Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-06-27
DEMOCRACY'S NOMINEE FOR
PRESIDENT may Be KNOWN
TODAY; A FIGHT over ROLL

Convention Hall, Baltimore,
June 27.-With Bryan in
authority to write the plat
form, with the convention
practically in his control so far
as the selection of a candidate
is concerned, there is every in
dication that what will come
from the convention in resolu-
ton and nominee will suit the
most progressive of either
party in the land.
While Clark may still lead on
the first ballot of presidential
preferences, the attitude of
Bryan and the defeat of
the unit rule in the Ohio delega-
ton which may take it away
from Harmon, together with
the leaning of the New York
delegation points strongly to
Wilson as the choice at this
writing.
The indications are that a
nomination will be made yet to-
day.
Early voting on credentials
committee reports in delegate
contests indicated a movement
towards Wilson. His support
ers claimed the seating of his
delegates in South Dakota
made his nomination a practic-
al certainty.
Ollie James of Kentucky was
seated as permanent chairman
and delivered speech attacking
the republican platforms tariff
plank.
Convention Hall, Baltimore, June
27.-A nomination some time TO-DAY
was the hope of democratic conven.
ton leaders this morning. II is ex.
pected a reasonable limit will be
placed on speeches and balloting viii
begin late this afternoon, with pos
sibility Of recess after the first OF
second ballot to arrange for the with
I drawal of candidates showing the
least strength. This would require
| session lasting well into the night.
CREDENTIALS FIRST.
The report on credentials is frs
on today's program and it is expected
it will provoke a considerable de
bate. After completion of the roll
permanent organization will be ef
fected and then will come the nom
ination of the presidential candidate
While the delegates were slow il
arriving today, the galleries fillet
earlier than usual, the attraction be
ing the approach of the struggle owe
the nomination.
Mrs. Taft. wife OF the president
accompanied by a party of ladies
took front seat in one of the boxe
Immediately fianking the platform.
An ANIMATED SCENE.
Just before the convention opene,
the floor presented a scene of grea
animation, delegations filing L
seats, the aisles choked. the galleries
fast augmenting and the band send
ing forth opening strains.
Boomers OF various candidate
were busy and the delegates seem
ed as much at sea AZ ever as 20 tn
probable nominee. Wilson me
claimed the effect of the abrogatio
of the unit rule was such as to en-
able the New Jersey governor {
sweep the convention today and wi
the nomination. There was ais
talk of Bryan being made the stan
dard bearer. Clarks supporter:
however, we're confident as ever, an
none Of the supporters OF other
would admit a probable defeat.
POLICE CARRIED OFF FEET.
The rush at the doors carrie
the police OF their feet and the blue
coats were unable 10 stem the It'd,
The aisles and every point OF var
tage was packed and thousands nc
entitled to admission crowded int
the hall. Ticket holders who ha
not arrived early found their seat
occupied. There appeared little hop
that the session could be conducte
with any semblance of decorum.
Before the convention met a sQua
OF police marched In and were sta
toned throughout the hall. a doubl
row being placed in front OF the pres
stand, where excited delegates caui
ed a scuffie last night. The conver
ton was called TO order at 1874
2. n.
RABBI DELIVERS PRAYER
AS soon as Chairman Parker 81
cured a semblance of order he intro
duced Rabbi A. Guthmacher, VII
delivered the invocation. He plead
ed for the guidance in the way {
Peace and unity. loyalty and trutl