The age-herald., 1900-07-02
The Sudden Departure of Hill
 Caused Sensation.
WILL BE FIGHT ON THE PLATFORM
Silver Element Will Demand a Direct Declaration of 6 to Ratio While Opposition Will Make
 Vigorous Protest

Kansas City, July 1.-Three noteworthy events stood out today above the mass of detail marking the approach of the Dem- ocratic National Convention-the arrival of David B. Hill from New York and his departure for Lincoln in response to a tel graphic summons from MT. Bryan; the conference of Chairman Jones of the na- tional committee with MT. Croker, ex-Sen- ator Murphy, and other influential lead CTS concerning the platform, and the first serious consideration by the convention leaders of plan to reach such an under standing on the platform that the way will be open to nominate MT. Bryan for the Presidency on July 4.
 At the center of interest, the Coats House and the Baltimore and Midland hotels shifting and drifting crowd gathered and discussed the two main points of differ ence-platform and the Vice Presidency. Thus far it is calm and dispassionate discussion, without clamor enthusiasm. During the day the Wisconsin, Pennsyl- vania, Kansas and Indian Territory del- egations arrived. and as the day progressed there was steady augmenting of the throngs. But the main bodies will come 
 until then that Kansas City will be fully put sailing with the force of the national convention.
 The leaders are losing no tme however, in making their preparations, but 1t is noticeable that this is not a gathering of leaders in the accepted sentiment. On the contrary. this convention is quite Demo- cratic. and one hears frequently and proud ly the remark that in this convention the delegates represent the people, who frame the platform, and name the candidates. The conspicuous men here Jones, Hill, Croker. and Murphy, are not exerting any powerful hands of affairs.
 Executive Committee Present Most of the members of the Executive Committee are here, including Chairman Jones, Vice Chairman Johnson, ex-Govern- or Stone of Missouri, J. M. Guffey of Pitts burg and George Fred Williams of Massa- chusetts and they held frequent meetings to determine upon formal features of the convention. proceedings. In one respect their determination to have the reading of the Declaration of Independence a feature of the Fourth of. July session is both in- teresting and significant, for it is in line pf the strong effort being made to lend pat riotic fervor to the Presidential nomination by making it national holiday. The com mittee has chosen Charles Hampton of Petosky, Mich.. secretary of the Michigan Btate Committee, to read the instrument Despite the local opposition to nomina- ion the first day of the session the members of the Executive Committee are living it serious consideration. The main t@4to 4l,o nent is the doubt on the platform for with hat settled 1t is believed that the organi- ation could be so advanced as to permit he nomination to be made on the first day. his has emphasized the doubt existing on he platform and has been the chief cause
 several interesting private conferences uring the day. The first of these was in enator Jones' private rooms, when MT. roker and former Senator Murphy called. hey found Messrs. Johnson and Campau
 the Executive Committee with Mr. Jones nd the talk soon turned to the platform.
 Made No Demands
 It can be stated on the authority of one
 the gentlemen present, that Messrs roker and Murphy made no demands nor d they submit any exact platform propo- tion, but they appeared more as counsel IS and advisors, in the general interest
 the party to urge that judicious action
 the platform would make the east, par cularly New York; debatable ground in coming campaign.s Practically the en- re discussion, quite informal at all times, hs on, the platform, with view to secur- united action by the east, west and uth.
 After the conference 1t was stated with tisfaction by those present that all the 1ications pointed to complete unanimity reconciliation between the sections.
 other meeting of the same general char ter occurred later in the day, Chair
 ln Jones, ex-Governor Stone of Mis-
 lri, J. M. Guffey. the successor of MT. Lrrity from Pennsylvania; MT. Campau
 MT. Johnston being present. Again
 platform was gone over. with
 ecial reference to learning where the
 nnsylvania sentiment could be count
 on in the general rnove toward har-
 ny. While these conferences were going
 MT. Hill of New York had arrived and
 parted. without pausing long enough to
 fer with the other New York leaders.
 appearance early in the day started
 i've comment as to his purpose and his
 e Presidential candidacy, but his un-
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