Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-07-06


Committees appointed.
ST. LOUIS, July 6.-The democratic na-
tional convention convened here today. 1t
is being held in the exposition building on
Olive street. This monster meeting place,
within the walls of which democracys
standard bearers are to be named, was the
mecca for all whose interest here centers
in the convention. The scenes of activity
have been transferred from the hotels to
this common point. The corridors of
the former, wherein for several days past
all has been excitemnet were deserted soon
after the morning hours.
Long before the doors We're swung open
vast crowds thronged the streets in the vi
cinity of the main entrance to the exposi-
ton building. In the surging line were men
and women and visiting political orgali-
cations eagerly seeking entrance. Those
who have charge of the distribution of the
tickets of admission have been deluged
with requests for them. but as cards have
been provided only to the extent of the
seating capacity of the hall many persons
were disappointed.
The preliminary skirmishes have taken
place and the big contest for the nomina-
tion for President is now on in earnest.
Decoration of the Hall.
The decoration of the convention hall
were undertaken on most elaborate scale
and the pleasing and effective general
scheme has been carried out to the minutest
details. The great dome ceiling which rises
high above the floor is covered with a fab
ric of solid yellow, with here and there
hounces OF a white material carrying out
the architectural design. Within each of
the sections of the ceiling is the seal of one
OF the states and a stand of colors while
fr front of the gallery spaces are festoons
or white cloth. The walls are adorned with
tie national emblems, forming frame for
the COLOSSAL color picture overhead. The
splendor OF the vari-colored gowns worn by
the large number of ladies occupying seats
III the galleries and the ever moving fans
gave the finishing touch and completed a
scene beth spectacular and picturesque
Flowers We're eliminated from the scheme
with the exception of the bouquets on the
tables on the chairman's platform plants
ana blossoms were not in evidence, prefer
ence having been given by the designers to
more enduring decorative materials
Inc nan is an immense amphitheater ad-
Hraoly arranged for national convention
ana especially arranged so that all avail
able room may be utilized to the greatest
possible advantage. Those charged with tbe
preparation evidently grasped the situation
The accommodations for the general pub,c
and especially for the press, are much moro
complete than they were at the Chicago
CohFentcn' and the best for tie latter that
nave ever been provided at national con-
Nehuon' every facility for the reporting of
the proceedings and the prompt dispatch Of
the news TO the world at large beinp Of
forded.
Arrangement of Seats.
The participants in tho convep+io, ,ro
ceedings occupy positions on tho ut,
floor. which forms an ellipse the chair
man $ platform, with ample seating capac
lty. rising at the center in the rear The
section allotted 10 the delegates is directlv
in front of this platform A large stand
ard-a red, white and blue disk-desip
mates the location Of the various delepa-
tlons by states. and incidentally adds to
the attractiveneSs of the spectacle
ON either side of the delegates position
provision has been made for the alter
mates, the press seats being located on the
Immediate sides of the chairman's nlat
form.
Directly opposite the platform and in rho
rear OF the delegates is a stand where
pahd OF thirty pieces plays throughout the
convention, Milling in the gaps with stirring
music. Ihe platform and band stand have
been decorated in harmony with the whole
scheme, the nations emblem predomipat
ing.
The galleries encircle the elIipse the
seats rising in tiers. Seats on the Mat
form and one section of the gallery imme-
diately in its rear is reserved for govern
ors. members of Congress, mayors OF cities
and others of distinguished prominence I'm
the party. hospital has been provided in
the ante rooms, and is fully equipped with
all needed medical stores and surgical an
pliances, and with corps of doctors and
Trained nurses in constant attendance
Large exits, adequately marked afford
ready egress from the hail. Officials of the
convention and large corps of attendants
busted themselves throughout the morning
hours perfecting the remaining details. and
with the opening of the doors looked to the
seating of the delegates, alternates and
spectators
Interest in Williams Speech.
Naturally the opening speech of John
Sharp Williams of Mississippi leader of
the minority on the floor of the national
House of Representatives, and chosen by
the democratic national committee for tenn
pOrary chairman. was awaited with keen