Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1908-08-01
hearst OPENS THE
BIG CONVENTION
xSearst Calls Democratic Leaders a
~3Fastaffs Army'--PIatform Writ
ten by Political Jackdaws.

chicago, July 2S.--Amid loud and
enthusiastic cheering and with its
sncribers showing every sign OF loyal
sSE 10 their new standard of political
tSasth, the first national convention OF
The independence party was opened
here at 5 o'clock last night In Or
chassra Hall
rhe main floor OF the hall, in which
have been held some of the largest
gatherings in this city, was filed by
the delegates. There were no alter
'na4es. The galleries, moreover, were
crowded with throng which entered
heartily into the spirit of the proceed
angs and throughout the session APP
saiauded vigorously whatever met their
approval.
The delegates were slow in arriving
In the hall, and when the hour arrived
at which the convention was to be
caded to order not more than
sprinAxljng of them were In their seats.
The weather, which was hot and I'M
comfortable, doubtless accounted for
This. as the temperature on the inside
the building was far less agreeable
Chan that to be found outside.
Enthusiastic Demonstration.
At few minutes after O'Clock the
a1eiegates came trooping into the hall,
New York heading the column. The
desegates from the Empire state car
rind white banner bearing the words
~Jndpendece Party" between them be-
Ling an evenly balanced scale, signify
zug exact justice to all. Other delega-
ziOns carried the national colors and
@hey waved them back and forth in
sressfng as they found their allotted
! sDsitions in the hall.
ssnnre Pointed Placards.
Around the sides of the hall We're
piacards bearing the names of various
states and also illusions to the exist
ing political situation as viewed from
4he standpoint of the independence
party. Some of these were:
Kentucky-The democratic ma.
chine, the pluto poker; the republican
machine, the dollar; pass current at
the same counter
View Jersey-The home of the
trusts; wants to smash EN-"
s'Tndiana--Wants new deal with
clean deck
~sDregon-No Chicago steam-roller;
no Denver stone-crusher.''
"Rhode island-Aldrich owns the
senate; we want the people to own
! both"
The outburst had scarcely subsidized
when the arrival of William R. Hearst
started a delirious demonstration. The
editor, clad in a frock coat, but look
ing cool, despite the heat, bowed right
and left as he walked UP the center
aisle and assembled the platform.
The hall was in an uproar as Hearst
mounted the steps leading to the plat
form. He took no notice OF the DEM
eonstration. but after remaining on the
rcstrum for about three minutes, in
cousnltation with the secretary of the
convention, he descended into the
BODY of the hall, taking a seat with
the New York delegation.
Ovation for Hearst.
His action was the signal for renew
ed cheering and the delegates, shout
ssing Hearst! Hearst" Immediately
started on parade around the hall.
schanting continually the name of the
New York editor Two enthusiastic
deaegates from California waved a
small white banner bearing the name
or their state until they snapped the
stan allowing the head or the pole ana
stheir nag to fall on the press tables.
10 the peril OF some of the employees
or Mr Hearsts own papers.
IL was 35 minutes past the schedul-
ed time when the sergeant at arms
raped for order and asked the dele
gates TO vacate the aisles. Milton w.
Howard, OF Alabama, took the gavel
and jntroduced Charles A. Walsh, OF
Iowa. secretary of the provisional ma
Fxfonal committee, who read the call
HDr the convention
This document declared the purpose
OF the gathering to be the foundation
of an Independent party and the nom
1natior Of candidates for president
and vice president.
The reading was interrupted by
cries OF "Hearst!" and one man in the
balcony cried Bryant! A storm Of
Misses that followed was stilled hy