The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1904-07-06
BEHOLD THE GHOST
Its Name is Popu|ism, Me-
bilious Convention Lost
in Hall.
(By the Associated Press.l

Springfield, Ills, July 4.-The 500
to 600 delegates that We're expected to
attend the Populist National ccnven-
ton IN this city today, did not put
in an appearance and when the con-
vention was called to order this after
noon there were fewer than 200 dele
gates in the hall. There We're hun
dreds OF empty seats in the large State
arsenal, where the convention was
held. Only % States We're represent
ell in the convention.
After the temporary organ
iZation had been perfected the
convention listened to addresses
by ex-senator William " Allen, of Ne
braska, and Rev. A. E. Nelson, of ST.
Louis. After the appointment of the
various committees the convention
took a recess until evening. j. Fl. Ed
mission was chosen chairman of the
Committee on Resolutions.
When Shall We Three?
Only three names are mentioned in
connection with the nomination for
President-William V. Allen, of Ne
braska, Samuel w. Williams, of In
diana, and Thomas E. Watson, of
Georgia.
Former Senator Allen refuses to en-
ter into a scramble for the nomina-
ton and practically said tonight that
he would not accept the honor if there
was going to be any contest over it.
He wants the nomination to come to
him unanimously.
Mr.. Watson is in a similar state of
mind regarding the head of the ticket
and has written letter to the effect
that he does not want to be the stand
ard-bearer.
Mr.. Williams, of Indiana, is leaving
nothing undone to capture the nomi-
nation, and his friends say tonight
that if he cannot get first place on
the ticket he is willing to take second.
1t is generally understood that a large
number of delegates favor the Indiana
man for Vice-President.
1t is understood that former Senator
Allen will have more to say about the
platform than any other delegate.
The sentiment favors the adoption
of the Omaha platform of 1892 with
planks for postal savings and initiative
and referendum.
Watson Writes a Letter.
1t is learned today that Thomas f.
Watson, of Georgia, has written a let
ter to John j. Holiday, of the Fourth
Georgia district, who is a delegate to
the convention, which may result in
Watson's name not being presented to
the convention. Holiday admits that
he has "a letter from Watson, but de-
clines to make it public at this time
or discuss it. When asked if the let
ter was declination of the nomination
for President. Mr.. Holiday replied
that Watson was not seeking the hon
or and he did not know whether Wat
sons name would go before the con-
VentiOn or not.
1t is known hat Watson is a friend
of William r. Hearst, and it is said
he favored a postponement of the
Populist Convention until after the ST.
Louis convention had been held and
if Hearst was ignored by the Demo-
Gratis then Watson favored taking up
Hearst. Mr.. Holiday said today that
Watson was an admirer of Hearst,
but he believed he would be true to
the teachings of Populism.
AS soon as Holiday received the
Watson letter he held a conference
with the Indiana delegation, who are
booming Judge Williams of that State
for President, and after the confer
ence was over Holiday said that if
Watson's name was not presented to
the convention the Southern dele
gates would support Williams.
Watson'S letter has cast conSidera-
bic gloom over the delegates as many
fear he is going to desert the party
and many feel that with former Sen
ator Marion Butler out and with j. A.
Parker going to retire from active
work in the party there is little use
to continue the fight.