The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1904-07-08
BROUGHT INTO SHARP CONTRAST
BY GREETINGS AFFORDED
TO OTHER LEADERS.
JOHN S. WILLIAMS PREsIDEs
THE TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN DE.
LINERS A LONG SPEECH ON
CAMPAIGN ISSUES.
a H

st. Louis, July 1.-THE Democratic
national convention met Wednesday,
listened to an extended speech from
Representative John Sharp Williams,
its temporary chairman, appointed the
committee necessary to perfect a per-
manent organization, and adjourned.
In a session lasting two hours and
fifty minutes, one striking incident
overshadowed all other proceedings.
That was the enthusiastic and pro-
longed cheering which greeted the
name of Grover Cleveland. While the
outburst which greeted the name OF
the former Democratic president be-
fore it's last syllable had fallen from
the lips of the temporary chairman
was noteworthy in itself, it was mag
niied by contrast to the greeting al
forded the actual men who stood Tor
all that has beer opposed to Mr.. Cleve-
land within the party during the past
eight years.
James X. Jones of Arkansas, chair
man of the national committee, went
onto the platform and took his seat
unnoticed. Practically no greeting
was given him when he faced the con-
vention with gavel in hand.
There were other stalwart lieuten-
ants of the Nebraskan, who entered the
hall unacclaimed and lastly, MI. Bryan
himself, who, for the first time during
the two national campaigns. was
greeted with silence. Eight minutes
after the gavel fell the twice-named
candidate of his party passed in the
main entrance and sought his seat I'M
heralded and u%nheeded. A few mo-
ments later he arose and pushed his
way to q seat nearer the aisle, where,
standing a moment to give greetings
to friends, he was caught sight of and
applauded. But the measure OF ap-
plause was but a ripple when compared
to the storm called forth by Cleye-
lands name.
Listening attentively to the Demo
cratic doctrine laid down by Mr.. Will
Jams, the conservatives found occa.
sion for the first demonstration when
reference was made to the record OF
former President Cleveland. All the
shackled party interest which had lain
dormant through the two national
campaigns was released as though by
the touch of a trigger. The name OF
Cleveland was cheered from a thou
sand threats. Hats, handkerchiefs,
fans and arms were waved, delegates
and spectators stood on their chairs
and the last semblance of order was
turned into confusion which conven.
ton officials were powerless to subdue.
ATTEMPTED TO DIVERT THE =
CHEERS FROM CLEVELAND
While the outburst was at it's height
Mr.. Bryan's followers attempted tt
convert the demonstration into ap
plause for their leader. The name O.
Bryan was yelled Justify, but in vain
Shouting of Grover" and cleveland
u was renewed and the Bryan following
was Kissed. The greatest significance
was attached to the showing made b!
the conservatives. Their absolute con
troll of the convention is no lOnge
doubted, ever by those who have here
tofore declined to be convinced. Tn
nomination Of Judge Parker for presi
dent is assured beyond any possibilit,
Of defeat.
An incident to the demOnstratiOl
was an alteration between Sergeant
alarms John l. Martin and IN v
jealous man who vas giving vent t
his enthusiasm in a Whlc
convention officials deemed offensive
AS Chairman Williams was knockin
splinters from his desk in an effort t
pound the convention into order S
that he could proceed with his address
Mike Padden of the New York deleg;
ton was seen motioning delegates an
spectators to continue their applaus
and encouraging the galleries to ignol
the chairman's order for silence. Pa
den resented interference from tt
sergeant-at-arms and in the m VIZ
elected from the convention hall. TT
disturbance was of the rough { tut
BILE order, though no blows we
struck.
The great coliseum, where the co
vention is being held. is artistical
decorated with flags, flowers, buntil
and medallions bearing the coats
arms of the states. A great crowd {
81 cupied the seats reserved for spec
tors at an early hour, but the delegat
were not so promptly on hand and t
early arrivals were prone to loiter
the aisles.
The arrival of dignitaries attract
comparatively little attention. Dal
B. Hill, Tammany Leader Murphy,
Bryan, Democratic members of I
senate and many others prominent
national affairs and conspicuous beft
the country took their places in I
hall practically unnoticed. In so
instances, there was local applause
the vicinity of the seats of so
prominent figures, out that was
BRYAN ENTERS THE HALL
.JNNcTlcEp BY GALLERlI
Mr.. Bryan entered the hall first wi
out h recognition from the galleri
He ret,aced his steps some minu
later and held a reception in he cen