Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1900-07-07

But In actual accomplishment the
days work was confined to organization,
with the speeches Of the temporary
chairman, Governor Thomas Of Colorado
and of the permanent chairman, James
d. Richardson, the appointment OF the
various committees and the detailed
preparat tions for the more serious work
yet in store.
1t was an inspiring scene that Chair
man Jones looked out upon when at
noon he stilled the tumult and declal ed
the convention open. About him were
fully 25,0)0 people. Above and on all
sides was a gorgeous sunburst of color,
huge flags in rosettes and graceful fam
shapes. bunting looped and in long
stream, rs, notices and coats of arms OF
many states mingling this overhangins
spread Of color with the bright summer
hats and dresses of the many women
present
But it was clearly not gathering
alone Of wealth and fashion. The
bronZed faces of many of the Snen. their
coarse shirts, collarless and scartless,
marked them as from the soil. WITTY
hardly an exception they took off their
coats and sat shirtsle eyed. Many Of the
women were in cambrics and einghams
rather than in summer silks and laces,
and the gorgeous costumes and pictur.
hats We're in an oasis of duller hue.
The delegates fretted during the de-
livery of the speeches and sought for
more exciting times. The first dramatic
episode Of the day occurred after
Campau of Michigan had secured the
adoption Of a resolution for the reading
of the Declaration of Independence. AS
the reading was about to begin two at
tendants pushed up to the platform bear
ing a bust on pedestal and draped
with the Stars and Stripes. AS the
orator raised his voice for the first words
Of the immortal instrument the draperes
were thrown back, disclosing a splendid
head of Bryan.
The effect was electrical upon the vast
assemblage., AS the features we've
recognized yell went up which fairly
shook the steel girders. and above the
storm could be heard the strains of the
band playing the national anthem. A,
the orator sought to proceed the efforts
to see the full face Of the leaders cause ed
much commotion. At last the uproar
quieted and Orator Hampton, youthful
and strorg voiced, read the document
which, l24 years ago. made America free.
Quickly following this came another
outburst as a young woman from New
York mounted the pla tform and sang the
Star Spangled Banner" Deafening
cheers greeted the song. and as the last
I'm lad a md ha cip t,,u xl
strains to those of America" the vast
audience with one accord took up the in
spring air.
The outburst Of patriotism now turned
in new direction. and during a momen-
tary pause in the proceedings the name
Of Hill was sounded. 1t was quickly
caught up until the whole multitude had
Joined in noisy demand for the former
| senator from New York. the chairman
battling vainly against it. Delegates
stood on chairs and Joined in the demand,
and the senator was surrounded by a
shouting crowd of insistent men.
He smiled and shook his head through
out the demonstration. 1t was notice.
able that the immediate following of Mr..
Croker and the Tammany leader him
self held their seats and maintained q
stolid composure throughout the re-
markabe tribute to their associate. At
last, when the demonstration had run
on for Is minutes. Hill could be seen ris-
Ing from his obscure place. He bowed
and smiled, and his lips moved to ad-
dress the chairman. But as well mish
he have addre ssed Niagara, for the
tumult drowned everything and he
dropped back in his seat.
The routine proceedings were quickly
opportunity to give further tribute to
the New York delegation. and when
Judge Van Wyck's name was called as
the New York member Of the platform
committee Il Tremendous call for HILL
mingled with Kisses for those who op-
posed him, greeted the announce
ment.
with the committees appointed there