The San Francisco call., 1904-07-09
FRIENDS OF NOMINEE
MAKE GOOD IN BALLOT
CLAIMS OF STRENGTH
Opposition Fights Desperately, but
When Resources Are Ex-
hausted They Encoun-
ter Defeat.

CONVENTION HALL, St Louis.
July S.-The crush OF visitors around
the doors and inside the convention
han az O'Clock, the time set for the
opening OF the convention, was greater
than that al any previous session It
was something rarely paralleled at any
national convention Extras had spread
the news over town that nomination
was 70 be expected tonight, and the
crowd was greater than at any pre-
vious session At two or three en-
frances the pressure on the doorkeepers
and policemen was so great that the
lines were broken and many persons
without tickets forced their way into
The hall
Il is doubtful II ever before in any
large gathering II the United States
were the rules governing admission TO
large convention so utterly ignored.
The doors were practically thrown open
70 the public In the gallery there was
not an unoccupied inch Of standing or
sitting room The passageways under
The building were completely choked by
pushing, struggling mass. with which
the sergeant-at-arms and police were
sand people were packed beneath the
main fioor vainly trying TO gain ad-
mission to the auditorium The con-
s2esrfou here was highly dangerous in
itself but stin The crowd poured
through The entrances and still no ef-
fort Was made 20 keep Il hack
II was a crowd that. Judging from
prevailing symptoms. came with the
fun intention Of participating in the
proceedings. for cheers. applause and
comment were forthcoming upon every
occasion.
The hrst reception Of the evening was
given 10 Senator Hill OF New York.
"ho made his first appearance in the
hau
HILL Is GIVEN A RECEPTION.
General Nelson A Miles was also
present for the first time.
At O'Clock there was not a vacant
seat in the vast auditorium From
Platform 70 tOpmOst gallery was hacked
WIN delegates, alteInates and specta-
tors. The heat was already intense
on the outsido the crowd was even
greater than within the Coliseum. So
far a. the interest of the masses was
concerned the nights session was what
all strove 10 witness. Tickets sold 50
cheaply that they were within the
means ~ all. The only trouble was
that the cheapest tickets were for ses-
eions gone by, and the buyer took his
own chances on getting by the door
tenders. Many Of the bogus ticket
holders got IN and others less fortunate
blocked the entrances. The streets on
The four sides Of the Coliseum were i'm
cav -,
difficulty and with danger 20 hurna nj
Is The police cndesYOred without eff
fect 10 keep the passagewavs clear.
Nothing, however, affected the mob. for
IL was known that hundreds passed
through the doors who had no right TO
enter and that served TO work the
throng into frenzy. Long after the
bali was filed the crowd pressed
against the entrances. 10th TO give I'D
tne chance Of getting IN.
Frequently half q dozen people would
be allowed TO enter on a single ticket
10 attempt was made IN many in
stances to restrict the crowd in any
way. ard by the time the chairman
called the convention TO order the hall
was filed 10 the danger line and be-
aond.
CALLS CONVENTION To ORDER.
series OF energetic thumps upon
the presiding officers table were given
ey Chairman Clark at sos o'clock in
an enceavor 10 call the convention TO
croer- The reading clerk ordered the
Ioor officers to clear the aisles. AS
Clark stood at the desk Senator Dan
iel OF Virginia, chairman Of the reso-
Iutlons committee. made his way 10 his
sioe with copy Of the platform in his
hand.
Without delay il was announced that
the report Of the committee would be
received.
At the statement the convention
seized the opportunity TO express its
satisfaction At the unanimous report.
A great cry went Up. A great many
delegates Jumped 70 their feet and the
1:st demonstration OF the night session
occurred.
Becoming impatient at the delay.
Senator Daniel began his announce
sucls in the midst Of the uproar.
Il an instructed TO make TO this con-
NentiOn." he began, this unanimous
report on resolutions"
The Senator's persistence had the de-
sired effect. although il was several
minutes bsfo-c the convention com
posed itself. AID warning h=d 20 be
given by the reader that order must
be preserved. cries OF Louder were
repeatedly made as Senator Daniel pro
ceeded, for his voice seemed inadequate
60 the hall.