The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-07-06
CHEERING LASTED EIGHT MINUTES
When the Temporary Chairman Mentioned
the Name of Cleveland.

St Louis, Mo. July 6.-Exact1y at
noon Chairman J. X Jones of the na-
tionaI committee called the Democrat
convention TO order. His appearance
on the platform and the sound of his
&sveI brought forth a cheer from the
fhoor and galleries
Chairman Jones directed the SER
geant-at-arrs to secure order. He
continued belaboring the table with
his gavel. but it was some time before
quiet reigned. California's appearance
with a huge silk banner and silk
American flags and a yell, California,
California, Hearst, Hearst, Hearst"
caused cheering. Just as the California
delegation reached its reservation
after marching up and down the CEN
ter aisle. William ]. Bryan, who had
come in unnoticed, arose in his place
and was given a cheer. Then an en-
terprising member of the Montana
delegation created diversion by Wig
orously ringing a cowbell.
Again Chairman Jones demanded
that the convention be in order, and
at once directed the secretary to read
the call for the convention. Applause
followed the reading of the call. After
quiet was restored Chairman Jones
announced that the convention would
be opened by prayer Dy Rev. John E.
Cannon, pastor of the Grand Avenue
Baptist church of St. Louis. During
the invocation the convention stood.
The pastors voice was entirely mad
equate even to reach the center of the
hall The prayer occupied several
minutes.
Cheers for Williams.
Enthusiastic cheering greeted the
chairman's announcement that he was
directed by the national committee to
appoint John S. Williams temporary
chairman. c. A. Walsh secretary and
John T. Martin temporary sergeant-at-
rms.
- The cnair appointed Colonel John NJ.
Guffey of Pennsylvania and NJ +. Tar
pey of California to escort Mr.. Williams
to the chair. AS the platform was en-
closed by railing it was necessary for
the committee and Mr.. Williams to
climb over the railing. The committee
lifted Mr.. williams safely over and the
entire convention burst into cheers as
he ascended the platform.
Il have the honor to introduce to you
John s. Williams as temporary chair
man. said Chairman Jones, and again
the convention cheered.
Mr.. Williams was attired in a light
gray suit and white waistcoat- He
out gestures. Several cries of louder.
louder Interrupted Mr.. Williams as
he began. his clear but not powerful
voice at first falling to reach all parts
of the hall.
AS Mr.. Williams proceeded his voice
increased in volume and the delegates
listened attenttively.
Williams Amused Them
The convention appeared considerably
amused at Mr.. Williams humC-cs.siy
sarcastic reference TO '.the mutual ad-
Iniration society of Mr.. Roosevelt and
Mr. Root and when he read a eulogy
by the president on Mr.. Root the dele
gates laughed and applauded- Mr..
Williams spoke in an ironical tone that
caught the fancy of the convention and
ne was interrupted time and again by
laughter.
At this point the Michigan delegation
entered the hall and there were several
calls for order. Cheering was evoked
bv the speakers statement that Mr..
Roosevelt had found praise for only
three presidents. George Washington.
Abraham Lincoln and himself''-and
when he asked If the hell roaring
lake Smith order was a sample of the
moral sentiment for which the Repub-
Iicans stood a lusty cheer broke forth
A great part of Mr.. Williams speech
was delivered under great difficulties
for the speaker and those of his hear
ers who We're supposed to be most di
rectIy interested in his remarks The