davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1900-06-06
OF 1900.
BY SEWELL FORD.

export exposition ana not only pos
sesses architectural attractions, but is
solidly built. The Phlladelphians In
sist, too, that the big auditorium which
is to be created under its roof will have
all sorts of desirable qualities.
The auditorium was originally used
as the main exposition building and
was divided into several halls. out Of
these the carpenters have constructed
one mammoth hall with a floor space
of IS, 800 feet and a seating capacity of
$4,000 The floor will be elevated In
tiers, and there will be numerous large
aisles. There will also be committee
rooms, press bureaus and telegraph Of
fees. 1t is costing about $35, 900 to put
the building in shape.
Tne acoustics or the great building,
which are already excellent will be
further improved by the erection Of an
immense sounding board directly over
the stage, and experts claim that the
hearing properties will then surpass
those of any hall ever used for n SINH
lar purpose. The new stage will be
semicircular and raised in steps, so
that the speaker may be seen from any
point in the building, the speakers
platform being placed well forward.
The committee has also given care
full attention to the matter Of handling
the crowds at the hall, and extensive
arrangements are being made to In
sure order, TO limit admission TO the
building TO those having credentials
or tickets and to obviate all crowding
or difficulty in reaching seats
The delegates will be arranged ac-
cordng TO states, each state having n
separate section, in the center Of which
will rise a big placard bearing the
states name, very much as sections
are arranged at stock exchanges
Provision is made for a small army
of newspaper men and telegraphers, so
that the will Of the convention may be
announced TO the country the moment
a platform is accepted and candidates
are chosen.
The convention hall Is located at
Thlrty-third and South streets within
Is minutes ride Of the heart of the
city, and, surrounded by the various
buildings Of Philadelphia's most noted
seat OF learning. the University OF
Pennsylvania Only half a square
away is the magnificent University
museum, recently opened In memory
of the late DR.. Pepper, and Franklin
field, the scene of many hard fought
intercollegiate contests, is directly
across the street. But little farther
removed are laboratories, dispensaries,
hospitals and other buildings devoted
TO intellectual development
National conventions are always cost
~. 1t has been estimated that the
people of the United States spend more
than $1O,OOO,OOO once In every four
years merely on the business Of nomi-
mating presidential candidates. This
seems almost improbable until you be
gin to reckon up the various items.
Let us say. for example, that 10000
Republicans will go to Philadelphia.
The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1900-06-06
ENTRANCE 10 PHILADELPHIA AUDITORIUM

Each one VIII spend on an average
$40 In car fare. which, considering the
round trip and the fact that they come
from California. from Maine and from
Texas. Is conservative. There is an
item Of 500, coo at once.
Suppose, in the three or four days
that they remain In the convention city,
they spend an average Of $40 each.
There you have 100000 more.
Now. take account of the telegraph
tolls ON the columns Of news dis.
patches sent from the convention to
every section Of the country. In 1890
II is estimated that the newspapers OF
the country paid for their convention
The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1900-06-06

These are the things upon which par
tlsan spirit feeds.
The machinery of a great political
convention is very simple in theory
and very complex in practice.
In theory you have the nine hundred
and odd delegates who meet, organize
into Il body. prepare platform in
which they set forth the political prin'
ciples of the party and proceed to bal.
lot for candidates. The man who gets
the most votes is chosen as the stand
ard bearer.
Why, a schoolhoy could understand
that.
But actually a national convention
is something very different 1t is
much more subtle The influence
which one strong mind has over 9th
ers, the evolution Of an intangible and
unspoken sentiment into a well defined
movement the struggle Of concentrate
ed mental energy against a mass OF
unstable indivlduality-an these things
enter into the dolngs of political con,
vention.
ed plans of strong leaders-plans
which have been months In thet mold
ing, which have been perfected secret.
ly at midnight-are forced upon the
surprised delegates and driven through
by sheer strength.
Then, again, IL Is a half hysterical wo-
man who only jumps on a chair and
Oh 10. Il Il,
several thousand usually calm, self
possessed men are hypnotized into fol-
lowing her lead.
Probably the most unsubstantial hon
or and yet one highly priced is that be-
slowed on the chairman OF a national
convention In the first place, the hon.
or Is brief. The permanent chairman
is not selected until the convention is
organized. Then for n few brief hours
he Is much observed. His name is on
all tongues. But then come the nom
mating orators with their pyrotechnics
of eloQuence, the fever interest of the
balloting, and before the chairman real
lies 1t the great body which has set
him for a moment before the country
has done It's work and dispersed
The really important officer of the
convention is the sergeant-at-arms He
begins his work long before the con-
vention meets, and he is a figure Of
prominence every moment 1t is In ses-
sion The chairman has almost no
patronage at his command. but this
other functionary gives II out In
chunks. His title would be far more
accurate were he termed the conven-
tons business manager.
The sergeant-at-arms is appointed by
the conventions subcommittee of the
national committee. All matters Of gen.
eral convention policy are discussed and
settled by the subcommittee. but the
carrying out OF the details is intrusted
to the sergeant-at-arms solely. In short,
the sergeant-at-arms is In the way Of
doing either n good deal Of good or a
good deal OF harm, according to his
lights.
Financially his responsibilities are
heavy. since besides the large amounts
he pays out in local expenses he has to
arrange in a measure for the expendi-
tu-e of several times as much more,
The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1900-06-06

