Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1900-07-06

and II was not Until late In the aItefflDOn,
when the second session had begun, that
the platform committee was at last able
TO report an agreement. Already its main
features, embodying the 16 to 1 principle.
had become known to the delegates, and
there was little delay in giving it unan-
imous approval This removed the last
chance for an open rupture on questions
OF principle and left the way clear for the
supreme event OF the day-the nomina-
tion OF the presidential candidate, The
vast auditorium WAS filed to it's utmost
capacity when the moment arrived for
the nomination to be made. Not only
were the usual facilities afforded by tick
cts taxed to their utmost, but the door.
keepers were given liberal instructions
under which the aisles and areas and MI
available spaces were packed to their
fullest limit.
When the call Of states began for the
purpose of placing candidates in nomi
nation, Alabama yielded its place at the
head Of the list to Nebraska, and Q. ID.
Oldham Of that state made his way to the
platform for the initial speech placing
Mr.. Bryan in nomination for the presi-
dency.
Oldham's Speech.
Mr.. Oidbam's speech was as follows:
Mr.. Chairman--Bor than 100 years ago the
Continental congress OF America adopted a decla
ration which had been dssfted by the founder Of
the Democratic party, and tn. Joyous tones of the
old liberty bell which greeted the act announced
to waiting world that a nation had bs@a born.
with hearts unchillet by the selfish sentiuss2ts
Of cold commercialism yes have responded pa
triotically to each sentiment contained in De-
mocracy's first platform as 1t ~as read to you at
the opening Of this convention, and In Wew Of
the radical departure which the party in power
has made from the principles set forth in that
historic document II is meet that we, true be
levers In the republic Of old, should. whap
choosing a field and forming lines for tins
bioodIess battle Of ballots now impending, say In
the language Of one OF the loved patriots OF long
ago, "Read this Declaration at the head Of the
army, and every sword shall be drawn from its
scabbard and a solemn VOW taken to maintaan IT
OF to perish on the bed OF honor"
Much OF the history Of this republic shall be
ither made or marred by the action Of this con-
vention. You, as representatives of the only
party which is coexistent with the nation Itself.
the only party which ever had within its own
ranks sufficient constructive craftsmanship to Gre
ate . nation In which each citizen becomes a
sovereign, have, true to the traditions you bear,
In your platform set out In simple language,
with a decided American accent, plan for the
peoples redemption from each sacrilege and
schism taught by the Republican party. The
plan contains nothing but the approved prccepts
OF the elders and doctors Of your faith. II on q
platform you place a candidate whose devoted
and unblcmisled life shall stand a pledge to
the plain people that he in good faith will carry
out the solemn covenants made therein. then the
hour OF our ultimate triumph Ia at hand.
No Greater Honor.
Tbxe Is no greater honor reserved for citizen
Of these United States than to become the stand,
ard bearer OF the Democratic party 1t at once
eprolhs his name on the scroll Of the "immortais
who are not born to die" and encircles him with
. halo Of the glory OF all the illustrious achieve
nents which that unconquered and unconquerable
orsanization has emblazoned on every page Of our
naties's history. 1t intrusts to his keeping the
fsne Of that long line Of statesmen and patriots
WIN have knflt for a blessing at Democracys
shfia:
''oA, bright are the names Of those heroes and
sageS
That shtss Ike stars through the dimmest 81