The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-08-16
IOWA KEYNOTE
Sounded by Democratic COnVen-
tiOn Is Bryan and Silver.

Des Moines Ia, Aug. 16.-Just before
the Democratic state convention open
ed it's session in the auditorium here
today Cato Sells who had been the
most prominent figure in the race for
the nomination for governor, withdrew
his name and declined 10 remain in the
fight. Sells unexpected action threw
the forces of his rivals into uncertain
ty and disorder and the delegates went
into the convention without the sus-
picion 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 Fred
ericI White who was the Democratic
nominee two years ago would receive
the support of Sells forces. 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 questioned
and he had apparently made no efforts
to place himself irretrieVably under the
16 to l banner. 1t is intimated that he
felt forced to withdraw owing to his
convictions that without Bryan's sup
port he could not be nominated. When
the convention assembled, every county
in the state was represented by dele
gates for the first time in five years.
The gathering was called to order ~
Chairman Fred Townsend Of Abba,
who spoke very briefly in introducing
Cato Sells, of Vinton, as temporary
chairman. Sells speech was awaited
with great interest by the delegates as
in it he was expected to avoW his posi-
ton on the silver question
The temporary chairman said in
part: Just what the Democratic Ma
tiOnal platform of 1900 will contain,
do not know, but firmly believe it will
be along the lines of the last platform
with such an indictment of the McKin-
ley regime for it's administration class
preferment and unconstitutional con-
duct as to insure the support of every
citizen who has been, is, or wants to be
a Jefferson Democrat.
''Bimetallism is as much a fundamen-
tai principle of Democracy as equality
of rights and this convention would be-
tray the party should it fail to declare
for the reinstatement of silver to its
legitimate place in the nations none
tary system. Until we have reached a
crisis in our national life, the money
trust industrial and patriotic trust
have masked in the false garb of 'des-
tiny for a desperate attack. 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 ar
ray. 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
requirement
Our commander is Democracy's
greatest leader. the able, fearless and
incOrruptible champion of equal rights
and human Hberty-the modern Thorn
as Jefferson-Wm. Jennings Bryan"
After the mild sensation caused by
Sells appearance and address had sub
sided, the delegates settled down to
rapid work. S. Morrissey of Shelby was
chosen secretary. District committee
reports were received and a recess was
taken until O'Clock
The general impression among the
delegates was that NJ. L. Bevis, of
Tama, would have little opposition in
his contest for the nomination for lieu
tenant governor. Prof. Hoist of Boone
was the only avowed candidate for
nomination of state superintendent of
public instruction.