Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1900-06-07
From a Staff Correspondent.


PARKERSBURG, June 6.-The big
gest and most good naturedly noisy
convention ever held by the Demo-
Gratis of West Virginia, adjourned
early this morning after naming Judge
John H. Holt for Governor. The del
egates will re-assemble this morning
to complete the ticket. 1t was a day
of intense excitement 1t was sup
pressed during the morning, manifest
ed itself mildly during the afternoon,
and eliminated tonight in scenes of
unparalleled noise and confusion and
enthusiasm in the big wigwam.
1t is a convention of representative
Democrats. Although marked by a
stubborn struggle tonight over the
head of the ticket, it was an honest
division of sentiment relative to men,
beneath which was the under-current
favorable to doing that which is best
to promote harmony IN the party
ranks.
The wigwam was fairly congested
with humanity tonight and the at
mosphere was oppressive in spite of
the excellent provisions for ventila-
ton. Wood county citizens who were
favored with tickets of admission
crowded into every available inch of
space, while the Parkersburg ladies,
loyal to Judge Tavenner, turned out in
such numbers that there was not suf-
ficient room upon the immense plat
form to accommodate ALL The Tav-
enner rooters had a corner on the en-
thusiasm, and there were noisy dem
onstrations upon the slightest provo
cation, all of which Judge Hollis
friends construed as an effort to stam-
pede the convention to Tavenner. The
nominating speeches were magnificent
efforts, made by the most brilliant
and brainy leaders of the party in the
State. Mr.. Walkers address, in par
ticular, was a veritable gem or ora
tory. Judge Hollis friends claimed
to have had the situation we'll in hand
at all times, and some of them assert
ed that their full strength was not dis
played because there was no occasion
for it.
After the nomipation of Judge Holt
had been announced Hon. E. NJ Gilke-
son, of Parkersburg, made a very
gracious and happy little speech in
moving TO make the nomination by ac-
clamation. Mr.. Gilkeson, General st.
Clair and ex-Congressman Anderson
escorted the nominee to the stage of
the wigwam, and he was rendered a
perfect ovation. He addressed the del
egates for about half an hour, after
which the convention adjourned until
this morning.
The nomination of Judge Holt was
somewhat disappointing to a majority
of the Ohio county delegation. When
the time came for showing their hands
they gave Judge Tavenner virtually the
solid vote of the county. This was
largely due to the fact that Tavenner
has maintained a more friendly atti-
tude toward the candidacy of Joseph
Handlan than has Holt Many men,
bers of the delegation express the fear
that the Holt strength will be voted
solidly for Miller. Handlan stock has
unquestionably gone away up during
the day, however. The Panhandle
delegates have worked zealously in be-
half of the Ohio county man, and it
has been work of nature that counts.
Handlan has gained ground steadily,
and his friends still hope that he will
secure the nomination. although it is
generally conceded that the chances
favor Miller. What will happen before
the delegates convene this morning is
purely a matter of conjecture.
THE OPENING SCENES.
The big wigwam at Seventh street
began to fill up about 1880 o'clock.
The delegates came in slowly at first
but as the hour for calling the conven-
ton to order approached, they came
IN crowds, taking the places assigned
20 them in their respective delegations.