The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1900-07-03
Supposed to Echo Bry-
ans Sentiment.
The Counter Movement for a
Compromise.

Kansas City, July s.-The throb and
thrill of great national assemblage is
beginning to take possession of this
young Queen City of the Southwest.
Throughout the day there has been a
steady tramp of incoming thousands by
every train, choking the railroad sta
tions with struggling travel stained
and sweltering throng. The delegations
have been arriving in scattered lots,
some of them with bands and banners
to add sound and color to the animated
scenes.
Among the days arr ivals are many of
the interesting figures of the party, in-
cluding the smooth-faced, ministerial
looking Oldham of Nebraska, who will
make the speech placing Bryan in nomi-
nation. Hill Of New York, weighted with
his long conference with Bryan at Lin
coin and weary with three days of con-
stant travel; Perry Belmont of New
York, well groomed and debonair; John
P. Altgeld of Illinois, brown and smiling
under his broad brimmed Panama; ;Arthur
Sewall, the Maine ship builder, who ran
with Bryan four years ago; and that old
unique figure Of the Senate, Senator Will
liam E. Clark of Montana, heading the
delegation of Regulars with two brass
bands and an abundance of enthusiasm.
The real work of the convention began
today with a meeting of the national
committee to determine contests and to
select temporary officers. Mayor Rose
of Milwaukee, the choice for temporary
chairman, is a German-American re-
puted to be an orator OF line presence
and effective delivery. Tonight the na-
tional committee had a private dinner
as the guests of Daniel j. Campau,
while great crowds of delegates and
spectators are centering at convention
hall, which was formally opened with a
band concert.
The m onetary league also began it's
session with 'Coin' Harvey and Mr..
Towne as attractions.
But aside from these formal proceed
ings the day has brought many develop
ments and some speeches on the general
situation. The arrival of the Nebraska
delegation fresh from conference with
their leader, was mainly instrumental
in showing Mr.. Bryan's attitude. They
were hardly off the cars before they met
in caucus and formally put forward
a declaration Of principles. This ex-
pressed ''unalterabIe opposition to any
surrender OF the principle of bimetallism
and demand for financial plank MAX
ing a specific pledge for the free and un-
limited coinage of gold and silver at the
ratio of 16 to /, independently Of what
any other nation may do
The return Of Senator Hill without
tangible results which he was willing
to disclose, made it plain that his con-
ference with Mr.. Bryan at Lincoln had
come to naught and it served also to
emphasize the general feeling that Mr..
Bryan would not tolerate any temporiz-
ing on the platform. But the develop
ments Of Mr.. Bryan's influence over the
convention and his unwavering insistence
on 16 to 1, has created a curious counter
movement. The leaders want no surren-
der of silver. neither are they seeking
immolation at this one altar. They seek
compromise, concession and such a har-
monizing that all sections can be brought
together. AS a result of this strong and
growing sentiment, definite and urgent
representations have been made to Mr..
Bryan in the interest of harmony and
moderation on the platform.
Quite independent Of the Bryan infu-
ence, the several Vice Presidential move
ments nave had varying fortunes during
the day.
Mr.. shiyeley Of Indiana retired finally
and imperatively.
The Hill movement on the other
hand, showed decided progress, notwith-
standing the chill OF the Lincoln confer.
ence. Arriving delegations showed
marked favor, even enthusiasm for him.