Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1908-04-15
CANNOT AGREE.
Bryan Not Unanimous Choice of New
York Democrats.

New York, April 14.-Sharp political
skirmish fire during the first session
OF the Democratic state convention to-
day, which developed a well entrenched
opposition to an instruction of New
York delegates to the Denver national
convention was closely followed to-
night by a general engagement of all
the Bryan forces to force the commit
tee on resolutions to endorse the can
didacy OF William j. Bryan for Pres
ident by instructing the delegates to
the national convention for him. While
the first session of the convention at
Carnegie hall held for the purpose of
organization was apparently devoid of
those incidents that betoken conflict
ing policies and an exciting conven-
ton, there were moves and counter
moves made beneath this sub-strata of
seeming quiescence that led to the ap-
pointment of a Subcommittee of the
committee on resolutions to consider
the proposition of instructing DELEGATES
for Bryan.
1t was before this subcommittee
that Augustus Thomas and those in
terested in Mr.. Bryan's candidacy
made a determined stand tonight,
though the latest indications were that
William j. Connors, chairman of the
state committee, and Charles F. MUIR
ply, leader Of ;Tammany Hall, were
adamant in their declarations for an
uninstructed delegation.
Meanwhile series of contests were
being settled tonight by the committee
on credentials and there were indica-
lions Of an all-night session. The del
egates-at-large tentatively selected
are: w. j. Connors, Charles F.. Muir
ply, Lewis Nixon and Judge Alton B.
Parker
While the opening Of the convention
was delayed for nearly two hours un-
til a modification could be secured OF
the court order obtained by Senator
McCarren to prevent his delegates
from being unseated, there was no de-
lay i'll the execution of business once
the convention was called to order by
Chairman Connors.
Thomas Carmody, selected as tempo
rary chairman of the convention, made
the opening address, which was not
infrequently punctured by applause
With the roll call concluded, the first
move to shut off the presenting OF
names OF Presidential candidates by
the convention was a motion that all
resolutions. except those relating to
routine business, be referred to proper
committees. without being read. The
motion was adopted without apparent
~ its significance being understood
and it was not until after several rou-
tine resolutions providing for the APP
pointment of various committees had
been adopted that a Bryan, delegate
made O motion to amend it by having
all resolutions read before being re-
ferred. In the turmoil on the floor at
the time the amending motion was
presented it was not recognized. In the
meantime f. s. Coatsworth of Erie
county had submitted a resolution that
delegates to the Denver convention be
instructed for Bryan and while he was
making vigorous efforts on the floor
TO nave the resolutions read, the con-
vention adjourned until tomorrow at
noon IN order to permit the committees
to get down to work.
me adnerents of Mr.. Bryan under
the leadership Of Augustus Thomas
were not idle during the day and with
the prize of the New York delegates
IN sight they prepared numerous plans
TO capture them. The leaders opposed
TO an Instructed delegation took cog
nizance OF the united front which Mr..
bryahs friends were putting forward,
ar'i y was deemed advisable to have
special committee OF the resolutions