The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1902-07-22
THE DEMOCRATIC STATE CONvEx-
TION.

The finest convention ever seen has
become almost a ste~reotyped phrase as
to democratic state conventions of late,
but the one held on Wednesday at
Greensboro was really one of the best
ever held in the state. 1t was remark
able in many respects-for the large
attendance (only one county not being
represented and the number of delegates
and others reaching thirteen hundred
or more); for the class of men in atten-
dance; for the harmony and good feel
ing prevailing and for many eloquent
speeches. Notably among these were
the address Of welcome by Major
Charles NJ. Stedman on the part of the
city of Greensboro, which was a gem of
it's kind, the speeches placing IN nomi-
nation Justice Clark and Hon. James
A. Lockahrt by Hons. Claude Kitchin
n Oar Hugh Mclean and the speech
Of Hon. w. w. Kitchin in opposition
to the adoption of the minority report
of the committee OF platform in regard
to the clause r~e-endorsing the princi-
PIC III Xix nv III u DIo'-
form.
With the exception of the nominations
Of Clark and Joyner, which were made
by reclamation, all the others were hot
ly contested, though without bitterness
and personalities. The crowd was in
good humor most of the time-in too
good humor at times for the rapid dis
-arnl~ - VI --O
citing portions of the proceedings were
the taking of the vote between Conner
and Brown and the debate and ballot
ing on the platform.
When the minority report on the plat
form was read and the discussion began
the delegates seemed to be largely in
favor of the minority proposition only
declaring allegiance to the principles
of democracy, but after a somewhat
lengthy discussion it was voted down..
to the surprise of many. That it was
defeated was due more to the speech
against it by Hon. w. w. Kitchin than
to any other cause; in fact, it can be
said that Mr.. Kitchin defeated it By
this speech which was a magnificent
piece of oratory and a strong exposi-
ton of the matter from his standpoint.
Among the oratorical feature of the
convention was the address of Chair
mar Simmons, who in his usua master
ly style laid down and elaborated the
principles of the democratic parties of
the state and nation and reviewed their
records in comparison with those of the
republican and fusion partiesi
AS to the question of holding prima-
ries for selection of senator and state,
district n county officers. the con-
vention was dead against the CLAUSE in
the platform as reported advocating the
enactment of law providing for such
primaries, and wiped the whole plank
out of the platform after it had been
vigorously argued for some time. The
chief opposition came from the west
and was led by ex-Congressman Craw-
ford in a forceful speech.
As to the accommodations and prepa-
rations made for the comfort of the
guests, they were as complete as could
possibly be made. Greensboro surDass-
es any city in the state of it's size for
hotel accommodations. In the
ton hall everything was done that could
be to make the delegates comfortable.
even to the dozen or more electric fans
that were buzzing all the time, keeping
the air of the hall cool and fresh, while
a number of pages were busy the whole
time circulating among the delegates
with ice water, elmonade n cigars.
the contributions to the guests from the
citizens of the city. We did not meet
a single delegate who was not we'll
pleased with Greensboro as a onven
ton city.
The ticket is nominated and it is now
up to the voters to do their part. 1t is
for them to say whether it shall be
elected or not. Chairman Simmons as
director of the campaign will, every
one knows, do his duty. Defeat, if it
comes, can be laid only al the door of
those who refuse or neglect to do their
nart