The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-05-10
Small but Enthusiastic Gathering
with Fewer "Whiskersv and
Other Freaks Than Usual.
FIRST DAYS PROCEEDINGS
MUCH OF THE TIME SPENT IN BAND
PLAYING AND SINGING.
Thomas Patterson Selected for Per-
manent Chafrman-women Dele
~gates-scenes In the Tent.

SIOUX FALLS, S. D., May 9.-The ma
tional convention of the Peoples party be-
gan business at go o'clock to-day In the
big tent wigwam on the top of the hill on
the western side of the city of Sioux Falls.
There have been larger crowds in attend
ance IN national conventions and possibly
there have been questions on which more
enthusiasm has been manifested, but there
have been few similar events which have
been marked by more evident sincerity Of
purpose or more pronounced decorum of
behavior. 1t was evident the delegates
were there for a well-understood purpose
and that, whatever that purpose, it was to
be carried into effect.
The big tent was arrayed in full dress
attire for the reception and entertainment
of its guests. and the structure proved in
every way equal to the service required of
1t. The naturally leaden outline of the wig
wan walls was broken on the west side by
a silhouette of trees, which was cast upon
the canvas, which in turn caught up and
presented them as a series of lifelike pic
lures. The interior of the tent was made
further Respondent by a lavish display of
the national colors. From one end of the
huge wigwam to the other streamers were
thrown across it at irregular intervals. The
center poles were buried in bunting, while
the side supports upheld the coats of arms
of the various States. The platform was
also literally decorated with the stars and
stripes. and the uprights of this structure
bore aloof excellent black and white por-
traits OF Washington, Jefferson. Lincoln
and Bryan.
The accommodations for delegates, for
guests. for the press and for ordinary visit
ors proved exceptionally good. equal to
those Of most conventions held in build
ings of more permanent character. A floor
was laid over the space assigned to dele
to all In attendance. The acoustic proper
ties of the tent proved to be equal to those
Of most convention halls of equal size. and
II Is needless TO say that the lighting n
ventilatirg facilities were first class.
There were probably 500 delegates in their
seats, and surrounding them there was a
fringe Of a~iternates and visitors numbering
900 to 500. Seats had been provided for a
much larger number, but the attendance
did not appear meager and IL may be trite-
ly remarked that what was lost In attend
arce was compensated for in enthusiasm.
Few of the picturesque characters OF the
st. Louis convention OF 1896 were present.
but there were some broad brimmed hats
there from Texas and the Southwest. There
were also occasional ''whiskers." but even
these seem TO a thinned out in the par
~. All told IL was a well-dressed. good
hammered and thoroughly well-behaved as
semblage of people.
BY no means the least noticeable charac-
teristic OF the gathering was the presence
Of a number OF women. Colorado led the
list In the number of female delegates.
three being present from that State. They
were given front seats. Kansas, Idaho and
the District OF Columbia also sent women
delegates. who took their places as IL ac-
customed 10 participating ia public affairs.
1t was noticeable. too. that while the
women We're treated by the men with the
Difference due their sex. they were received
as a matter OF course, showing that Popu-
lists are accustomed TO tn. presence of
women In their political gatherings.
AT midnight the situation with reference
to the vice presidency was stu the para
mount question among the delegates and
the solution OF the problem WAS apparently
- far off as when the delegates began 10
arrive. IL looks as IL the question would
BE early precipitated upon tho convention
BY a minority report from the committee on
credentials against allowing a full vote TO
the Texas delegation. 1t is entitled under
the rules 10 40 votes but there are present
only a small number comparatively. They
favor nominating. and there may be an eff
fort 20 reduce their voting strength to
conform TO the actual number present. The
Minnesota delegation held a meeting dur
Ing the evening, but did not recede from Its
former position In Towne's behalf. There Il
little doubt that there is a clear majority
in the convention favorable 60 Nominating
and OF these Mr.. Towne Is said 70 now
control q majority The prevent outlook
Il favorable TO him, but his opponents are
very active.
Thomas Patterson, OF cclorsdo. IVES -
1900 Tor permanent chairman ef the go