Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1910-07-28
Test Vote Shows Nebraska Leader
Dethroned after Reign Of
Twenty Years.
TENT FILLED WITH DELEGATES
Vote Stood 465 to 394-Common-
er Limited to One Speech
Hitchcock Motion Char
acterized Gag Rule.

Grand Island. Neb., July 26.--Amd a tu-
mutt Of cheers from the former followers
Of William J. Bryan, Permanent Chair
man SMITH Of the democratic platform
Convention to-day read the result of a
tesi vote Of the gathering, practically
t.king from Mr.. Bryan the democratic
leadership of Nebraska. which he has
Maintained for 20 years.
The vote came on motion by Con-
rressmau g. NJ Hitchcock, a candidate
rpi the senatorial nominat alton, which was
I'm effect to eliminate the introduction of
platform planks, with accompanying
speeches. unless submitted as a section of
THE majority or minority report of the
committee on resolutions
Mr. Bryan, seated as member Of the
Lancaster county delegation. rose at once
with n protest, and offered an amend
ment modifying the original motion. A
dozen delegates made as many motions
and heated speeches on the subject. the
Tryan adhcrents dcnouncing the Hitch
cock motion as gag rule" and their OPP
ronents asserting that individual rule
must not prevail In the convention.
CHEERS DOWN ROLL. CALL.
Chairman Smyth ordered roll call on
the amendment and the gathering was
silent as the vote of the counties was
called that would determine the strength
OF MIR. Bryan When two-thrds had been
called, foes Of Mr. Bryan realized that
he was defeated, ana a wave of cheers
that drowned the roll call began. AS
Chairman Smyth finally read the result,
fc5 against the amendment to ga in
favor of it. the delegates cheered again.
The original motion of Mr.. Hitchcock was
then adopted.
The convention came to order in a tent
packed with perspiring delegates, and
surrounded BY throngs of spectators
eager to hear the oratorical battle that
had been predicted. but Instead of calling
for the oratory. the delegates began to
suoed up the action of the convention to
4 gait that promised to limit the contest
to two brief sessions. The temporary or
Ganization was made permanent. and
Chairman Smyth after n brief speech,
selected committee of resolutions. Mr..
Bryan vas one of the first two of the
committee Of seven named.
RIVAL CANDIDATES SPEAK.
Congressman Hitchcock then made
his motion to restrict discussion. The
opponents Oh MT Bryan asserted that
Il individual Introduction of platform
p'anks had been permitted. with
speeches on each one, it would have
materially delayed tho progress of the
body
While they asserted their willing
ness that he should speak on the min.
GRITTY report which 1t was expected te
Introduce, the action practically pro
hibitod any other speech from him ii
the convention.
While the committee on resolution.
WAS drafting its report. Governor
Shallcnherger and Mayor Dahlman o
Omaha, rivals for the nomination fol
governor. addressed the convention
md hurled verbal shafts at eacf
other. The convention took a recess
until eight o'clock to await the re
port of the committee on resolutions
This committee tinay reported a UNI
Rnmity of opinion on every plank saw
this: we heartily approve OF the day
light saloon law and we commend tn,
courageous action of Governor Shallen
berger in approving it," Upon a vote, tn
plank was adopted, 10 to 1913