publican sergeant-at-arms of this years
convention and probably by the CORE
spending Democratic functionary also.
Arrangements have also 70 be made
by the sergeant-at-arms with the ho-
tells as TO headquarters for the various
delegations and with the railroads con-
corning rates of fare and the running
of special trains Cordial relations
must be cultivated with the local police
and fire departments and there are
almost numberless other matters of
detail that the conventions business
manager must see carried through to
a successful finish.
The appointing OF assistant SER
geants-at-arms Is by no means one of
the least OF his troubles. There are
generally 100 of these at least, appor-
toned among the various states, and
the demand for places ON the STAFF Of
the conventions manager is extremely
lively. Nominally he decides who shall
serve. but actually his decisions are
based upon the recommendations OF
the delegates. Each of these is al
most sure to ask for more places than
can be given, and the sergeant-at-arms
sometimes has a hard time to avoid
making enemies In rejecting those
for whom places cannot be found.
Unlike the deputy sergeants-at-arms
and the doorkeepers, the office help,
messengers watchmen and scrubwom-
en- are paid for their services, but the
sergeant-at-arms himself receives no
direct pay. His expenses are borne by
the committee, but he goes through all
the work and worry of getting the con-
vention prelimlnaries into shape and
keeping the crowds In good order dur
ing its sessions for the honor there is
In IL and the wide acquaintance 1t will
give him among the prominent men Of
his own party.
Because Of these things the place is
In great demand every four years, and
The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1900-06-06
INTERIOR OF THE CONVENTION HALL.

ing on o chair and beating time, that
familiar slogan Of
Blaine, Blaine,
James q. Blainel
And the delegates. after they had
shouted themselves into an exhausted
condition in repeating the name of
Blaine voted for Harrison when the
time came.
This year there win be more than
unusual interest in the contest for Sec
ond place on the ticket We are con-
stantly told that the vice president is
a mere figurehead and that the senate
rostrum is the top shelf Of political
oblivion. Yet there is never a lack of
aspirants for this dlscredited post AS
a matter of fact there are few men
whose political ambitions are 80 lofty
that they would scorn the vice presi-
dency, so we may expect a lively
scramble for the place
There Is also certain to he a lively
interest In the building OF the platform.
No party was ever so wholly united
that varying ideas as TO party policy
have been eliminated. There are al
ways radicals and conservatives. So
at Philadelphia there Is bound to be
much talk about the planks which 60
to make up the platform.
What will be the nature Of the ORA,
matte scene which viii make this con-
vention unlike all others7 NO one can
tell For this reason the country al
large waits with interest the turning
of that leaf Of the future on which we
may read the story. -. 4. = i.
The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1900-06-06

