Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1910-07-29
A STORMY CONVENTION.

The democratic state convention
which met in Minneapolis, Mimi,
yesterday, was beset by stormy scenes
incident to the nomination of John
Lind for governor and the attempt to
introduce direct resolution in the
party platform favoring county option.
For more than three hours, up to
the very minute when the motion to
adjourn was carried. there was no let-up
to the scene of disorder except for a
few moments when Chairman Michael
DAILY managed to make himself heard
after terrific pounding with piece OF
2 by scantling, which he used as q
gayel.
Mutterings Of the trouble were heard
early in the day. and an unusual con
dition existed. The entire delegation
Yves unit in declaring that John Lind
was one of the best democrats in Min
nesota. The delegates were all his
friends, but divided into two factions.
One insi sted that Lind must be nomi-
mated, despite his repeated refusal TO be
a candidate and his final flat declara-
ton in telegram from Portland, Ore.
Wednesday, that he would not accept
the nomination. The other argued
that he had been governor of Mime
sofa and had nothing TO gain by the
nomination, and that he was Of sufii-
cient importance to have his wishes
needed by the convention.
The latter faction shook fists at the
chairman and at the other side, while
these bent on nominating Lind howled,
Kissed and completely blocked the pro-
ceedings, until, by sheer force OF noise
and enthusiasm, they won their point
and secured the nomination.
Even then the friends opposed to the
nomination took advantage of motion
to make the nomination unanimous
to argue. They wanted an opportunity
to submit the nomination to Mr.. Lind
by telegraph and await his answer
to take a recess until last night, il
necessary-but this failed, and finally
the nomination was made unanimous
and the convention adjourned at 6:33
Up. m.
On the matter of resolutions there
was no contention except for a plank
on county option. The anti-county
optionists were in the saddle in the
committee on resolutions. This COM
mittee heard the resolutions offered
by the county optionists and then
voted them down and inserted plank
declaring for the initiative and refer
endum, which the committee declared
would answer the same purpose.
On the other resolutions in the plat
form there was no fight. On national
issues the platform says:
We deplore the weakness and timid-
ty Of President Taft, who with his own
campaign promises still fresh, but dom
mated by the predatory interests, weak
ly failed to use the tremendous forces
Of his high Office to force a recreant
congressional majority to do its duty OF
tariff reform. No subsequent effort to
fulfill party promises can atone for this
supreme failure to restore public con-
fidence.
We condemn the national admins
tration for its initial effort to prevent
the conservation of national resources,
and have nothing but contempt for IFS
ihsincere efforts to appear to support
conservation after public disapproyal OF
its course was manifested.
I'VE condemn the retention OF
Richard A. Ballinger as secretary OF the
interior after the exposure OF his
methods Of conducting the affairs Of
that office, relating to conservation,
and declare it to be a national scandal.
We deplore the discharge of Clifford
Pinchot from the office OF chief forester
as a national crime.
The democrats OF Minnesota COM
mend the republican insurgents of
Minnesota for their vote on the Payne
tariff bill
We demand the election Of United
States senators by direct vote Of the
people
We strongly commend the course
of Winfield Scott Hammond, the dem
ocrat representative of Minnesota in
Congress, and urge the people. OF this