The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-08-01
NAME A GOLD MAN.
Michigan Democrats Meet In
State Convention at Detroit.

Detroit Mich, Aug. 1.-The Michigan
Democratic state convention seemed to
prove that harmony is not virtue al
together unattainable in Democratic
ranks. Judge George H. Durand, of
Flint, who filled a vacancy on the SUI
preme bench of this state during the
year 1892, and who is generally credit
ed with being a Gold Democrat at
heart, though not a bolter in 1886, was
nominated on the fourth ballot to run
for governor this fall. Judge Durand
did not attend the convention or au-
thorize anyone to state that he would
accept the nomination if it was accord
ed him and the free silver element made
a vigorous fight to defeat him, 1ntfmat-
ing that he would likely leave the party
in the lurch and either refuse to run
or conduct a luke warm campaign.
Judge Durand was not even nominated
by his home delegation, the one from
Genesee county. His name was pre-
scented by ex-Congressman Tarsney of
Detroit. Judge Durand's son. who was
there, refused to encourage any one
who was booming his fathers candi-
dacy. 1t was stated that the judge was
out on a fishing expedition somewhere
in the northern part of the state and
could not be reached by wire
But despite the absence of any def
mite assurance of acceptance from him,
and the constant repetition by the sill
yer people of the suggestion that Du-
rand might decline to run if nominated
the candidacy of the Gold Democrat
from Flint started out strong and made
steady going until his nomination was
effected on the fourth ballot. After the
nomination had been made unanimous
on motion of D. J. Campau, of Detroit.
the generally accepted leader of the sill
yer Democrats, State Senator Helms, of
Lansing, who had made a close fight
for nomination, gracefully declared from
the platform that he was ready to put
his shoulder to the wheel and work
heart and soul for the nominee.
After the nomination of a candidate
for governor the convention adjourned
to allow time for discussion of candi
dates for other places on the ticket.
The platform adopted by the conven-
ton is devoted almost entirely to state
issues, the only mention of national is
sues being an endorsement of the cleo
ton of United States senators directly
by the people.
The resolutions declare that the de-
struction of boss rule is the supreme
issue. They charge the present Repub-
lican administration with getting into
power two years ago by gross corrup-
ton and manipulation of caucuses and
nominating conventions and demand a
primary election law under which all
nominations shall be made directly by
the people. Equal taxation and assess
ments and the repeal of what are term
ed the ripper laws" of the last state
legislature, which are said to be a vio-
alton of the right of cities to have
adoption of the system known as the in
itiative and referendum is demanded.
Another plank favors municipal own
ership of public utilities, subject to the
referendum.
The ticket was completed by the nom
nation of the following candidates.
no opposition developing to any of the
names presented:
Lieutenant Governor-John F. Bible,
of Iona.
Secretary of State-John Donovan,
Bay City. Mich.
Treasurer-Wilbur F. Davidson, Port
Huron.
Auditor General-David A. Hammond,
Ann Arbor.
Attorney General-William F. Knight
Grand Rapids.
Superintendent of Public Instructions
Prof. Woodbridge NJ. Ferris, Big Rap
ids.
Commissioner of Land Office-Arthur
P. Watson, Sheboygan.
/ Member State Board of Education
Charles F. Field, Hastings.
| Justice of Supreme Court-To fill va
| cancy, Benjamin D. Brown Menominee
The convention adjourned sine die at
| 10 O'Clock last night