The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-07-13
Parker lRD DAVIS IRE
The STANDARD BEARERS.
Report of the National Demo
cratic Convention.

Report of the National Demo-
cratic Convention.
st. Louis, July 9.-The Democratic
national convention met today listen
ed TO an extended speech from Rep.
reseatatiEe John Sharp Williams, It's
temporary chairman, appointed the
committees necessary TO perfect per-
manen5 organization and adjourned.
Ina session lasting 9 houFs and 80
minutes, one striking incident over
sshadowed ali other proceedings That
was the enthusiastic and prolonged
cheering which greeted the name OF
Grover Cleveland. While the outburst
which greeted the name OF the former
Demecratic president before its. last
syllable had fallen from the lips OF
the Temporary chairman vas note
worthy in itself, i5aWas magnifled by
contrast with the greeting accorded
the acsnal parsons OF men who stood
for all that has been opposed to Mr..
Cleveland within the party during the
last eight years.
James z. Jones ef Arkansas,
chairman of the national committee,
went on the platform and took his seat
annoticed. Practically no greeting
was given him whea he faced the
convention with gavel Ia hand
Other staiWart lieutenants OF the
Nebraskan entered the hall unacclaim
ed and lastly ME. Bryan himself, who,
for the first time during two national
campaigns, was greeted with silence.
Eight minutes after the gavel fell, the
twice named candidate OF his party
passed. in tho main entrance and
Sought his seat: unheralded and un-
needed few minutes later he
arose and pushed his way to a seat
nearer the aisle, where standing a
moment TO give greeting to friends,
he was caught sight of and applaud
sd. But the measure of applause was
but ripple when compared to the
storm called forth by the mention OF
Cleyeland's name.
THE DOCTRINE OF WILLIAMS.
Listening attentively to the doctrine
laid down by MI. Williams, the con-
secvatives found occasion for their first
demonstration when reference was
made to the record OF former Presi-
dent Grover Cleveland. All the
shackled party interests which had
laid dornant through two national
campaigns was released as by the
touch OF trigger. The name of Cleve-
@laud was echoed from a thousand
5 thrcats. Hats, handkerchiefs and
arms were waived, delegates and
spectators stood On their chairs and
the last seublance of order was tnrn-
ed into confusion which convention
officials were powerless to subdue.
While the cutburss was at its height
Mr.. Bfyanss following attempted to
convert the demonstration into ap-
piause for their leader. The name OF
Bryan was yelled Justify bat In vain.
Shouting of Grover and "Cleve-
land,o Was renewed and the Bryan
following was hissed. The greatest
significance was attached to the show
J. ing made by the conservatives. Theil
absolute control OF the convention il
no longer doubted even By those who
have heretofore declined to be con-
WINGED. The nomination OF Judge
Parker for president is assured beyond
any possibility of defeat.
An incident to the demonstration
was au altercation between Sergeant
at-Arms John /. Martin and an oVez-
Zalous man who was giving vent to
his enthusiasm in a manner which
convention officials deemed offensive.
Little political scheming was in
progress on the floor of the convention
hall. The anti-Parker delegates We're
SO much in the minority that there
appeared to be no basis for clever ma.
incubation. The action Of Ohio late
last night closely followed Pennsyl-
yania's declaration for the New York
iurist and the band-wagon tendencies
displayed by other delegations which
had been counted in the Parker ranks
had a telling effect upon the opposi.
ton. Though opponents professed not
to be disheartened by stories OF Parker
gains and continued to claim that
more than one third of She delegates
had pledged themselves never to vote
for Parker few persons could be found
who we're willing to listen to those
who were backing the field against
the fagorite.
A SHIRTSLEEEVE CONVENTION.
By the time majority Of the dele
gates had arrived at the coliseum
every breath Of cool outside air had
been absorbed. Fans were waving
vigorously in all parts of the place.
Coats were not long in coming off,
collars and ties were loosened and the
picture was that of shirt-sleeve con-
vention.
With the exception Of the tinder
ignited by the mention of Cleveland's
name the speech OF the Temporary
chairman was received practically
without interruption. A few pas
sages were applauded but chat was all.
The fault was not with the speech,
but principally with the acoustic con-
ditions in the hall. Mr.. Williams had
not been speaking mere than Eve
minutes before it was apparent that
many persons would be unable TO hear
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