The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-07-05

ST. Louis, July 2.-All the men who
will decide the presidential contest
have not yet appeared in the conven-
ton city, but among those who are here
there seems to be a conviction that
Judge Alton B. Parker will be nomi-
mated early in the balloting. His most
radical supporters claim that he will
be named on the first ballot. while 9TH
ers say that favOrite sons must be first
complimented before the necessary
two-thirds will vote for him. Claims
that are not disputed in any authorita-
tive quarter are made that Parker will
have a good majority on the first bal
lot and from states which will compel
speedy recognition in the convention.
The arrival of the California and 9TH
er delegations from the west which are
under instructions to vote for Hearst
stirred the atmosphere early in the day,
and there was some speculation as to
what strength Hearst actually has III
the convention. The claim of Hearst's
managers of more than one-third of the
delegates. and with power enough to
prevent the selection of any candidate
not satisfactory to Hearst, is not seri-
ously considered by friends of Parker.
The Hearst men have decided to have
a test of strength before the platform
IS voted upon. and will force a vote by
putting forward a candidate for per-
manent chairman.
During the day there has been talk
of Cleveland. German, Olney and Har-
mon. 1t seems to be understood that
Ohio intends to cast complimentary
vote for Harmon, and that Parker will
then get the delegation, with a proviso
that German, appearing as an active
candidate. would materially change the
conditions. The cnly active and posi-
tive German force at st. Louis now is
Henry G.. Davis. former Senator from
West Virginia, and he is not sure that
German will be a candidate. 1t is not
even known whether German will at
tend the convention Something was
expected to develop about Germans
position upon the arrival of James NJ.
Guffey, but the Pennsylvania leader
did not say anything that indicated
that the Maryland Senator would be a
factor in the presidential race.
Now and then there is a mention OF
former Secretary Olney and connected
with it, the suggestion that Olney is
the only man intimately connected with
the last Democratic administration or
who is being put forward by the. con-
servative element that is not objection
able to Mr.. Bryan.
So far, no one has appeared as Bry-
ans representative to confirm or deny
this report, but il is said that In case
of the, balloting being prolonged, Olney
would receive the first accessions from
the Bryan men who prefer the MasSa-
chusetts man to Parker.
1t is apparent that quite a number
of delegates are smarting under in
istructions for favorite sons. They feel
that they are thus debarred from TAX
ing part in the making of a presiden-
tial candidate, unless there should be
a prolonged struggle
There was increased activity tonight
caused by the arrival of prominent New
Workers., headed by former Senators
Hill and Murphy. Quite an effort has
been made to create the impression
that William F. Sheehan and not Hill.
is the real representative Of Parker.
This is for the purpose Of meeting the
frequent charge that Parker is Hi Is
man but the arrival OF Mr. Hill and
the many calls made upon him indicat-
ed that he is at least the POLITICAL head
of the Parker movement.
While the Presidential situation is
the most interesting feature of the
ante-convention days, the platform is
a subject of debate and serious eonsid-
been made, but no~one can say which
will meet with the most favor. SorHe
of the, delegates think the platform " Ii