an. In the south the American party
absorbed the Whlg strength.
The first Republican convention was
anomalous In American history. Its
delegates were not chosen by any set
rule, and no regard was paid to the
number Of votes TO which state was
entitled. All the northern states were
represented. John G. Fremont was
nominated for president An informal
ballot was taken for vice president
1t resulted in 259 for William L. Day
ton of New Jersey, 40 for Abraham
Lincoln Of Illinois. Mr.. Dayton was
then unanimously nominated.
The selection of Fremont was due to
his previous nomination by the seced-
ing Know Nothings. The Republican
platform denounced slavery and de-
manded that Kansas be admitted as \
free state.
Perhaps the greatest surprise ever
sprung on a Republican convention
was the discovery of Lincoln. Up TO
within a few months of the convention
It was foregone conclusion that Sew
ard would be the nominee. There was
come talk Of Lincoln for second place.
Then the "Rail Splitter" was invited
to go east and make an address to the
New York Republicans
Even before Seward made his an
nouncement OF the coming conflict Lin
coin had declared In a speech that this
nation could not exist half slave. half
free.
II do not expect 10 see the Union dis
solved" said be. "but do expect that
The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1900-06-06

convention purposes. These Temporal
ry structures have often been barnlike,
ramshackle affairs, lacking ventilation,
acoustic properties and all comfortable
qualities. In them the delegates have
sweltered and anticipated sudden death
from collapsed walls. II is almost
wonderful that no serious accidents
have ever married any Of the big con-
ventions.
But the building IN which Philadel-
phia win house the Republican dele
gates Is said to be well fitted for the
purpose and far moro substantial than
many structures formerly used for such
purposes II was built for the National
The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1900-06-06

II will become in the end either all
slave or all free"
And In this homely sentence he had
conveyed to his party in the west more
forcibly perhaps than Seward had the
same truth which was in the mind OF
each.
Strange and uncouth looked this man
Of the prairies to the cultured people
of New York, but they listened to his
inspired words and were won over.
When the convention met in Chicago,
May 10, 1860, the delegates were very
much split up, with Seward In the lead.
AS the ballotlng progressed, however,
the states swung into line for Lincoln.
Occasionally a political convention
furnishes a stirring and dramatic scene
which is long remembered. 1t is not
often that they are entirely dull. The
coming gathering in Philadelphia prom
The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1900-06-06

On Tuesday. June 49, about 10000
loyal and enthusiastic Republicans will
gather in Philadelphia. They will pro-
coed, in the deliberate manner of all
large bodies, to nominate candidates
for president and vice president
Only about 800 of those present will
be authorized delegates. AS many
more will be alternates. A hundred or
so Will serve as officers of the conven-
ton. The other $4,000 will stand
around, talk a great deal, shout when
ever there is opportunity and add to
the general picturesqueness and impor-
lance Of the affair.
This Will be the twelfth national
convention held by the Republican par
ty. The first one was held in Philadel-
phia, as this one will be. That was In
1856, when John G. Fremont was nom-
The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1900-06-06

sergeant. atArmsl
mated. Philadelphia has not had
Republican national convention since
1872, when Grant was unanimously re-
nominated
Like the convention Of 1872. II is eX-
pScted that the coming one will be sim
ply grand ratification meeting at
which the Mckinley administration
will be Endorsed and the present chief
executive named as candidate to sue
coed himself.
Philadelphia wanted this convention
so much that she paid 100000 IN cash
and Is 70 spend nearly as much more
in entertainment One of the chief
items of expense is the provision of
the convention hall. You may count
on the fingers OF one hand the build
ings large enough and Mt the same
time suitable for accommodating a ma
tional political convention. Chicago
has one and New York has another,
but both these cities have come to the
conclusion that political conventions
are expensive luXuries. They do not
pay.
Generally II has been found neces-
sary to put up building especially for
The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1900-06-06

news s66,25O, and this DOGS not In
clude the salaries Of the reporters.
These are only a few of the expenses,
but you can see how they foot up.
Yes, we pay well for our political ex-
element. but where is the economist
who would suggest curtailing Of ex-
penses? What would he leave QUIT
No, we could not spare the big crowds,
the pages of printed reports, the music,
the fireworks OF the refreshments.
The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1900-06-06

tchalrman Of committee on organization and 10.
serature.l
some of the livellest fights In the his
tory OF the two national committees
have been waged over the conflicting
titles of various candidates.
The man who will act as sergeant-at-
arms for the coming Philadelphia con-
vention is Mr.. George N. Wiswell of
Milwaukee. He has acknowledged
The Press. (Stafford Springs, Conn.) 1883-1935, 1900-01-11
A SUSPICIOUS VISITOR.
Uncle Hiram Wasn't Much Impressed
by the Re1ationship.

