The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-08-02

As a relief from the depression caused by
the long-continucd hot spell" and as
anording a new topic for comment instead
Of the weather, nothing could have been
more opportune than two conventions which
have just been held-that OF the Socialists
in this city, and that of the Progressive
Democrats in Columbus. O. Both names,
by the way. seem to nave been adopted on
the 'lucus a non lueendo" principIe-the
Socialists because they are not social, and
the Progressive Democrats because they
are not progressive. And it is somewhat
remarkable that both conventions had
much trouble in finding a suitable name for
the party they respectively represented.
Lord Salisbury difficulty in framing a new
title for the King was slight in COMPARE
son. After discussing and discarding sew
eral names the two conventions finally
christened their respective parties as above.
There We're not many of the Socialists, but
they greatly outrumbered the Progressive
Democrats, and what they lacked in num-
bers they made up in picturesque person
aiities and radical reformers. \ great deal
Of time was spent in discussing whether
the demands embodied in their platform
should be immediate or not. They seemed
to be afraid that il they were made 'imme-
date" they might all come to pass before
the delegates could get home and notify
their families. The matter was finally set
tied by giving the demand a sort of time
margin. SO that the country might adjust
itself TO the situation. Another large part
Of the time of the convention was
spent in "denouncing'' the person who was
supposed to have started a false report
that the party had repudiated or would
repudiate Mr.. Eugene V. Debs as a leader.
The population story was thoroughly re-
pudiated. The remainder of the three days
session Vas consumed in talk concerning
trivial matters which really amounted to
nothing. bit which MADE the convention
think it WIS transacting business.
The Progressive Democratic convention
was the fULnicr of the two. 1t was the
most compact convention ever held, except,
perhaps. the famous mass meeting held by
the three tailors of Tooley street. 1t was
SO funny that it could not take itself
seriously. 1t made even the delegates laugh,
and everybody knows it has taken a good
deal TO make Bryan Democrats laugh since
the last election After several weeks Of
vigorous advertising and giving out that
the convention was to organize, name and
baptize the new Bryan party in Ohio, there
were less thar = dozen persons present.
There would nave been more, but one dele
Oaffnn Of three could NOT find tho cnnyan-
ton and went to the races. But for this
unfortunate occurrence there would have
been nearly fifteen persons present. In
order to enable the delegates to get to-
gether and keep up a touch of elbows, as
it were. the convention met in a small
room in a hotel. y remarkable feature Of
the convention was that there were mole
reporters present than delegates, and, ac-
eording to the dispatch. they were very
considerato-y treated, being assigned the
only bel in the room for quarters. The
permanent chairman Of the convention con-
graduated the other thirteen delegates ON
their a tendance. as showing there were
some wbo refused 10 be led around ~ the
money crust with rings in their noses"
ms 0to - Qaltt % OVAQ q - 80 @LA
Bryan's cross of gold and crown Of
thorns." but it seems to nave impressed
the convention, for it adopted a resolution
demanding the destruction of the money
trust. After considerable difficulty in Sc
lecting a name for the party the convention
adopted a platform, nominated a State
ticket and adjourned.
These two conventions selected a good
time for meeting. Next year at this time
there will be SC many state and other con-
v~entions that assemblages like these, rep
resenting radical reforms or new de-
partures in politics. might be overlooked.
Meeting. as they did. in an off year and
during a dull political season, they have
been able to command the attention that
belongs 20 interesting current events.