The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1900-07-05
Scenes in Convention Hall at Kansas City That
Rivaled Any Ever Witnessed in
Similar Gatherings
Name of Bryan Started It and Calls for Senator
Hill Evoked a Demonstration That
Set All to Guessing.

KANSAS CITY, July 4.-Amid scenes
or tumultous enthusiasm befitting such
an event and such a day the Democratic
national convention began It's session to-
day. But after sitting until a late hour
tonight the expected climax of the day,
the nomination of William j. Bryan as
the Democratic candidate for president
has failed, and all of the larger business
of the convention awaits the completion
of the platform. AS a spectacular event,
however, the convention has fulfilled the
hopes of the most fervid party man, for
the vast assemblage of delegates and
whirlwind demonstrations, first for the
leader who is about to be placed in
nomination, and then for that other
champion of Democracy, David B. Hill.
But in actual Accomplishment the days
work is confined to organization, with
the speeches Of the temporary chairman,
Gov. Thomas, of Colorado, and Perma-
nent Chairman Hon. James d. Richard
son, the appointment of the various COM
mittees and detailed preparations for the
more serious work yet in store.
1t was an inspiring scene that Chair
man Jones looked out upon when at noon,
after beating a tattoo with his gavel he
stilled the tumult, and declared the con-
vention open. About him were fully 25,O00
people rising tier on tier like the specta-
tors In some vast coliseum, awaiting the
appearance of the alternates of the par
ty, while on either side stretched away
the two rows of desks accommodating
representatives of the press from every
section OF the country Above and on
all sides was a gorgeous sunburst of col
or, huge flags in rosettes and graceful
fan shapes, bunting Topped and in great
streamers. notices and coats-of-arms
from many states, mjngling this over
hanging spread of color with the bright
summer hats and dresses of many wom-
en- present.
But it was not clearly a gathering, of
wealth and fashion. The bronzed faces
of many OF the men. their coarse shirts,
collarless and scarfless, marked them as
from the soil With hardly an exception
they took off their coats and sat in their
shirt sleeves and democratic. Many OF
the women were in cambria and ging-
hams, rather than in summer silks and
laoes, and the gorgeous costumes and
picture hats were in an oasis of duller
hue. 1t was gathering nonetheless in
spired with the patriotic spirit Of the day
which found constant expression in wild
hurrahs at every sound of Dixie" or
America"
FAMOUS DEMOCRATS.
In the body of delegates were the best
known men of the party, many of them
of national reputation. Immediately in
front sat Gov. John Walter Smith, OF
Maryland, and his delegation. Alongside
them was that notable New York trio,
Croker, Murphy and Van Wyck. TO the
right was the classic face of Daniels, of
Virginia, while back of him Sewall'
Of Maine, and Senator White, OF Cah-
fornia, conferred across the aisle. TO the
left at the head OF the Massachusetts del
ega lion was their intrepid leader, George
Fred Williams. Near him sat Gov. McMil-
lin. of Tennessee, and the tall gaunt,
Clay-like figure of Richardson, soon TO be
permanent chairman of the convention
With the Kentuckians sat their youthful
governor, Beckham, accompanied by Sen
ator Blackburn and ex-Gov. McCreary.
Senator Hill was late to come upon the
scene. The great audience had been
eagerly awaiting him and his entrance
was the signal for the first real ovation OF
the day. He found no place reserved
among the Croker-Murphy dignitaries In
the forefront Of the delegation, and con-
tented himself with seat far in the rear
Sitting with the Mississippi delegation
was a white-haired lady alternate, Mrs.
w. K Brown, of that state, and further
back sat Mrs. ]. N. Cohen, another lady
alternate, from Salt Lake City.
The early proceedings of the convention
were marked by two brilliant but rather
ilI-timed speeches, one of welcome from
the mayor Of the city, and the other from
Gov. Thomas, of Colorado, assuming the
duties of temporary chairman. But the
delegates fretted during these deliver
ances, and sought for more exciting
themes. The dramatic episode of the day
occurred after Campau, Of Michigan, haC
secured the adoption OF a resolution fol
the reading Of the Declaration Of Inde-
pendence AS the reading was about &C
begin, two attendants pushed up to the
platform, bearing a pedestal and bust
both draped in the Stars and Stripes. A.
the orator raised his voice for the first
words Of the immortal instrument, the
draperies were' thrown back, disclosing a
splendid head of Bryan. The effect was
electrical upon the vast asemblage which,
I'D to that moment, had neither heard
the name nor seen the face of their leader.
AS the marble features were recognized a
yell went up which fairly shook the steel
girders, and above the storm family could
he heard the strains of the band which
had broken out with the national anthem.
Men and women were on their feet. way
ing handkerchiefs, coats and fans, and
Joining in the wild chorus. AS the orator
sought to proceed there were demands
from all parts Of the hall to see the full
face Of the leader, and as 1t was turned
about, first this WY and then that, each
turn evoked a fresh outburst from some
new quarter.
At last the upyoar quieted, and Orator
Hampton, youthful and strong voiced,
read the document which 124 years ago
today made America free.
Quickly following this came another out
burst as a young woman from New York