The age-herald., 1900-07-05

Kansas City, July 4.-Amid scenes Of tumultuous enthusiasm pentting such an event and such day, the Democratic Ma tional Convention began its session today. But although the convention sat until late hour tonight the expected climax or the day, the nomination of William J. Bry- an as the Democratic candidate for Presi- dent failed of realization, and all the larger business of the convention awaits the completion of the platform. As spec tacular event, however, the convention has fulfilled the hopes of the most fervid party man for the vast assemblage of delegates and spectators has twice been swept with whirlwind demonstration, first for the lead CT who is about to be placed in nomination, and then for that other champion of De- mocracy David B. Hill but in actual ac- complishment the days work is confined to organization with the speeches of the temporary chairman, Governor Thomas of Colorado, and permanent chairman Hon. James D. Richardson, the appointment of the various committees and the detail of committees for the various work yet in store.
 It was an inspiring scene that Chairman Jones looked out upon when, at noon after beating tattoo with his gavel he stiled the tumult and declared the convention open. About him were fully 25,OOO people, rising tier on tier like the spectators in some vast coliseum, while on either side, stretched away the rows of desks accom- modating representatives of the press from every section of the country Above and on all sides was a gorgeous sunburst of color, huge flags in graceful festoons, bunt- ing looped in great stretches, motto and coat of arms from many states mingling and overhanging in spread of color with the bright summer hats and dresses of the many women present, but 1t was not clear ly gathering of wealth and fashion The bronzed faces of many of the men, their coarse shirts, collarless and scarfiess mark >ed them as from the soil.
 Took Off Their Coats
 With hardly an exception they took off their coats and sat shrtsleeved and Dem- ocratic. Many women were in cambTics and ginghams, rather than in summer silks and laces, and the gorgeous costumes and picture hats were in an oasis of duller hue. It was a gathering none the less inspired with the patriotic spirit of the day, which found constant expression in wild hurrahs at every sound of '.Dixie'' or America" In the body of delegates were the best known men of the party many of them of national reputation. Immediately in front sat Governor John Walker Smith of Mary land and his delegation Alongside of them was that notable New York trio Croker Murphy and VanWyck. To the right was the classic face of Daniel of Virginia, while back of him were Sewall of Maine and Sen ator White of California. To the left at the head of the Massachusetts delegation was their intrepid young leader, George Fred Williams. Near him sat Governor McMillan of Tennesse and the Claylike figure of Richardson, soon to be perman- ent chairman of the convention. With the Kentuckians sat their youthful Governor, Beckham, accompanied by Senator Black burn and ex-Governor McCreary.
 Senator Hill was late to come upon the scene. The great audience had been eager ly 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 crowd, and contented himself with seat far in the rear Sitting with the Missis- sippi delegation was white-haired lady alternate. Mrs. w. K. Brown of that State, and farther back sat Mrs. S. J. Cohen, another lady alternate, from Salt Lake City
 Two Brilliant Speeches
 The early proceedings of the convention were marked by two brilliant but rather