Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-06-05
WILL INQ0RSFBRYAN'
But New York Democrats Are Divid-
ed Over Chicago Platform.
HILL LEADS The OPPOSITION
Silver Men, However, Seem to Be
in a Majority.
NORMAN MACK THE LEADER

NEW YORK June 5.-The democratic
state convention met in the Academy of
Music today. Prior to the meeting of the
convention every precaution was taken by
the leaders to avoid any appearance of
friction in the proceedings. To this end
there had been prepared q resolution pro-
v!ding THAT all resolutions offered by any
delegate to the convention shall be referred
to the committee on resolutions without de-
bate"
There seemed to be a general opinion that
the question of Endorsement of the Chicago
platform was not quite settled, but that it
would have to be definitely acted upon be-
fore the afternoon session convened. 1t
was. however. apparent that the indorse-
ment of VIM. ]. Bryan by instructing the
delegates was decided upon.
Among the Chicago platform people, who
seemed to numerically exceed their oppo-
nents. it was said that, resolution or no
resolution, they would force a vote on an
Endorsement Of the 1896 platform; and, act
Ing on this statement. the leaders consulted
together the greater part of the morning
Senator Hill led the fight against indorse-
ment and urged that a conservative plat
form be adopted. arguing that the instruct
ing of the delegates to vote for Bryan was
practical Endorsement of his platform and
that there was no need of the party in the
state binding itself by further resolution
Everything hinged on the Tammany vote,
and 1t was alleged that the latest attitude
of that branch of the party was for the
ratification of the 1896 platform.
Question to Come Up Later
1t was promised. however, that the ques-
ton would not be injected into the early
session of the convention, but would be
argued before the platform committee, and.
If rejected thera tol- into
ton.
Eleven o'clock, the hour set for the con-
vention. found but a small portion of the
delegates listening to the music of the
band. The stage filled up quite rapidly,
and occasionally there was ripple of ap-
plause when some notable entered.
The first delegations to arrive brought
news that the majority of the leaders, in
sentative, had decided that an Endorsement
of VIM. ]. Bryan, by instructing the dele
gates to vote for him at Kansas City, was
sufficient Endorsement of the principles
enunciated at Chicago in 1896, without
having a platform Endorsement. and that
conservative platform would be best.
Norman E. Mack of the Erie county dele
CATION said that if the platform did not re-
affirm the principles enunciated at Chicago
his delegation would make fight in the
committee on platform. and if defeated
there would present a minority report to
the convention and fight for it on the floor
of the convention. Mr.. Mack said that at
least forty counties We're for the indorSe
ment of the Chicago platform, and that the
alliance of Senators Hill and Murphy with
Tammany and Kings would be the only
thing that could beat them. Senator Muir
ply told him that the best sentiment
seemed to think that the conventions in
dorsement of Mr.. Bryan should be suffi-
Gent.
Silver Mems Resolution.
This news set the silver men on edge,
and they industriously circulated the fol-
lowing resolution:
Resolved, That the democratic party of
the empire state, in convention duly assem-
bled. hereby recognizes the platform adopt
ed at Chicago in 1876 the fundamental
law of the party, and We declare it to be
the duty of every loyal democrat to stand
by and upon that platform until 1t is al
tered by another national convention
j. I. Norton Temporary Chairman.
The convention was called to order at
11:45 am. by Frank Campbell, chairman
Of the state central committee who an
nounced the selection of John r. Norton of
Troy for temporary chairman. In the
course Of his speech on assuming the chair
Mr.. Norton said that "in the state of New
York today the great danger which men
aces the welfare of the people is their be-
trayal by their public servants The legiS-
lature is dominated by one man.
This man he said was Senator Plat. He
also accused Gov. Roosevelt of violating
ante-election pledges. Such degradation of
a high office. Mr.. Norton said, could not
have taken place had the incumbent been
such man Samuel J. Tilden Grover
Cleveland. David B. Hill or Roswell p.
Flower
The allusion to Hits democracy called
forth the greatest enthusiasm of the day,
and as it dying out voice in the gal
terry asked: What kind of democracy"
And several others answered Cold Gold!
Gold!
AT the conclusion of Mr.. NOrton's speech
the roll of delegates was called, and then
the customary resolutions. including one
providing for the reference of all resolu-
tons to a committee, were introduced and
adopted. The one specifically mentioned
above was introduced by Mr. Mack. the
Chicago platform leader from Erie county.
The convention took recess until pm.