Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1912-07-04
SESSION ENDS
IN KEAR-R|OT
Missouri Delegation Displayed a Ban.
ner Which lnturiated Bryan.
THREE FIST FIGHTS AT ONCE
HowIlns. Angry Mob, Finally Brought
Partly to order-Pollee to Arrest
Next Man Entering Hall
With Any Banner.

Baltimore. July AT the close oil
the S3rd ballot OF the Democratic con-
vention late in the afternoon a num-
Der OF Missouri delegates arose and
unfurled long white streamer upon
which was painted:
II have known Champ Clark IL
years. He is absolutely incorruptible
and his life is above reproach. Never
in all of these years have known him
to be upon but one side Of ques-
ton and that was the side that repre-
scented the people-W. ]. Bryan IN
1910"
The display was the signal for Clark
demonstration that started at 4:25
o'clock.
Take 1t over where Bryan can see
It," called "a delegate. Take 1t to
Nebraska"
The men with the banner marched
to the left side of the hall and Bryan,
pushed by a crowd of friends and
aided by the police, rushed angrily to
the stand.
"Take II Away"
"Take it away" was all he would
say. His face was red with rage. He
complained to John E. Lamb of In
diana, who was in the chair, of the
indignity. A riotous scene followed.
Fold up that banner" commanded
the sergeant-at-arms.
"Roll it up" chorused a crowd that
mounted the speakers stand and
stood on the tables. Bryan came back
down the steps from the platform and
became the center of pushing,
shouting unconstitutional mob that
almost swept him from his feet. Fol-
six minutes the demonstration had
ragged when Bryan saw the futility OF
attempting to go back to his place anc
returned to the platform. The banner
was taken to the press stand. A news
paper man was thrown from the stand
into the aisle. Three fights took place
In the stand in less than minute.
Police charged down the stairs OF
the stand into the fighting, shouting
mob. Men and women stood on chairs,
on the tables of the press stand
and the excitement was intense. Oh
lie James came back to the chair and
tried to quell the riot. Every dele
gate in the convention was on his
chair and women stood in the midst
of the exciting scene and screamed
as men fought around them.
Bryan Tried to Speak.
Bryan In the meantime stood In
the speakers stand and faced the
great mob-for it was a mob-and
with the lines of his face tightly
drawn, he leaned far over the stand
and gazed intently at the delegates as
they came to order after the storm.
Ollie James declared that he would
have the noisest section of the gal.
leries cleared. He made strong and
heated statement of his position to the
galleries and then announced the vote.
While he announced 1t Bryan stood
by his side, looking for an opening for
a speech. Theodore E. Bell of Cali.
fornia, who came behind him to ask
question, got the floor.
"The gentleman from Nebraska rises
to a question of personal privilege"
said the chairman. "He will state 1t.
Then the chair will decide whether he
has a right to speak upon 1t or not"
'Mr. Chairman, was seated with
my delegation when a banner was
placed in front of u.s." said Bryan. Il
asked those in charge Of it to remove
it from that place.
IF that was the unauthorized act of
those who brought it, then have
nothing to say, but If Missouri's dele
cation was Responsible then claim
the right to answer
This brought big cheer and more
noise from the gavel. Chairman
James ruled against Bryan and there
was more cheering.
Bryan made his way to his place I'M
der police escort.
Chairman James then gave this or
der:
81 direct the police and the sergeant.
alarms to arrest the next man who
comes into this hall with banner OF
any kind"
The convention then adjourned un-