The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-01-12
HOT FIGHT FOR CONVENTION
St. Louis Seems to Have
 the Best Chance.
Gathering in Washington Promises to Be One of the Most Notable
 in the History of
 the Party.
Advertiser Bureau,
 Colorado Building.

Colorado Building.
 Washington, Jan. II. The meeting of the National Democratic Committee, which will be called to order by Chairman Jones at noon tomorrow m the ball room of the Shoreham Hotei' promises to be the most notable gather1ns in the history of this party organization. full attendance is promised with put few represented by proxy.
 Besides the fifty-one committee mem bers, scores of prominent Democrats from each of the nearby States and many from distance are on hand to take notes on indications or to do missionary work for their favorite candidates for Presf- dent.
 In addition to these are large delega- tions from Chicago, New York and St. Louis which are vigorously contesting for the prise of the convention site, Chicago undoubtedly coming best prepared to urge her claims and has had considerable out side help.
 But a strong delegation from St. Louis, headed by Rollo Wells and Charles w. Knapp, is very vigorously pushing the claims of the Exposition City. The Chi cago people say as to that. St. Louis should be content with the past benefi- cence of the Government in helping out her big show. The New Workers do not seem to be aggressive just now, although it is said they will take a careful survey of the situation and be prepared to offer special inducements. There is an inn precision that there is no general home backing for New. York. A great crowd thronged the Hobbies of the Shoreham Hotel tonight.
 Private John M. Allen. famous in eight Congresses as the wit of the House, was on hand with his little joke. To a group of convention place boomers who were seeking his influence, he gravely an- nounced: T wish right now to enter a disclaimer in behalf of Tupelo. Tupelo is positively not 3 candidate for the conven- ton. The merchants of Tupelo are too busy to 6e pestersd Ntth q psssei ef poll: ed over the holl weevil problem to give the proper welcome to, visitors in town.
 There is no doubt about the excellent spirits and sanguine hopes of the repre- sentative Democrats to be seen, but all seem to be careful about committing themselves on anything, except an in- sistence that there is to be a harmonious convention, short, conservative, old- time Democratic platform with candi- date to match. The busiest boomers ap- pear to be the advocates of Congressman Hearst, but if they are making any im-
 
 The New York visitors. including Charles F. Murphy, Patrick McCarren, Phil F. Donohue, and others who have recently come to the front. have not mixed in the crowds, Reepink in their own quarters and quietly discussing the situation. While they are ostensibly absolutely non- committal, 1t Is percolated outside that they will not insist upon New York for the convention city, and that they are really here In strength to see what will come of the broaching of the name of Judge Alton B. Parker to head the con- vention's ticket. On the outside Parker seems to be the only probability admitted. Representative Clayton, Alabama's com mitteeman, Is inclined to vote for New York for the convention.
 At midnight there had been a decided change. for political reasons. among the committeeman in favor of St. Louis for the convention city. The St. Louis men are claiming victory on the first ballot.
 unquestIonably there are admirers of senator German among the committee men. but none of the Maryland Senators advocates seem to be making any play on this occasion in his behalf. The diffi- culties of his position as minority leader of the Senate are beginning to be appre- ciated, and in view of the popular sent iment favoring the Panama Canal treaty 1t is admitted by his friends that his pros poets are embarrassed. notwithstandin9 the unshrtnking courage in the lime light. Indeed. 1t Is contended that his bold ad- herence to principle in the face of gen. eral adverse criticism will eventually re- bound to his credit. If MT. German is out an intriguing politician none ever more skillfully concealed it than he has since he assumed the leadership of the NA aaA ka kLo .eA of the Democratic National Committed The strength of the claims for the Maryland Senator ostensibly lie in the confidence ot business interests, and his sagacious comprehension of the ways and means of the enemy as well as of his own cause.
 The name of President Cleveland was barely mentioned in the crowds that are talking. out loud. in the Shoreham. but in the quiet way in which men sometimes get serious reference was made to him in a manner that shows he has by no means departed beyond reach of call, which 1t Is admitted is in the hearts of an incalculab,e number of American peO- pie. A suggestive tip reads just now, Watch New Jersey.'
 The members of the National Demo- cratic Committed is as below. Since the last meeting of the Committee four mem- bers have died. Sewell of Maine, Russell of Massachusetts. Otey of Virginia, and Cornwell of Hawai-
 Henry D. Clayton, Alabama.
 James P. Clark, Arkansas
 James H. Budd. California.
 Adair Wilson, Colorado.
 H. s. Cummings, Connecticut.
 
 George R. Raney. Florida.
 Clark Howell, Georgia.
 F. N. Wolfe, Idaho.
 Thomas Gahan, Illinois.
 Thomas Taggert. Indiana.
 c. A Walsh, Iowa.
 J. G. Johnson, Kansas.
 Urey Woodson, Kentucky.
 N. E. Blanchard, Louisiana.
 George E. Hughes, Maine.