Fort Mill times. [volume] (Fort Mill, S.C.) 1892-current, 1900-07-11
EXCITING SCENES IN CONVENTION.
The Platform Was Read By Senator
Tillman, of South Caroiina-David b.
Hill Makes Speech and Pledges His
Support.
HE First DaY.

Kansas CITY, Spec1al.-Ihe Nation
oil Convention of the Democratic party
met here in it's opening session on
Wednesday, July 4th. The vast hall
was filed to overlooking with dele.
gates and visitors. The decorations
were splendid. National airs broke
forth from the band as the convention
began to assemble Famous Demo.
cratic leaders were cheered vocifer-
ously as they made their appearance,
and were recognized by the crowds.
At exactly 1902 o'clock, Chairman
Jones ascended the platform AS the
wave of applause subsidod Chairman
Jones raped vigorously and repeated
ly, sitting the tUmult. and then above
the din his voice could be heard an
nouncing: The convention will come
to order. The sergeant-at-arms will
see that the aisles are cleared" Ser
geant-at-arms Martin advanced to the
front and urged the crowds massed in
Iront OF the platform 10 take their
seats. Great disorder prevailed, the
aisles were jammed with n noisy crowd
OF subordinate officials and intruders.
and it took some time to secure quiet.
The first business of the convention
was the reading Of the formal call, by
Secretary Walsh. Chairman Jones an
nounced the prayer by Rev. S. w.
Neel. Gentlemen will please be in
order said Chairman Jones, as the
hum and hustle again broke loose af-
ter the prayer. we must have quiet
on the floor. Gentlemen Of the con-
ventlon, l have the honor to present
TO you the Democratic mayor of Kan
sas City, James ~ Reed" A shout of
applause went up as the slender form
OF Mr.. Reed came to the platform He
spoke deliberately and with a clear.
resonant voice that easily penetrated
TO every corner OF the hall.
Governor Thomas of Colorado was
announced as temporary chairman.
and made vigorous speech to the
convention, which was heartily ap
plauded
At the conclusion OF Governor
Thomas speech Chas. a. Walsh, of
Iowa, rose and read resolution by
Daniel Campau. of Michigan, that the
Declaration of independence, drafted
by that Democrat of Democrats
Thomas Jefferson" be read to the con-
vention on this. the anniversary of the
nations natal year
The Republican party recently in
philadelphia, the cradle city of liber.
ty, where the Declaration of Indepen-
dence was written. and the constitu-
ton was framed, did there endorse an
administration which has reDudiated
the constitution and nominated a
President who has betrayed the prin-
cpieS of the declaration. This conven-
uon is composed of men who have the
saEe faith as was in their fathers in
thls immortal instrument. AS the re-
affirmation of Democratic fealty to
the fundamental principles of Ameri-
can liberty, l move, Mr.. Chairman.
that the clerk be directed to read the
glorious Declaration of independence.
drafted by that Democrat. of all Dem
ocrats, Thomas Jefferson, and adopted
12i years ago to-day"
With cheers and applause the resolu-
tion was adopted while the band in the
south gallery played patriotic airs
Then dramatic scene occurred AS
the vast audience was qnieting down
10 listening 10 the reading Of the read
ing OF the Declaration two men appear
ed on the platform, bearing carefully
In their arms two large objects, each
completely shrouded i'm the Stars and
Stripes. They were placed the one up-
ON the other Immediately to the
right and front of the chairman. Del
egates and spectators craned their
necks to see what was about to occur
Quickly advancing TO the fag-draped
objects, handsome man deftly lift
ed the flag from splendid bust Of Mr..
Bryan. As the familiar features of
their leader were recognized by the DEL
eSates and spectators a tornado of ap-
plausc swept over the audience. From
side to side the bust was turned. that
all might know whom it represented.
When the applause had subsided
Chas. Hampton, OF Petoskey, Mich,
read in magnificent voice the immortal
Declaration of Independence As the
full and rounded sentences OF the great
state paper rolled through the hall. the
cheering and enthusiasm increased and
when Mr.. Hampton had concluded the
tremendous applause fairly shook the
building. When the orator had finished
the Declaration of Independence and
the applause had ceased, Miss Fulton
was introduced and sang THE Star
Spangled Banner the audience stand
ing and cheering and applauding after
each verse. 1t was an innovation at A
national convention. Then as she fin
ished' the last strain, the band took up
america" and led by Miss Fulton. the
great mass of 10000 people broke into
the stirring strains OF MY Country
'Tis Of Thee singing It through with
unison and closing with a cheer.
There were yocferOus calls for Hill
and much enthusiasm was shown for