Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-07-06

here to-day is being held In the expo
sition building on Olive street. This
monster meeting place, within the
walls of which democracy's standard
bearers are to be named. was the mec-
ca for all whose interest here centers
in the convention. The scenes OF ac-
t1vity have been transferred from bhe
hotels to this one common point The
corridors of the former wherein for
several days past all HAS been excite
ment 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
surging line were men and women
and visiting political organizations,
eagerly seeking entrance. Those who
have charge Of the distribution of the
tickets for admission have been del
uged with requests for them, but as
cards have been provided only to the
extent of the seating capacity of the
hall, many persons were disappointed.
The preliminary sbdrmishes have ta-
ken place and the big contest for the
nomination for president is now on in
earnest.
DECORATIONS ELABORATE.
The decoration of the convention
hall was on most elaborate scale.
The great dome ceiling which rises
high above the floor is covered with
fabric Of solid yellow. with here and
there hounces of a white material
Within each Of the sections Of the
ceiling is the seal Of one of the states
and a stand Of colors, while in front
Of the gallery spaces are festoons of
white cloth. The walls are adorned
with the national emblems. forming a
frame for the colossal color picture
overhead The splendor of the yari-
colored gowns worn by the large num-
Der of ladies occupying seats in the
galleries and the moving fans complet-
ed scene spectacular and pictur-
esque.
The hall is AN immense amphfthea-
ter admirably arranged for a national
convention. The accommodations for
the general public and especially for
the press are much more complete
than they were at the Chicago conven-
ton and the best for the latter that
have ever been provided at 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 In the convention
proceedings occupy positions on the
main floor which forms an eIlipse. the
chairman's platform with ample seat
ing capacity rising at the center in the
rear. The section allotted to dele
gates is directly In front of this plat
form. A large Standard red. white
and blue disc-desfgnates the location
of the various delegations by states
and adds to the attraction Of the spec
tacIe.
THE PRESS CARED FOR.
On either side of the delegates DO
sition provision has been made for the
alternates. the press seats being locat-
ed on the immediate sides of the
chlairman's platform.
Directly opposite the platform and
In the rear of the delegates is a stand
where q band OF thirty pieces plays
throughout the convention, filling in
the gaps with stirring music The
platform and band stand have been
decorated In harmony with the whole
scheme, the nations emblem predom-
mating.
The galleries encircle the ellipse.
the seats rising in tiers. Seats on the
platform and one section of the gal
lery Immediately in It's rear is re-
served for governors, members of
congress. mayors OF cities, and others
of distinguished prominence In the
party. A hospital has been provided
in the ante-rooms and is fully equipped
with all needed medical stores and
surgical appliances, and with corps
OF doctors and trained nurses in CON
stant attendance. Large exits, ade-
quately marked. afford ready egress
from the hall. Officials of the con-
vention and a large corps of attendants
busted themselves throughout the
hours perfecting the remain
ing details, and with the opening of
the doors, looked to the seating of the
delegates, alternates and spectators.
WAITING FOR WILLIAMS.
Naturally the opening speech of
John Sharp Williams, leader OF the mi
norfty on the floor Of the national
house Of representative and chosen
by the democratic national committee
49, @OA%AkSO1SHAy w DIS awaited
with keen interest. as he had been
delegated to sound the keynote of the
campaign, and as it was known that
he would deal with questions which
will be Of vital Importance in the COM
lng struggle for party supremacy.
The day opened cloudy, with a COM
Portable atmosphere which has been
tempered by frequent showers through
out the week.
JONES RAPS FOR ORDER.
Exactly at noon Chairman r. K.
Tones Of the democratic national COM
nittee, called the convention to order.
Chairman Jones directed the sergeant
Lt-arms to preserve order, as the open
ng Of the convention brought out all
he pent up enthusiasm Of the dele
rates and the large number of specta-
ors present. 1t was some time before
ruiet was restored The appearance
# the California delegates bearing a
luge banner brought forth enthusiastic
,ells of '.Hearst,s from the supporters
# that candidate. William J.. Bryan,
Who rose from his seat at this period,
vas also given cheers.