uncle Hiram wasn't much Impressed
by the Relationship.
"How be ye?" asked the stranger
cordially, as he stopped his blackboard
in front of the gate.
Uncle Hiram surveyed the outfit sus-
piciously from where he sat on the
farmhouse steps waiting for dinner
and evidently reached his own conclu.
sions as to it's nature.
''Waal," he replied slowly, II dunno
as need no elixyer O. life er sure cure
fer consumption terday."
Il amt no patent medicine ven6er,
I'M began the stranger.
"Ner air lightnin rods a fav'rite in
vestment O. mine," broke in Uncle
Hiram emphatically.
II tell We I'M Again the stranger
started to explain.
"And got all the books 1 want, got
| more readin n can tend ter since thet
encyclopedyer feller roped me in," an
nounced Uncle Hiram decidedly.
II amt no book agent" denied the
stranger earnestly, "I'm"-
"Nuther do hold by patent plows
ner churns, ner windmills, ner nuth
in," interrupted Uncle Hiram.
II amt sellin nuthin; I'm sorter Q
counsin O. your'n," announced the
stranger, with desperate rapidity.
"Ye be?" queried Uncle Hiram doubt
fully.
II be-" affirmed the stranger. "My
maw's cousin, Amander Meddergrass
married a uncle o. yourn, Sile Harrow
er."
"Ya-as, I've hearn tell O. somethi1
like thet," acknowledged Uncle Hiram
thoughtfully. "Waal, put yer hoss IL
the barn; thet's good enuff fer dinner
but ye can't stay all night on it, mint
ye."-New York World.
The Press. (Stafford Springs, Conn.) 1883-1935, 1900-01-11

Clarence A. Brown, 40, we'll known
business man, died at his home in Pal
mer, last Thursday forenoon, after a
long and painful illness. No idea can be
formed of the suffering of Mr.. Brown
except by those nearest to him. For
eighteen years he has been afflicted with
rheumatism. At intervals he had acute
attacks which confined him to his bed.
He would get better for time and re-
sumo business only to have renewed
attack which again rendered him helpless
Medical skill was of no avail, and the
best physicians were unable to cure him.
He bore his great trouble patiently and
was brave until the end. His suffering lie
now over and the long days and nights OF
illness are ended
Mr.. Brown was born in Palmer, April
12, 1850, and was son of Ebenezer and
Mary Brown. He was educated in the
schools of Palmer and at Monson acad.
emy, and spent his life in Palmer. In
1871 he was married to Fanny W. Royce
daughter of Nelson B. and Lydia Royce
of Palmer, and the same year went into
business with his father in the stove
business, under the firm name of G. A
Brown & Go. About four years later the
father, in connection with the late G. D
Holbrook, built Commercial block, anc
the firm moved into the store in thai
building, where they have since remained
doing hardware and stove business.
Mr.. Browns business career was sue
cess. In his younger days he was in
terested in athletics and was widely know
In this connection. He was always al
active democrat in politics, an able work
er, and was once a candidate for the legis
lature from his district. He was also
member of Palmer lodge of Odd Fellows
and OF Thomas lodge of Masons, and
prominent worker in the Congregations
church, although not a member. H,
served as postmaster four years, receiv
ing his appointment under the first Cleve
land administration. He was public
spirited and active in all public natter
when his health permitted; was wldel,
known and had hosts of friends. His faith
er, mother and wife survive him. He ais,
leaves one sister, Anna E., wife of F. D
Barton. The funeral was held Mon
day afternoon at O'Clock, and the inter
ment at the Thorndike Street cemetery
The service was conducted by Rev. F. B
Harrison. The Trask male quartette O
Springfield rendered the music. Th
|, flowers were many and beautiful.
The Press. (Stafford Springs, Conn.) 1883-1935, 1900-01-11
UMBER and GoAI'

Shingles and all kinds
of Roof Covering, Brick,
Lath and Hair, Sheath
ing Paper, including the
famous "Neponset" Wa
ter Proof Roofing, Nails,
Caps and Pitch for Coat
ing old roofs.
Timber from my own
saw mill, for the present
located on the Fuller
farm in Tolland.
Large lot of nice Gull
Boards, Plank and Tim
Der may be had cheap
at my yard up to jan
uary l, 1900.
The Press. (Stafford Springs, Conn.) 1883-1935, 1900-01-11

