The San Francisco call., 1904-07-29
Prcphesy
Victory for the
Party.

Democrats OF Call1Ornla ratlned Inc
nomination of Alton Brooks Parker and
H. G. Davis at the Alhambra Theater
lest night The enthusiasm was not
marked nor were the numbers over
whelming.
From to O'Clock brass band
brayed TO entice voters within, but met
with discoura cement. The opening ad
dress was TO a half-empty house. In
the gallery but two rows were occupied.
This lack of interest delayed the ora
tOrical feast.
Inspection showed that. the hall was
draped in bunting and a, sign in letters
Of gold gave the names of the men in
whom the hopes of the party are CEN
tered. The trained political eye looked
for evidences of harmony in the party.
From the center of the hall the fea
lures Of Charles Wesley Reed beamed
forth They were in a strange environ
ment- None Of the war horses were
near him to swap "reminiscences. Way
back, sitting low down in his chair,
was Gavin McNab, director general of
the works talking TO +. Myron Wolf,
Insurance Commissioner. Around on
every hand were strangers on the field
Of Democratic battle. Doubtless others
Of the stalwarts We're there, but they
attracted no attention. This gave a
harmonious complexion. but many Won
dered whether it was peace or the lull
between the gone and the gathering
storm.
OCCASIONS COMMENT.
There was one phase of the meeting
that occasioned comment. In extend
ing invitations to the stalwarts to
serve as vice presidents the State Cen
tral Committee was generous. Had all
that were named as vice presidents at
tended they would have filled the Al
hambra and made the street impassa-
bic. but in spite of generous invita-
tiOns even the chairs on the stage were
not all occupied. 1t was S:30 o'clock
when Timothy SpellAcy of Kern, chair
man Of the State Central Committee,
called the meeting TO order. At his ap-
pearance on the stage, accompanied by
Joseph S. Tobin, chairman of the meet
ing. James g. Mcguire, Thomas NJ.
O'COnnor. Congressman Livernash and
Wynn, Frank H. Gould and Charles
Sweigert, the audience. which had long
been growing at the delay, became at
tentive. Advancing to the front of the
stage without ceremony, Mr. Spellacy
said:
Before 7 introduce the chairman Of this
meeting. Mr.. Tobin, 1 want TO say something
to you This is a ratification meeting, but
greater pleasure awaits you. On November
10 we viii hold a iollhcaton meeting in
larger nall Indn lnS 10 celebrate the greatest
victory this grand old republic has ever seen.
On June IS last l elected chairman OF
the State Central Committee. Since that time
j have Travelled quite extensively and / can
assure you that the conservative Republicans
are frightened. They getting into band
wagon by the thousands and by November s
next the great legion OF voters that means VIC
tory viii be with us. IL the trusts and com
bines and those they control should cease 10
exist the Republican party would not have
votes enough left TO place a ticket in the field
Notwithstanding this fact / want to say to
you that I need the friendship and assistance
OF every Democrat in this State. As chairman
of the Central Committee 1 want TO represent
the entire parts; want to represent no fac
ton: want TO be the chairman of all. want
every Democrat to come to my assistance and
we VIII carry California and be in that column
that viii carry the party to victory.
TOBIN TAKES CHAIR.
When he rose TO call the meeting to
order Chairman TObin was enthusiasts
tically greeted. Though the cheers We're
nlanifestly in tribute to the party and
the event at hand, there was also
tone of admiration for the man that led
the Democrats in a former municipal
campaign. Mr.. Tobin bowed in ac-
acknowledgement and when quiet came
said in part:
II seems that many faces of Democrats who
have been absent for some years from our
meetings are here again and that party
is united. The man that drifts with the crowd
may be sleek and prosperous and ii is easy
enough 10 1--we after the opinion OF the world.
The great man is he who retains the sereni-
~ OF his own principles. We here to in
dorse such a man BY simple act he
placed himself In the front rank Of men. We
have In him a man more sincere than polite.
lie did not indulge in speeches nor useless
newspaper interviews before the convention.
He has stamped himself a man of honor
and distinction His simple message to the
convention proclaimed him among men.
Democrats realize that they have a great
leader in Alton B. Parker
Chairman Tobin then read a letter
from Franklin *. Lane, which was
heartily received by the audience. The
letter follows:
SAN FRANCISCO July 81 1904
Hon. 7. Spelacy, Chairman Democratic
State Central committee-Dear Sir: / am
compelled TO decline your kind invitation 10
speak at the ratification meeting on Thursday
evening, as l leave to-day for Oregon there
TO take part in the same pleasant task under
arrangements made some time ago. II is al
ways an honor TO be asked TO speak in behalf
Of the Democrats OF America; and IL is doubly
so when TO speak for them is also to ratify
such a platform and such a ticket as American
Democracy has now presented 10 us Too much