The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-09-12
w. R. HEARST
 THEIR HERO Convention of "Inde- pendence League. THE ENTHUSIASM IS GREAT Demonstration Lasts for a Full
 Half Hour. Judge Samuel Seabury Is Elected Per- manent Chairman and William Deford secretary--The Name
 of Roosevelt Cheered.

New York, Sept. 1.-The first state convention of the Independence League of which William Randolph Hearst of New York, is president was called to order at p. m., today by Max F. Ihm- sen, chairman of the leagues state committee.
 The long and important night ses sion of the State Committee with it's controversy on the question of nomi- hating all or any candidates or await ing the action of the Democratic Con- vention and the continuation this morning of the debate on the vital question delayed the opening of the convention which was called for noon.
 It was expected when the convention came to order that this afternoons session would be comparatively short and perfunctorys confined to prelimi- nary organization and the appoint ment of committees; that 1t would ad- 1ourn until this evening: and that the closing session would De held tomor- row evening without day sessions to- morrow.
 The opening session was character ized by great enthusiasm, long con- tinued cheering and applause greeting especially the name of MT. Hearst and the utteranees of speakers which touch ed upon the freedom of the ballot and permanence and truth of the principles of the Declaration of Independence, the revolt against bossism and the alleged frauds in the last New York city elec- tion.
 Willard A. Glenn of Syracuse was selected as temporary chairman and delivered a speech in which he de- nounced corporation influence in legis- lation He referred to Alton B. Parker, Mayor Mcclellan and ex-Congressman Lemuel E. Quigg as political figure heads" representing corporate inter ests headed by Thomas F. Ryan and August Belmont. which statements were greeted with long contlnued groans and hooting and misses.
 The Evening Session.
 The evening session of the convention was called to order at o'clock. The delegates came to Carnegie Hall wear ing shippinR tags on their lapels beaF- ing the words, "A straight ticket.
 Judge Samuel Seabury was elected permanent chairman and w A. Deford of New York, permanent secretary Judge Seabury, upon taking the chalr. declared the condition of both the old noIitIcal parties made the existence Of the Independent League necessity. He said that the praiseworthy efforts or President Roosevelt (whose name was cheered) has been thwarted by lnnu- ences controlling the Republican party
 To meet the evils of corporate fn- terests and to restore the government of the people was the object, he said' of the independence League.
 When Judge Seabury made the first mention of Mir. Hearst's name there came A demonstration which eclipsed even the remarkable outburst of the afternoon. The delegates jumped on chairs, screaming at the top Of their voices, waving hats and coats in the air Finany in their enthusiasm the delegates tore cown the large Ameri- can flags which were so profusely used in the decorations ana waved them aloft as the band played The Star Spangled Banner.
 The demonstration which started at 9:22 D. m. lasted until s:62. The cheering. marching up and down the aisles. the blowing of horns. ringing of bells and singing had continued Tor half an hour.
 The platform sets forth the funda- mental idea of the League as inde- nendent of boss rule or corporation control and of any party subject to these. It declares for a free vote and an honest count" and demands "a re- vision of the present dishonest and coroplex election law" a simplified bal lot ana q law pIONiAAiAS ANA S@ in cases of fraud or mistakes.
 Life Insurance Scandals.
 The recent life insurance scandals are referred to at some length. Gov eruor Higgins is denounced for failure 10 reorganize the State Insurance De- partment and a new election of the in surance companies is favored. The platform declares that searching in vestigation of every executive depart "a FNnblie t'
 District Attorney Jerome is denounc- cd by name as follows;
 we express the disgust felt by all good partisans over the failure of Dis trict Attorney Jerome to prosecute criminally. regardless of their wealth or social position. those guilty of in surance frauds"
 Regarding public ownership the plat form says:
 "The Independence League believes in the public owr ership of public util- ities that are natural monopolies. Hold ing that no person or corporation Is privileged to conhscate what rightfully belongs 10 another. it stands for ire conciuable hostility to appropriations by corporations of franchise values ere ated by the community and belonging to the community. Respect for local rights and home rule should authorize the enactment of a statute empowering all cities to acquire and operate public necessities"
 In conclusion the platform says:
 Honesty in public service, the rule of the majority, equality before the law, regard for the welfare of the whole people, independence ia politics, oppor- tunity in business, freedom of govern ment from the grip of corporation con- trol-thcse arc the principles for which the Independence League Is prepared to 6o battle"
 The mention of District Attorney Jerolne's name in the reading of the platform called forth prolonged groans and misses.
 The convention, after some minor mo tions, adjourned until tomorrow
 HERRICK AND FORAKER.