The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-01-12

The Democratic National Committed.
which IS called together for the purpose
Of selecting a time and place for holding
the next national convention. met at
the Shoreham Hotel at noon today
The hau was crowded with commit
teemen and spectators when Chairman
Jones gavei fell and everything seemed
in readiness to begin the work OF the
committee The spectators did not re-
main long however. for the first an
nourcement made by Chairman Jones
was that the committee would go into
executive session. That was customary,
he said. This action was taken in an
ticipation Of the fight over representa-
tion from the District of Columbia on
the committee. The chairman thought
this matter ought to be considered be-
hind closed doors.
Few Held Proxies.
Accordingly all the spectators and
newspaper reporters were forced TO va
cate and the committeeman were left
by themselves. Col. John I. Martin.
the sergeant-at-arlns. stationed his
deputies at the door and no one was
admitted who was not member Of the
committee or who did not hold proper
]
large percentage of the members be-
ing present.
James L. Norris, the candidate of the
regular District Democracy for the COM
mitteemanship claiming his right as a
member Of the committee, was admitted.
Sc also was Edwin Seton. whom Chair
man Jones, il is alleged, in Difference
To the instructions of the last national
convention. appointed as the Districts s
Representative upon the committee.
District Fight On.
The District fight began as soon
as the room had been cleared. Mr..
Sefton's presence in the committee is
the cause of the only note of discord
among the Democratic leaders here. al
though. of course. there is much friendly
rivalry among the Chicago, New York.
and ST. Louis boomers for the honor
of entertaining the national cOnveI-
ton.
The first business Of the committee
was the matter of calling the roll. All
of the States called by Secretary Walsh
| responded. either by the regular com
mitteeman or by a proxy. When the
! District of Columbia was reached Mr.
Seton responded. and then the fun be-
gan in dead earnest.
Challenged by Jacobs.
Mr.. Jacobs. the committeeman from
Oklahoma. was upon his feet in an ir-
stant Mr.. Seton had. of course. made
his presence in the room formally known
before Mr. Jacobs entered a formal
challenge against him. That was the
sequel of the play which all Of the COM
mitteemen have been expecting for a
/ long time. Mr.. Seton. of course. could
say nothing.
Chairman Jones. who is his sponsor.
spoke for him. and explained his action
I'm making the appointment Mr.. Cam
/ pau. of Michigan. moved to refer the
matter TO a committee for decision.
whereupOn Senator Stone Of Missouri.
vice chairman of the committee. then
/ took the floor in defense of Chairman
! Jones.
In Norris Defense.
Half a dozen committeeman followed
| In defense of the right OF Mr.. Norris as
a member of the committee. and a de-
mand was made for the report of the
subcommittee. which was appointed at
Kansas City to hear and determine the
! case That committee had no report TO
submit because 1t has had no meeting
since it was named, three and a half
years ago.
At the time of the convention the six