The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-05-09
COUNCILS MUCH DIVIDED
LACK OF HARMONY IN THE PorU-
LIsTIC CONVENTION.
The Question of the Vice Presidency
Is One Upon which There Are Al
most ms Many Opinions as Dele
gates and Outcome Is Uncertain

gates ana outcome -
SIOUX FALLS, S. D., May S.The in
crease of delegates and the approach 10
the time of calling the national Popuilst
convention to order served to accentuate
the differences of opinion among the
delegates as TO the policy TO be pursued
with reference to the nomination of
candidate for the vice presidency, AS
time goes it becomes more and more evil
dent that this is practically the only
question which the convention will have
to decide, and 1t is occupying the atten-
ton alike of delegates and visitors so
exclusively as to render the situation
quite monotonous on that account. There
is occasional reference to the platform,
and it is understood few of the long,
headed leaders have been drawing up
plans and suggesting propositions for in
cooperating in the declaration of princi-
pies, but, while this is true, the great
ma jority of persons in attendance are
discussing the vice presidential problem
Most of the delegates In attendance
held conference this afternoon, but
none OF them which were not already de-
cided reached any definite conclusion.
where Differences Are Greatest.
The greatest difference of opinion among
the delegates from states Is shown in
the Nebraska, Kansas. Iowa and Mis-
souri, delegates Nebraska delegates feel
that they are in a peculiarly delicate po-
sition, because they are especially anx-
ious to subserve the interests of Mr..
Bryan. They held two meetings during
the day, but failed to reach conclusion,
and will meet again tomorrow morning
at 9 O'Clock for further consideration.
Allen Wants the Matter Referred.
Senator Allen, who may be considered
the leader of the delegation, as he is also
the especial champion of Mr.. Bryan, is
exercising himself especially to secure
that action which viii most certainly re-
dound. to Bryans benefit. majority
of the delegates from Nebraska are APP
parently favorable to the reference of
the whole question to a committee of
one from each state to be appointed to
confer with the Democrats at Kansas
City. and it is believed Senator Allen is
in accord with this sentiment. In his
exhortations to the delegations, he has
dwelt especially upon the importance of
avoiding the complication which the nom-
ination of Watson for vice president
caused in 1896. the inference being that
he believes that any nomination at this
time would be liable to cause a similar
complication in the coming campaign.
Butler and Pettigrew Diner.
In this position Senator Allen is sharply
antagonized by Senator Butler. of North
Carolina, and Senator Pettigrew, of this
state. 1t may be said, in fact, that the
United States senators who are present
are leading the conflicting opinions upon
this question, and it begins TO look il
they would carry their differences into the
convention itself
In case they do the convention will be
by no means monotonous affair. Thomas
NJ. Patterson, of the Colorado delegation.
Is a jealous supporter of the proposition
to name a committee on conference, and
not to nominate a vice presidential candi-
date. He is an experienced and tactful
parliamentarian and will bring much
strength to that side OF the controversy
in case it should be opened up in the con-
venton. The Colorado delegation num-
bering thirty-six members, held a meeting
today and unanimously decided to stand
out for conference report.
Many Are for TOwne.
One straw showing which way the wind
blows is found in vote which was taken
on the special train coming from Omaha
this morning. Two cars containing sixty
eight delegates were canvassed. and of the
sixty eight votes east tifty-eght were ia
vorable to Towne. There is a certain ele-
ment led by Gen. Weaver. OF Iowa. which
Is advocating the nomination of straight
Populist ticket. while there are others still
who express the opinion that II candi-
date other than a Populist is to be nomi-
mated he should be a man of Democratic
proclivities, SO as to be sure of his in
dorsement by the Democratic convention.
In this connection several of the Illinois
delegates have suggested ex-Vice Presi-
dent Adlai Stevenson.
There is also present a gentleman from
New York who is circulating very indus
triously among the delegates In the inter-
est of Congressman Sulzer. He assures
them that Mr.. Sulzer is in accord with
many of the Populist views and eloquent
ly pleads the cause OF his champion. The
friends of Mr.. Stevenson call attention
to the fact that he has not only once been
elected vice president. but he has also
made n record as greenbacker. Mr..
Townes supporters meet these arguments
by pointing to his record a silver adj
vocate. and assert that he would make a
campaign equal TO that of Bryan himself.
They are met on this point by the argu-
ment that the Democrats would never
accept him as a nominee because of his
Republican proclivitles
SIN Another scheme.
Still another proposition which has been
made and this Is advocated by Delegates
Washburn and Brown, of Massachusetts,
is that the convention should name sew
eral persons any of whom would be ac-
ceptable 10 the Populists as a vice presi-
Dental candidate, and appoint commit
tee to confer with the Democrats as 10
which OF them should be placed upon the
ticket This proposition Is apparently
gaining in favor. but Is not yet as strong
as either the suggestion In Townes be-
half or the one to avoid any nomination
whatever.
Trying to Put the Matter Over.
Some OF the delegates, notably those
from Nebraska and Missouri, are adj
,-ancinC the idea that the convention "a
a whole should adjourn Immediately upon
cnnvening. 20 meet in Kansas city on the
same day that the Democratic and silver
Republican parties conventions are 70
assemble there.