The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-05-24
Montgomery VIII Welcome De-
 tga es to Convention
SESSION BEGINS TOMORROW
Sentiment at the Capital Seems to Favor an Uninstructed Delegation to the Approaching Ma
 tonal Convention.
BY HERVEY ". LAIRD.

Montgomery, May S-tspeeia1)-The meeting of the Alabama democratic eon- vention here on Wednesday will attract to the city some of the most prominent men of the state. Most of the office holders, including several of the eongressmen,i will be on hand. and a large number of new faces will be seen among those who will take part. Four delegates will beI chosen from the state at large and twoi from each congressional district to the national democratic convention. as well as the full quota of Presidential electors.
 So far no intimation has been given as to who will be the officers of the con- vention, though there is talk to the effect that Hon. Richard II. Clarke of Mobile. will serve as permanent chairman It has also been intimated by some that this honor will fall to Hon Robert J. Lowe of Birmingham, while there are still oth- CTS who think Col john E. Knox of An- niston may be called upon. It does not seem to be a matter of great importance who occupies the chair. for the reason that so far as can be learned there is little prospect for any kind of a contest
 HandIey's Position.
 Up to Saturday there had been no pub lie expression from any man of note fa- voring an instructed delegation to the national convention. Capt N. \. Hand- ley of Roanoke has now written a let ter, however. strongly urging an instruet- ed delegation for Parker. He thinks this plan would eliminate the possibility of a great deal of trouble though he does not say in just what this trouble Is likely to consist. He also says that at the be- ginning of the campaign he was for an unlnstructed delegation, but has changed his mind refraining from making public, however. his reasons for such reversal of opinion. The closing par-4 agraph of his letter would seem to in- dicate that he is very much interested it's language being as follows. We must make no mistake. and I feel, If l have any influence with our people and our party. that 1t is my duty 10 urge the conven- ton, which meets In Montgomery on the 18th, to instruct for Parker
 The last state convention of the demo- cracy of Alabama was held in 1900 to nominate candidates to q constitutional convention and to inaugurate q campaign for such q convention The last eonven- ton to name state officers was in 1900, at which Governor Sanford was nom- mated. This was presided over hy Hon. W. P. Pinckard of Jefferson as tempor- ary chairman and Hon. Frank S. White of the same county as permanent presid- ing officer.
 No instructions.
 Obtainable information and current speculation all tend 10 the prospect of an uninstructed delegation. It seems pretty well established that the state Is for Judge Parker, but those who look e..ff.. ...t. opinion that there should be no Strings" tied to the gentlemen who will go to the Exposition City on July b. to speak for Alabama in the selection of q stan- dard bearer 10 pit against the present occupant of the White House who seems to have it all cut and dried to go back again. In an interview in The Age- Herald few days ago Acting Governor said that he was for ai un- hampered delegation. that those who eom- pose 1t might take part in the selection of man who can win. To win. he thinks is the main thing to keep In mind. The democracy needs d winner. md 1t is not the time to have any qnib- bling or controversy over mere indivldu- ils.
 Hearst Influence.
 The Hearst influence has hot been made specially manifest up 70 this time Some weeks ago Hon. J. Thomas Henin. con in the Fifth district and Former Congressman Jesse stallngs. made a swing around the state. ostensi- ply ito prevent the old Cleveland follow ng from getting in charge of the party but supposed by many to be n the interest of the New York publish- ar. Since then. however. little has been heard of such talk. Ii Is known that Mir. Hearst has his eyes upon the Alabama delegation. and would be glad to hear the first call on the national convention roll sound out 'twenty-two for Hearst" but he has not to any great extent been taken seriously in this state.
 Some time ago 1t was rnmored that Mir. Hearst had made overtures to Capt R. P. Hobson and many thought the young naval hero might be induced to espouse his cause, but It Is learned on good au- thority that such an arrangement was turned down by the captain, who is. It Is believed. in favor of Judge Parker.
 Old Forces Back Again.
 Some faces long strangers to state con- ventions of the democracy will be full scholars" at the meeting heee on Wednes- lay These will include a number of men who ran away from the party household
 
 he other simply out on the political outside" without anchor, because the party espoused principles to which they would not accede. In the former class here many, who have been received pack into full communion. The gold standard following which baked on the 3ryan platform and policies has also 'een received with opsn arms by the or- ;anization and it looks now as if the 'arty in the state is in fair way to .'fel- owship' for long time to come
 Among those who refused to adhere to he Bryan policy are Mir Rufus N. thodes. editor of the Birmingham News. nd Maj. w W. Screws. editor of the Advertiser of this city. These will CalI under the glare of the lime ght because both were hard fighters gainst the free silver utterances of the aIty in 1896 and 1900. and have not since hen been prominent in any ef it's coun- A faff. faf oba