The daily sentinel., 1900-09-06
DIsGRACEFUL SCENES.
Democratic Convention a Scene of
Uproar--A Dual Organization
1.-Two Sets of DeIe9a

ouc VI GhO lhoot ahoS oSohSo w
er enacted in a convention in Mesa
county, was witnessed this afternoon at
the organization OF the democratic con-
vention. The actions of the purported
convention, in the eyes Of any good eiti-
zen were sufficient to damn party To-
cally for years and il 1t does not do 30
for the party in Mesa county, it is be-
cause the members Of the democratic
party come to realization Of what they
have done and become thoroughly re-
pentent.
1t was not any more than was antici-
pated. as the fsctional fight has become
so bitter that nothing short OF disrup
tion would be satisfactory.
The meeting was called to order short
ty after two o'clock by Chairman White
who made the statement then and there
that he would: not recognize the two
delegations from Fruita nor would he
recognize the delegates elected in the
various wards of the city, who had not
voted at the primaries Of the judges who
had been appointed by the executive
committee. He based his decision on
one made in 1892 when Hon. James W.
Bucklin was chairman, who took practi-
cally the same action as Chairman
White said he would.
He then threw the convention open
for the transaction of business and war
was preoipitated at once. Two gentle
men G. Blasier, Of Collbran and j.
s. Swan, OF DeBeque we're nominated
for chairman. Mr.. Swan took the
floor and in a speech which was half
idiotic, in that he charged Chairman
White with attempting to secure the
election of Senator Wolcott. He ranted
for about fifteen minutes, cheered on by
crowd of onlookers who had no voice
in the convention.
s. G. McMullin at this point put the
question OF the nomination Of Mr.. Swan
and those favoring him voted for his
selection and he was elected and took
his place as chairman. The other side
of the delegates who were supporting
Chairman White in his decieion elected
]. G. Blasier the motion being put by
Mr.. White.
1t is impossible to give the acts SER
iatum Of the dual convention from this
time forward. Pandemonium reigned
supreme. Some semblance OF business
was attempted. but neither the specta
tors nor the reporters could understand
what was being done.
Some one made a motion that two SER
geants at arms be appointed and Chair
man Swan for his side named John ALI
SOD, marshal Of the city, and Truman
Ketchum, Rio Grande detective.
Then the tumult was increased. Men
jumped on chairs and yelled themselves
hoarse.
At the time on one side w. s. Wal
lace WAS speaking and Mr.. Swan at
tempted to shut him off. Then came
play that would make horse snicker.
Lorin Staley, although not member
of the convention, rushed forward and
proclaiming his ofncial position as city
attorney, said he would place anyone
under arrest who would disturb the
meeting.
Hands were laid on Mr. Wallace but
he would not submit and plainly told
Swan that he had as much right in that
convention as anyone. not excepting Mr..
Swan, and that he would maintain that
right.
The best possible thing to do is to
draw the veil over the proceedings OF
the two conventions. Both sides were
in the wrong that they did not concede
some rights to each other, and instead Of
widening the breach, close it.
The acts Of today's conventions will
not be obliterated from the minds Of
those who participated, for years. There
will be ranking sores to overcome which
will, in the judgment OF the present de-
feat the party il amends are not made.
No other language describes the con-
vention, but tnat it was disgraceful from
beginning to end.