us sing Praise God
from Whom all Blessings Flow"
A wave of laughter swept yer the
hall. hen all caught up the strain and
liz ISilll was sung III
that made it sound weired and uncan-
ny, not indicative Of peace and good
will.
But sacred music never a a less
soothing influence and another attempt
to start the roll call was hOwled down.
At this juncture a delegate rushed to-
ward the stage. Immediately in front
of the chairman stood a line OF blue
coats. The excited delegate began to
d%enounce the police, the chairman
and things generally. An officer laid
his hands on the disturber's shoulders.
The convention arose as one man and
a dangerous movement to the front OF
the house began. Every delegate was
on his feet and wildly excited. n
ge~sticulating, noisy mass surgeo Tor,
ward, pushing back the police and
crowding them against the stage. Four
of the ~dissidents with presence OF mind
took possession Of the disturper and
hustled him out Of the way.
The police who had stoically list
ening to all sorts of denunciation for
an hour, evidently took the matter Sc
riously. One of them. Captain Maher,
] pulled his revolver. His intention prob
ably was to protect Chairman Red
wine, who had made his way to the
rear of the stage. At any rate the
crowd did not catch sight or the
! weapon or the convention might have
developed what has Deen mOTfeHLdTlIy
feared for nearly a week-a general
fight.
The cause of the disturbance remov-
ed, comparative silence, and that was
not deathlike, was restored.
One delegate shouted: MI. Cnalr-
man. I move the convention adjourn To
meet some future date in
Clay county, Kentucky"
A Hardin leader in front OF the stage
asked the chairman if he would call
the roll on the appeal.
mo sir" came the determined an
| swer.
My Country, IT'S OF Thee" began
the crowd, and for five MINUTES the
! convention took part in an admirable
!! rendition Of International anthem. Pa
triotic music had even a less quletine
effect than religious. My Old Ken
lucky Home" followed, n the gath
ering became personal. Hang Red
wine on a Sour Apple Tree, they
chanted.
Meanwhile, the chairman reclined In
his easy chair, his elbow on the table
with head resting on his hand tanning
himself complacently.
In order to rest their vocal organ
the delegates started a round OF whis-