The Washington times., 1904-01-13

On the surface of the affair St. Louis
captured the honor of holding the next
Democratic National Convention yester-
day simply because a majority OF votes
were cast for that city in the Demo
cratic National Committed. which had
the right of selection. But the circum-
stance which brought a majority OF
these votes To the Mound City is the in
teresting part of the matter
Until three hours before the vote was
taken it was practically conceded that
Chicago. in popular parlance, had the
big meeting "cinched." Chicago senti-
ment predominated, and the st. Louis
boomers seemed to be hoping against
hope. They knew that four years ago
everybody was talking Milwaukee, and
the Wisconsin people up to the time
the vote was taken were confident of
winning, vet when the result was an
nounced Kansas City had the prize. The
tory would repeat itself but they were
by no means assured that 1t would.
How Trick Was Turned.
The trick was turned at the last mo-
ment four years ago by the def hand
Of 'GumshOe Bill Stone. but the Mis-
souri, Senator was not equal to the oc-
tdSiou THIS Time 30 the 81 LOUIS CTOWQ
had to resort to different tactics While
the Chicago men rested calmly in the
belief that they had things their own
way, and that ST. Louis would scarce be
"one. two, three" the people from the
exposition city proceeded to get busy.
In a short time there were overtures
coming from New York
New York was an aspirant for the
at or nfr1a I1Nr iorrfu
er seriously. No one from New York
expected that the convention would go
there. II they had they would never
nave urged its selection for, as a matter
OF fact. the New Workers did not care
10 cents worth whether the convention
was held there or not. This was evil
dent from the fact that they made no
offer of money guarantee. Had New
York really desired tho big meeting and
had offered, say, $4,000, the committee
men would have tum pleG all over them
selves rushing TO the support Of the me-
tropolis.
Murphy Killed Boom.
They wanted to do anything that New
York wanted, for they realize that that
State must be carried in the coming
campaign or all hope OF victory might
as well be abandoned. They looked to
Leader Charlie" Murphy, of Tammany
Hall, for a signal. and were ready to
act Murphy said confdentially 10 a
few that as a citizen of New York. OF
course, he wanted the convention held
there, but as a Democrat he did not; he
did not think it would be good politics
That was enough. New York was out
of the race from that moment. Be
cause Murphy did not think II would be
good politics TO take the convention to
New York that city made no money Of
fer. Then the question came up as TO
where good politics dictated that the
convention should be held-Chicago or
st. Louis, there being no other cities in
the race.
Hearst Favored Chicago.
1t was evident from the start that the
boomers of Representative Hearst ia
vored Chicago. Mr.. Hearst has two
large papers there. and a strong fol-
lowing. 1t was feared that he would be
able to pack the convention with root
ers. and that the effect might possibly
be stampede. at least that it would
nave its effect upon the delegates. They
could not afford 10 do anything which
would rebound to the aid of Mr.. Hearst.
Murphy talked with Senator German