The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1900-10-19
CHAPTER VII.
Winnie Crews Remarkable Speec

Winnie Grey's Remarkable Speech.
Another autumn arrived. The Span
ish-American war had ended. Ger
vera's feet had been sunk in almost
as miraculous a manner as the Asiatic
feet had been. We were now bigger
nation than ever before, for the war
had extended our dominions, by Spain
ceding to us Porto Rico and the Philip
pine Islands. Also the Cubans had
been given their freedom. We also had
avenged the Maine! What blessing
it had been to those islands to exchange
Spanish rule for American!
Simon was glad we had been at war,
because, he said. it had made better
prices for farmers products.
He had never accumulated money
faster than since McKinley's election.
The reasons he gave for good times
were the scarcity Of farmers products
and the late war. Instead of going
to the poorhouse they enjoyed luxuries
in their own remodeled home.
Boonsville had just given Glen Har-
rington and the other soldier boys, just
returned from Cuba, a reception.
Vinnie's term as Superintendent of
Schools was almost over and the Greys
wondered if the Populist convention
would renominate her. 1t seemed evil
dent that they would, for she had given
perfect satisfaction.
1t was time for the convention, and
Simon was once more a delegate. He
was as enthusiastic as ever, and eager
to know whether Winnie would be re-
nominated or not.
Winnie herself was interested and de-
termined to attend the convention. 1t
had been whispered to her that she
would again receive the nomination,
and for this reason she wished to be
present. She had no desire to have
ticket.
Winnie viewed the convention Of Popu>
list delegates with keen interest. 1t
seemed to her that they were lacking
in the old-time enthusiasm. Was it
possible that they, like herself, were
beginning to realize that Republican
times were not so bad after all, and
were not anxious for change?
The chairman called the meeting to
order, and after the necessary intro
ductory business had been attended to-,
they proceeded with the nomination Of
the several candidates. Finally the
chairman announced that a nomina-
ton for County Superintendent was
in order.
"Will some one make nomination
for superintendent" the chairman
said.
A man from the Boonsville delega-
ton arose. II believe" he said, ''that
1t is the will of this convention to give
our present Superintendent the nomi-
nation again. make motion that
we give Miss Winnie Grey the nomi-
nation for County Superintendent"
And then the crowd yelled.
The motion soon was seconded.
"Any one else wish to make nomi-
nation for this Officer" said the chair
man; but the crowd was silent.
"Then 1 suppose it is the will of this
convention to choose Miss Grey unani-
mously by reclamation. Will some one
kindly make motion to that effectT"
Instantly Winnie had arisen in the
rear of the room and said in clear
voice:
"Mr. Chairman"
"Nfiss Grey" said the chairman.
"The gentlemen of this convention
have been very kind to me. l thank
them very much, but cannot accept
the nomination."
Vinnies declaration was a surprise to
all. and was followed by laugh.
"She's just gasin'," said one.
Wants to be coaxed," said another.
Nominate her anyway" said third.
whats the reason you won't ac-
cept it?' said fourth.
"Orderv shouted the chairman, but
his voice seemed to be unheard.
To pacify them Winnie rose again.
Miss Grey" said the chairman.
Mr.. Chairman, the gentlemen of this
convention seem anxious to know the
reason why / will not accept the NOM
nation. May have the privilege Of
telling them?