The leader. [volume] (Brookhaven, Miss.) 1895-1905, 1904-07-16
Full Text of the Platform on Which the Democrat,
Party of the Country Go Before the People.

st. Louis, July THE Democratic
national convention opened here, 1t is
being held in the old exposition build
ing on Olive street. This monster
meeting place, within the walls of
which democracy's standard bearers
are to be named, was the Mecca for all
whose interest here centers in the con-
vention. The scenes OF activity have
been transferred from the hotels to this
one common point. The corridors of
the former wherein for several days
past all has been excitement were de-
serted soon after the morning hours.
CONVENTION CALLED TO ORDER.
Promptly at Noon Chairman Jones
Raped for Order.
St Louis, July 6.-Exactly at noon
Chairman j. K Jones of the national
committee, called the convention to or
der. His appearance on the platform
and the sound of his gavel brought
forth cheer from the floor and gall
leries
Chairman Jones directed the secre-
tary to read the call for the conyen-
ton.
Applause followed the reading of
the call. After quiet was restored,
Chairman Jones announced that the
convention would be opened with
prayer by Rev. John F. Cannon. pas
tor of the Grand Avenue Baptist
church, Of st. Louis.
During the invocation the conven-
ton stood. DR.. Cannon's voice was
entirely inadequate to reach even the
center of the hall. The prayer oc-
cupied several minutes.
Enthusiastic cheering greeted the
chairman's announcement that he was
directed by the national committee to
appoint John S. Williams temporary
chairman, and G. A. Walsh temporary
secretary, and John l. Martin tempo
rary sergeant-at-arms.
The chairman appointed Col. John
M. Guffey, of Pennsylvania, and M. F.
Tarpey, of California, to escort Mr..
Williams to the chair. AS the plat
form was inclosed by railing it was
necessary for the committee and Mr..
Williams to climb over the railing
The committee lifted Mr.. Williams
safely over and the entire convention
burst into cheers as he assembled the
platform.
Il have the honor to introduce to
you John S. Williams as temporary
chairman" said Chairman Jones, and
again the convention cheered.
Mr.. Williams was attired in a light
gray suit, and a white waistcoat. He
delivered his address calmly ana with
out gestures. Several cries of louder,
louder interrupted Mr.. Williams as
he began, his clear but not powerful
voice at first failing to reach all parts
of the hall.
AS Mr. Williams proceeded his voice
increased in volume, and the delegates
listened attentively.
Led by the Tammahy Hall delegates
and alternates, the convention cheered
the name of Cleveland, and when one
of the men leading the cheering was
elected, the galleries joined with the
delegates in Kissing. After the long
and hysterical applause, the convention
quieted and sat down.
When the speaker said that he
had heard that Dewey, Schley AMI
Miles were democrats; that a repub-
lican administration had snubbed the
first, tried to disgrace the second, and
insulted the third, the convention
again broke out into shouts and ap-
plause.
Mr. Williams flow of oratory was
uninterrupted for some time. A re-
spouse of applause followed his de-
nunciation of the republican claims
of prosperity because of the tariff
Cries of louder" were again heard in
various parts Of the hall. 81 wish /
had the lungs to speak louder, but /
cannot" answered Mr.. Williams.
AS he finished the band struck up a
medly of patriotic airs, the stirring
strains of Dixie" calling forth the
wild cheers that never fail tosfollow
the song no matter when or where
rendered.
"The delegates are invited to visit
the exposition" said Mr.. Williams,
and the clerk will read the invita-
ton
Cheers mingled with the calls, and 1t
was fully minute before the voice of
the clerk was able to rise above the
tumult Mr.. Bryan remained quietly
in his seat during the demonstration
made by his friends, and gave no OUT
ward sign of his recognition of the APP
plause that had greeted his anne. Dele
gate Powers, of Michigan, was recog-
nized by Chairman Williams to return
the thanks of the convention to the ex-
position officials for the courtesy
shown and made a brief. speech of ac-
acknowledgement.
A motion to accept the invitation
was adopted unanimously.
Upon call by states the members
Of the various committees were an
nounced, and then, on motion, the con-
vention adjourned till 10 o'clock
Thursday morning.
SECOND DAY.