The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1900-05-05
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erickSJurg and cicinity:
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DEMOCRATS HAVE THEIR DAY

DEMOCRATS HAVE THEIR DAY
The State Democratic Convention
is now Of the past. From noon to mid
night on Wednesday, with short inter
mission the convention was in session,
and the utmost harmony and enthusi'
ssm seemed to prevail. Ifthere were
any clashes they were in the District or
Committee meetings and did not fol-
low into the hall. In fact, so harmo'
NOUS was the entire affair that it ss'
vored very much of "cut and dry
arrangement. Ia the First Congress
sionsl District the slate was produced
by Mr.. Jones' friends and received no
opposition. 1t is to be presumed
that the same harmony existed with
the other districts. The states were
presented to the convention som
each district aud they were formally
accepted.
The papers of the State had fore
cssted the convention and its results
to the dotting Of Is and crossing OF
t's. If there were any points on which
they may have slightly erred they
were to be found in over. estimating
the opposition to Constitutional
convention, and in under estimating
the opposition to the Chicago plat
form. The opposition to the conven'
ton measure dwindled into insignih'
canoe. Next to the applause elicit
ed by the names of Bryan and DAN
lei was that which greeted the men
ton of Constitutional convention.
To the disappointment of political
agitators there was no opposition on
the part of Mr.. Martins friends, while
Mr.. Jones withdrew his opposition to
the measure before the Committee on
Resolutions. The Constitutional con-
vention becomes IS much party is
sue as does any other feature of the
platform, and party fealty will de-
mand its espousal by all loyal Demo-
Gratis.
The Chicago platform of 1896 was
reaffirmed in all its fullness. This
was in accordance with the majority
report of the Committee on Resolu'
tons. State Senator Munford, Of
Richmond, brought in minority re-
port which endorsed Bryan, but plead
for new platform on new and living
issues. 1t was received with favor
by large number Of the delegates,
sndduring the recess which followed
lively missionary VIC was engaged
in by the Chicago platformers in
support Of the msjority report. To
the surprise of many, who had seen
Senator Daniel quoted in the press as
being in favor Of new platform,
that statesman in his speech, which
followed Mr.. Munford's, threw cold
water upon the minority report. But
- for Senator Daniels opposition, tame
as it was, and the unfortunate allu-
sion by Mr.. Munford to his predic.
ton four years ago that the gold
party would win, and the great pros
perity which had dswned upon the
country, the sentiment in favor of a
new platform would have been of as
founding proportions. AS it was it
was voted down without sroll.call.
The Virginia Democratic platform
may be summed up as follows; OPP
position to Republicanism, imperial
ism, trusts and gold; fsvors Bryan,
Chicago platform, short hours for
labor and Constitutional convention.
Should the National convention
adopt Virginis's ideas on national
questions it will be the old fight of
1896 over again, with few side is
sues thrown in.