The Meeker herald. [volume] (Meeker, Colo.) 1885-current, 1900-07-14

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Kansas City, July 4.-Amid scenes Of
tumultous enthusiasm betting such an
event and such day, the Democratic
national convention began its sessions
to-day. But after sitting until late
hour tonight, the expected climax of
the day-the nomination of William ].
Bryan as the Democratic candidate for
President-has failed of realization,
and all Of the large business of the
convention awaits the completion Of
the platform.
As q spectacular event, however, the
convention has fulfilled the hopes of
the most fervid party man, for the vast
assemblage of spectators and delegates
has twice been swept with 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 &C.
tual accomplishment the days work is
confined to organization, with the
speeches of the temporary chairman,
Governor Thomas of Colorado, and the
permanent chairman. Hon. James ID.
Richardson, the appointment Of the va
rious committees and the detailed pre-
parations for the more serious work
yet In store.
The contest over the question Of the
monetary ratio. which has been brew
ing ever since the delegates to the con-
yention began to assemble, found ex-
preston in the committee % resolu-
lions when 1t assembled today. Sen
Ator Jones of Arkansas was unani-
mously chosen chairman and MI. Met
calf Of Nebraska s,ci'P. ary.
Mr.. Metcalfs declaration was for the
reaffirmation of the Chicago Platform
in letter and spirit, and 1t emphasized
and reiterated, specifically the 1eclara-
ton for the free coinage Of silver ut
the ratio of 16 to 1. Both the other
platform, without reference to ~ n
do.
The reading Of Mr.. Van wycl's doc
ument brought Mr.. Ball of Texas to
his feet with the suggestion that the
financial question should be immedi-
ately taken up and passed upon. He
said 1t was apparent to all there was
NO division upon any other platform
question and that with the financial
plank disposed of the preparation Of
the remainder of the platform would
be merely matter of clerical work.
This suggestion was adopted, and the
committee Immediately entered upon
the effort to settle the question Of ratio.
Mr.. Fitzgerald of Colorado followed
in q warm speech, denouncing in most
emphatic language any effort to mimi
mi1e the financial question. He assert
ed that the omission Of q declaration
on ratio of the two metals would be .
mere evasion and concealment; that
such evasion would not get any one or
catch any of the gold-standard people
whom II was meant to entrap 1t was
only meant to be construed as q silver
plank in one section Of the country, and
an anti-silver plank in another. Such
a course as this would fail to satisfy
the people Of all sections.
"If," he said, mfr. Bryan is q good
enough platform, then the platform ap-
proved by him should be good enough
He declared 1t was essential thdt
there should be a declaration for the
ratio in clear and unmistakable terms,
and he followed this up with the asser-
tion that II such declaration was not
made even Colorado could be counted
as doubtful state, with prospect of
not only casting Its electoral vote for
NICAlulty M Dut VI bEuuluk
Mr.. Wolcott back to the United States
Senate.
George Fred Williams of Massachu-
sets also made a spirited argument for
q specific declaration on the question
Of ratio.
He asserted that the Democratic par
ty had become a new party since II had
Incorporated the financial question In
ta opo tNv ~ haA 1Sn-
come vlrile and live party since 1895,
and this fact was due solely to the cir
cumstances that the money question,
which was the question of the people,
had been made the paramount issue.
Representative Newlands of Nevada
declared in favor Of specific declara-
Missouri Indicated that his Judgment
was opposed to a specific declaration
for 16 to /, but he said 1t was evident
that Mr.. Bryan was favorable to such
declaration and he would therefore,
support the proposition. Mr.. Bald,
representative of Senator German Of
Maryland, cspoused the silver cause,
He said he hoped Maryland would be
found In the Democratic column this
fall under any circumstances, but that
with 16 to / eliminated he was sure
It would be there.
Senator Rawlins of Utah was favor
able to 18 to pronouncement, but did
not contend for 1t as absolutely essen.
tial. Gibbons Of Florida and hickman
Of Louisiana supported the conserva-
tive view.
Finally at 5:3O a. m. the platform
committee, by a vote of 20 to %, agreed
upon the financial plank, sub
shutting 10 to / declaration for
simple reaffirmation Of the Chicago
Platform:
I'VE relterate the demand Of the plat-
form Of 1909 for an American financial
system made by the American people
Tor themselves. which shall restore and
maintain a bimetallic price level; ard