The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1904-01-13
Wednesday, July Sixth,
the Date Set for The
Convention.
A SURPRISE SPRUNG
Previous to the Meeting of the Com.
mittee Chicago Seemed to be the
Choice, But for Cogent Rea-
sons st. Louis Was FL
naIlY Chosen.
(By the Associated Press.)

(By the Associated Press.)
Washington, Jan. 12.-The Democratic
National Committee today furnished sur
prise, selecting ST. Louis as the place for
holdin gthe national convention of 1904.
The date fixed for the convention was
Wednesday, July 6, at II o'clock.
Previous to the meeting of the commit
tee 1T seemed foregone conclusion that
Chicago would be selected as the place of
meeting, but political exigencies entered
into the situation, and a majority of the
committee voted for ST. Loui. For some
hours previous to the meeting of the COM
mittee here was talk in the corridors and
among Democratic eladers that the con-
vetion in Chicago might be subject to the
influence of strong movement and a
strong newspaper influence in favor of
some particular candidate. Mr.. Knapp,
of the St. Louis Republic, limited at this
in his seech by saying that the convention
if held at ST. Louis, would be welcomed
by an absolutely fair press
The committee committee caused consid-
erable discussion of politics and the claims
of various candidates were advocated by
their partisans, but nothing favoring any
candidate appeared in the committee pro-
ceedings.
William j. Bryan, when the committee
had completed it's labors, appeared but his
visit was without apparent political sig
nificance He did not come to the hotel
until after the committee had about con-
cluded its business. He was warmly greet.
ed by the members of the committee and
invite da number of them to call on him
at his hotel in the evening and held con-
ference with ChairIcG,. Jones at the Shore
ham.
The committee was called to order by
Chairman James K. Jones, of Arkansas.
ronptly at u o'clock AS the members
took their seats they face a raised plat
form. back of whcih was an elaborate fes-
toon of flags surrounding a large portrait
of Andrew Jackson. The sessions were
executive.
Among tIose present with proxies was
Joseph Cal for Georgia.
Routine matters were considered and
recess was aiken until O'Clock, when ar
guments were heard from representatives
OF cities desiring the convention.
Judge A A. Goodrich and George w
for Chicago.
Judge Goodrich declared that from a
political standpoint of view, Chicago was
the proper place to go, although Illinois.
he said. would not be lacking in Democrat.
ic enthusiasm whatever the city chosen.
turning his attention to charges that
he SAID he had made in the corridors
or the hotel that protection would not
be granted the delegates in Chicago he
declared that ample complete protectionp
to delegates would be afforded. not only
In the convention hall, but on the street
and in the hotel corridors.
State Senator McCarren of New York
was given hearty cheer as he stepped
forward TO present the claims of Now
York city for the convention.
The recent political contest, he said.
afforded an opportunity for delegates to
witness the ground on which the fusion
forces recently met their waterloo. The
convention would be a stimulus to the
adjoining states of New Jersey and Con
necticut. In any event he pledged New
York for the Democratic column. com
munieation was read from former Mayor
Van Wyck and Others in favor of New
York saying:
Eve Democrats Of the city nave done
cur share always in the past and in the
present. and are prepared to do it i'm tho
future. but we hope that our efforts shall
be appreciated by our fellow Democrats.
We have by our late triumphant election
infused confidence into the party every
where; we look to you to keep up that
enthusiasm
Mayor Rolla Wells presented tie claims
Ct st. Louis.
A written proposal was presented to
the committee offering $4,000 in cash
and the free use of the coliseum, fire.
proof building, with seating capacity OF
1900. The Business Mems League guar.
anteed hotel accommodations.
Charles W. Knapp managing editor of
the ST. Louis Republic, said emphatic
guarantees would be given for unusual
hotel accommodations and also for trans
portation facilities. When the convention
time arrived, the city would have hotel
capacity to accommodate more than 100,
600 guests Extortionate rates would not
be charged. written guarantee was
now signed by 81 per cent of all the old