The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-06-25
New Jersey to the Left and
Ohio Behind 1t.
FIRST CHEERS FOR WILSON
No Applause Greets Entrance
of the Baldwin Banner.
Bryan Slips Onto the Stage I'm.
noticed by Crowd.

Baltimore, June 25.-Many decora-
tions in wl-ite and gold and the ma
tional colors greeted the early arrivals
at the Democratic national convention.
The big hall was transformed by thou
sands of yards of bunting. The ugly
steel girders were hidden by a false
ceiling of light netting. From. the gall
leries hung the banners of the states
territories and insuIar possessions. The
crowd came slowly and the band began
to play At IL o'clock, the galleries
and the guest section held but q scat
tered few.
The delegates as usual on the op-
ening day of a convention were slow in
making their appearance. A pouring
rain and a scarcity of vehicles made
progress to the armoly a serious prob
lem.
Every one was expecting a great
demonstra ton when Mr.. Bryan appear
ed in the hall. Word came to the con-
vention that Bryan was continuing his
conferences right up to the hour of
convening.
The committee in charge of the con-
vention arrangements had given the
prominent places on the floor to the
states having presidential candidates.
Arrangement of States.
To the right Of the main aisle and
directly in front of the stage was Mis-
souri,, home state of Speaker Champ
Clark. To the left was New Jersey
with woodrow Wilson as a favorite
son.
Back or Missouri came Ohio. with
Governor Harmon. Back of New Jer-
sey was Alabama. home of Representa-
tive Oscar w. Underwood. Indiana did
not fare so well but the members Of
that delegation did not regard this as
in any way diminishing the chances Of
Governor Marshall. Connecticut was
Ohio dalQRafinn
iastic for Baldwin North Dakota NOM
mating Governor Burke, was no more
favorably located than Indiana.
At 11:35 it was discovered that the
slow arrival of delegates was due t
close scrutinity of tickets and creden-
tials by the doorkeepers. Senator John
Sharp williams of Mississippi, expert
enced much difficulty. in. getting in.
First Cheers for Wilson.
The first cheer went to Gov. Wilson.
AS the delegates seats began to fill
standard bearer marched up the center
aisle. carrying a big white silk banner
bearing a gold lore star and the in
scription, 40 votes for Woodrow VII
son. the peoples choice.
AS the banner appeared a cheer
swept the galleries. The delegates on
the floor did little cheering. Cardinal
Gibbons, who was to make the open
ing prayer, entered the hall at 11:45
accompanied by Chairman Grain Of
the local committee and preceded by
policemen. The cardinal in his red
robes made picturesque figure
among the soberly clad delegates who
wore rainy day clothing.
At this time the hall was filling rap
idly. There was a spreading murmur
of excitement as word came that Mr.
Bryan had started from his hotel for
the convention. short time later
Connecticut entered the hall with
big blue banner inscribed Our choice
for president; s. e. Baldwin" No ap-
plause ensued.
Bryan Surprises Them.
The California delegation brought
in a large Champ Clark banner.
Scattered cheers greeted its appear
ance Mr.. Bryan surprised the conven-
ton by slipping in without anybody
seeing him. He entered by the rear
door and bobbed up on the stage by
a back stairway.
The delegates on the floor below
could not see him. Mr.. Bryan shook
hands cordially with Cardinal Glib
II am very glad indeed to meet
you" he said, 'and am sorry not to
have known you before"
The Nebraskan then slipped back
into a seat well secluded from the
gaze of the crowd. At 1908, National
Chairman Mack arrived and climbed
the stairs leading to the platform
Nervous and Irritable.
A few delegates who went to spe1k
to Mr.. Bryan IOunu HlLn nervous anu
irritable. He confirmed his intention
of nominating Senator Kern, of In
diana. for temporary chairman, in op-
position to Mr.. Parker.
Both sides were claiming victory In
the coming fight. At 1910 Cardinal
Gibbons took his place at the front Of
the platform and Norman Z. Mack
took his place at the chairman's desk
Charles R. Crisp, parliamentarfan Of
the house of representatives, took 3,
seat near Mr.. Mack, to act as parlia-
mentary adviser. Representative
Robert L. Henry. of Texas. chairman OF
the house committee on rules, climbed
the stairs to the stage and conversed
for a moment with Bryan.
Henry, who led the Bryan supporters
in the house, was expected to hand his
influence to the Nebraskan in thereon
vention. Up to that time Charles r
Murphy, Alton B. Parker, Senator.
O'Gorrnan and several of the other
conservative leaders still were absent
Foss VIII Be There.
Boston. June 25.-Governor Eugene N
Foss, who refused to be a presidential
aspirant at the April primaries. but
ed to the Democratic convention by
sherman L Whipple, will start tonight
for Baltimore by way of Burlington
Vt The excursion of Governor Foss
to his native state is to receive a de-
gree tomorrow from the University of
Vermont. Following the exercises Gov
ernor Foss will make leisurely trir
I'D Lake Champlain, down the Hudson
river and then proceed to Baltimore
He expects to reach the convention
city about the time the voting on the