Regular meeting of Winter Post, q. A.
R., next Tuesday evening.
Five members united with the Congre.
gational church last Sunday on confession
of faith.
Mrs. James Mclaughlin and Mr.. and
Mrs. Lewis Mclaughlin attended the fu.
neral OF Clarence A. Brown of Palmer or
Monday.
Edward Powers, SO, died at his home
On Prospect street, after long fitness OF
tuberculosis, last Thursday evening.
Mr.. Powers has been resident of the
town for many years, and was hard
working and respected citizen. He was
employed by Rawitser & Bro. for about "a
years, and left their employ about one year
ago owing to i'll health. He leaves widow
and two daughters, Margaret and Mary.
The funeral was held from st. Edwards
church Sunday afternoon at 2 O'Clock.
The burial was in st. Edwards cemetery
The Press. (Stafford Springs, Conn.) 1883-1935, 1900-01-11
A Fire In Japan.

A fire in Japan is exciting. The jap
anese seem to lose their heads COM
pletely in the presence Of the fire de-
mon. The people move from the houses
where the fire breaks out into the next,
then to another, and so on, until the
fire is over, the united families moving
from house to house with great non
chalance. A man dancing on his roof
with a paper fire god Is supposed to
avert the danger, and no man is more
surprised than he when, in spite Of the
fire god, the house ignites, and in a
moment roof and man fall together.
In three days the houses are rebuilt
and all traces Of fire removed.
The skin of the kangaroo. when prop
Arly tanned never cracks
The Press. (Stafford Springs, Conn.) 1883-1935, 1900-01-11

At the present time there are be-
tween 500 and 1000 men in New York
who are worth $1.OOO,OOO or more. In
1915, when New York had population
Of 10000, there were only 10 men who
were assessed at 100000 or more, and
the highest assessment was only $780,
The Press. (Stafford Springs, Conn.) 1883-1935, 1900-01-11
White Fair,

And it is a time to make mon
ey by spending it.
The Press. (Stafford Springs, Conn.) 1883-1935, 1900-01-11

The skin of the kangaroo. when prop
erly tanned, never cracks
The Press. (Stafford Springs, Conn.) 1883-1935, 1900-01-11

Wanted-Several bright and honest per-
sons to represent us as managers in this
and close by counties. Salary 5000 a
year and expenses. Straight, bona-fide
no more, no less salary. Position perma-
nent. Our references, any bank In any
town. 1t is mainly Office work, conducted
at home. Reference. Enclose self-ad-
dressed stamped envelope. The Domin-
on Company, Dept. 8, Chicago.
The Press. (Stafford Springs, Conn.) 1883-1935, 1900-01-11

A GENCY of Tolland County Mutual
n Fire Insurance Co. at j. W. CHANDLER'S
ofce at residence, Westford-av., Stafford Springs.
The Press. (Stafford Springs, Conn.) 1883-1935, 1900-01-11

WTM. A. COMINS, Horse and Ok
w Shoeing, Machine Forg1ngs and Repairing
done to order. Also builder and repa1rer Of all
styles Of Wagons. South-st., Stafford Springs.
The Press. (Stafford Springs, Conn.) 1883-1935, 1900-01-11

Mother Gray's Sweet Powders for Children
Successfully used by Mother Gray, nurse in the
Ch1ldren's Home in New York. Cure Fever1sh-
ness, Bad Stomach, Teeth1ng Disorders, Break
up Colds, move and regulate the Bowels, and
Destroy Worms. Over 10000 testimonials. At
all druggists, Csc. Sample mailed FREE. Ad-
dress Allen 8. Olmsted, 1e Roy. n. 7.
Western liberal. (Lordsburg, N.M.) 1887-1919, 1900-01-26
A Rlind nInn,n cn1cuIntlon.

When Gauss became blind, his only
amusement consisted in making ealcu-
lations Of a curious and somewhat pc
culiar nature. These sometimes lasted
for days. When more than so years
old, Gauss computed the amount to
which 81 would grow II compounded
annually at per cent interest from
the time OF Adam to the present, as
suming this to be G,O00 years. This, If
In gold, would make a cubic mass so
large that it would take a ray of light
travelling almost 1000 miles a second
more than 1.O00,000,000 years to jour
ney alongside Of 1t. This mental com
putation is so startling as to be almost
beyond belief, yet the conclusions of
this eminent mathematician are cor
rect.-St. Louis Globe-Democrat.