The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-07-07
THE HALL BEDECKED
ELABORATE SCHEME OF DECORA-
 TIONS CARRIED OUT,
Immense Amphitheatre Admirably Arr ranged for National Convention, and Accommodations for the
 Public Are Splendid.

St. Louis. July 6.-The Democratic National Convention opened here today. It is being held in the Exposition build ing on Olive Street. This monster meeting place, within the walls of which Democracys standard bearers arc 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 one common point. The corri- dors of the former, wherein for sev- eral days past all has been excitement, were deserted soon after the morning hours.
 Long before the doors were swung open, vast crowds thronged the streets in the vicinity of the main entrance to the Exposition building. In the surg ing line were men and women and vis- iting political organizations eagerly seeking entrance. Those who have charge of the distribution of the tick cts of admission were deluged with requests, but as cards have been pro- vided only to the extent of the seat ins capacity of the hall. many persons were disappointed.
 The decoration of the Convention hall was undertaken under a most elab- crate scale and the pleasing and eff fective general scheme was carried out to the most minute detail. The great dome ceiling. which rises high above the floor is covered with a fabric of solid yellow, with here and there fiounces of white material carrying out the architectural design. Within each of the sections of the ceiling Is the seal of one of the States and stand of colors, while in front of the gal leries are festoons of white cloth.
 The walls are adorned with the na- tional emblems forming a frame for the colossal color picture overhead. The splendor of the vari-colored gowns worn by the large number of ladies occupy ing seats In the galleries and the ever moving fans gave the finishing touch and completed a scene both spectacu- lar and picturesque. Flowers were eliminated from the scheme. With the exception of the bouquets on the table of the chairman's platform. plants and blossoms were not in evidence. pref erence having been given by the de- signers to more enduring decorative material.
 The hall Is an immense amphithe- atre admirably arranged for a Nation al Convention. The accommodations for the general public. and especially for the press, were much more com plete than at the Chicago Convention and the best that ever have been provided for ta a National Convention, every facility for the re- porting of the proceedings and the prompt dispatch of the news to the world at large being afforded. The participants occupy seats on the main floor, which form an ellipse. the chair mans platform. with ample seating capacity. rising at the center in the rear. The section allotted to the dele gates is directly in front of this plat form. large standard-a red, white and blue disc-designates the location oS the various delegations by States, and incidentally adds to the attractive ness of the spectacle.
 On either side of the delegates po- sitions provision was made for the alternates on the immediate sides of the chairmans platform
 Directly opposite the platform and to the rear of the delegates is a stand where a band of thirty pieces filled in the gaps with stirring music These platforms and band stands were deco rated in harmony with the whole scheme, the nations emblem predomi- mating.
 The galleries encircle the ellpse, the seats rising in tiers. Seats on the platform and one section of the gallery imme ediately in its rear were reserved for Governors, members of Congress mayors of cities and others of distin- guished prominence in the party. A hospital has been provided for in the ahte-rOoms fully equipped with all needed medical stores and surgical ap- pliances and with corps of doctors and trained nurses in constant attend ance. Large exits. adequately marked. afford ready egress from the hall Of fcials and q large number of attend ants busted themselves throughout the morning hours perfecting the remain ing details, and with the opening of the doors looked to the seating of the delegates, alternates and spectators
 Naturally the opening speech of John Sharp Williams of Mississippi leader of the minority on the floor of the Ma tional House of Representatives and 1 chosen by the National Democratic Committee for temporary chairman was awaited with interest. as he was 10 | sound the keynote and 1t was found it | would deal with questions of vital im- portance in the coming struggle for | party supremacy.