The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-07-05
Failure to Report Platform Caused
Break in the Plan to Nominate
Bryan on the Fourth.
ENTHUSIASM MADE TO ORDER
BRYAN DID NOT APPEAR, so HIS
HEAD WAS EXHIBITED.
Shrewd Scheme to Uncork Cheers
Which Worked Like n Charm
Scenes I'm the Galleries.

KANSAS ClI1s MO-, July 4.-AmlQ
scenes of tumultuous enthusiasm beftting
such an event and such a day, the Demo-
cratic national convention began its ses-
sions to-day. But, after sitting until a 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
larger business of the convention awaits
the completion of the platform. AS a 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 demonstrations, first for the
leader who is about to be placed in nomi-
nation 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, Governor Thomas, of
Colorado, and permanent chairman, Hon.
James d. Richardson, the appointment of
the various committees and the detailed
preparations of the more serious work yet
in store.
1t was an inspiring scene that Chairman
Jones looked out on when, at noon, after
beating a tattoo with his gavel he stilled
the tumult and declared the convention
open. About him were fully twenty-five
thousand people. rising tier on tier. Above
and on ali sides was gorgeous sunburst
of color. huge flags in rosettes and the
graceful fan shapes. bunting looped in
great streamers, notices and coats of arms
from many States mingling this overhang-
ing spread of color with the bright sum-
present.
VERY DEMOCRATIC.
But it was clearly not a gathering of
wealth and fashion. The bronzed faces Of
many OF the men, their coarse shirts, coli
larless and scarfless. marked them as from
the soil With hardly an exception they
and democratic. Many of the women were
in cambrics and ginghams rather than in
summer silks and laces and the gorgeous
costumes and picture hats were in an oasis
OF dulIer hue. 1t was a gathering none
i 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 the delegates were the
best known men of the party. many of
them of national reputation. Immediately
in front sat Governor 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 Daniel, of Vir-
ginia while back of him were Sewall, of
Maine, and Senator White. OF California,
who conferred across the aisle To the left,
al the head of the Massachusetts delega-
ton. was their intrepid young leader.
George Fred Williams. Near him sat Gov
McMinin. 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-Governor McCreary
Senator Hill was late TO come on the
scene. The great audience had been eagerly
awaiting him, and his entrance was the sig
nal for the first real ovation OF the day
He found no place reserved among the
Croker-M Murphy dignitaries in the forefront
o. the delegation. and contented himself
with seat far in the rear
Sitting with the Mississippi delegation
was white-haired woman alternate. Mrs
W. X. Brown. of tha. State, and further
back sat Mrs. ]. ". Cohen. another woman
alternate from Salt Lake City.
The early proceedings OF the convention
were marked by two brilliant but rather Ill
timed speeches. one of welcome from th'
mayor OF the city, and the other froIt
Governor Thomas. of Colorado. assuming
the duties OF temporary chairman. But th'
delegates frstted during these deliverancei
and sought more exciting themes
FIRST DRAMATIC EPISODE.
The first dramatic episode OF the day oc
cured after Campau, of Michigan, had Sc