The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1904-01-13
GOING TO ST. LOUIS
DEMOCRATS WILL HOLD NATIONAL
CONVENTION THERE.
A SURPRISE WAS SPRUNG.
CHICAGO HAD BEEN PRACTICALLY
CONCEDED THE VICTORY.


clare for Some Candidate.
Washington, Jan. 12.-The Demo-
cratic National Committee this after
noon furnished a surprise, selecting st.
Louis as the place for holding the ma
tionaI convention of 1904. The date
fixed for the convention was -Wednes-
day, July 6, at IL o'clock.
Previous to the meeting of the COM
mittee, it seemed foregone conclusion
that Chicago would be selected as the
place of meeting, but political exigen-
cies entered into the situation and a
majority of the committee voted for
st. Louis.
For some hours previous to the meet
ing of the committee there was talk
in the corridors and among Democratic
leaders that the convention in Chicago
might be subject to the influence of
strong movement and strong news
paper influence in favor of some partic-
ular candidate. Mr.. Knapp, of the st.
Louis Republic, limited at this in his
speech by saying that the convention,
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coined by an absolutely fair press.
Politics Was Discussed.
The committee meeting caused con-
siderable discussion of politics and the
claims of various candidates were ad-
wocated by their partisans, but moth
ing favoring any candidate appeared
in the committee proceedings.
William J. Bryan, when the COM
mittee had concluded it's labors, ap-
peared, but his visit was without any
apparent political significance. He did
not come to the hotel until after the
committee had about concluded it's
business. He was warmly greeted by
the members of the committee and in
vited a number of them to call on him
at his hotel in the evening, and held
a conference with Chairman Jones at
the Shoreham.
The committee was called to order
by Chairman James K. Jones, of Ar
kansas, promptly at IL o'clock AS
the members took their seats, they
faced a raised platform, back of which
was an elaborate festoon of flags, sur
rounding a large portrait of Andrew
Jackson.
The sessions were executive. Among
those present with proxies was Joseph
Obi for Georgia.
Arguments for Aspirants
Routine matters were considered
and a recess was taken until o'clock
when arguments were heard from rep
resentatives of cities desiring the con-
vention. Judge A. A. Goodrich and
George w. Peck were announced as
the spokesman for Chicago. Judge
Goodrich declared that from a polit-
zeal point of view, Chicago was the
proper place to go, although Illinois,
he said, would not be lacking in Dem
ocratic enthusiasm whatever the city
chosen. Turning his attention to
charges that he said had been made
in the corridors of the hotel that pro-
lection would not be granted the dele
gates in Chicago, he declared ample
and complete protection to delegates
would be afforded, not only in the
convention hail. but on the streets and
in hotel corridors.
State Senator McCarren of New
York was given a hearty cheer as he
stepped forward to present the claims
of New York city for the convention.
The recent political contest, he said,
afforded an opportunity for delegates
to witness the ground on which the
fusion forces recently met their Wa
terloo. The convention would be
stimulus to the adjoining states of
New Jersey and Connecticut. In any
event, he pledged New York for the
Democratic column.
A communication was read from for
mer Mayor VanWyck and others in
favor of New York, saying
I'VE, Democrats of the city, have
done our share always in the past and
in the present, and are prepared to
do it in the future, but we hope that
our efforts shall be appreciated by our
fellow Democrats. We have by our
late triumphant election infused con-
fidence into the party everywhere;
we look to you to keep up that en-
thusiam."
What Won for st. Louis.
Mayor Rolla Wells of st. Louis, pre-
scented the claims of that city. A
written proposal was presented to the
committee, Offering 10000 in cash and
the free use of the coliseum, a fireproof
building with seating capacity of 12.
O00 The Business Mems League guar
anteed hotel accommodations.
Charles w. Knapp, managing editor
Of the st. Louis Republic, said en-
phatic guarantees would be given for
unusual hotel accommodations. and
also for transportation facilities. When
the convention time arrived, the city
would have hotel capacity to accom-
modate more than 100000 guests. Ex-
tortionate rates would not be charged.
A written guarantee was now signed by
81 per cent. of all the old hotel pro-
prietors that they would not raise
rates. Besides this, a hotel with ac-
commodations for 5000 people was now
being constructed within the EXPOSE
ton grounds, which would maintain
regular rates. and would be Compel
itor against which outside hotels could
not compete at higher rates.
AS to transportation. he said. nego-
tiations had been completed which in
sured a half rate from every part of
the country. Within the last two
weeks. still better rate had become
a possibility, the rate being so per cent.
of the half rate.
AS to the political aspect, 1dr. Knapp
declared positively that the Democratic
party would carry the city and state,
no matter where the convention went.
However, the convention would have
there the hearty support of. a friendly
press.
Mr.. Knapp was heartily applauded
at the conclusion Of his remarks.
Two Roll Calls Needed.
There were two roll calls to select
the city. On the first, St. Louis re-
ceived % votes; Chicago. 90 and New
York. s. On the second ballot st.
Louis received % and Chicago q. The
date was fixed as July 6. on motion
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