Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1912-07-11

upon whom the nomination will fall
The convention met again at eight
o'clock in the evening when the ere
dentials committee presented major
ity report. The minority gave notice
that they intended to present a re-
port and the convention adjourned IN
I'll Thursday.
At the meeting of the committee on
resolutions Colonel Bryan secured the
passage of motion deferring the pre-
sentation Of a platform until after the
nomination for president has been
made.
Bryan Loses Fight.
William Jennings Bryan went down
to defeat in the first fight in the
Democratic national convention.
Judge Alton B. Parker of New York
defeated the Nebraska man for tenn
porary chairman of the convention by
a vote of $40 to sos.
Colonel Bryan started the fight as
soon as Chairman Mack had an
nounced the name of Judge Parker as
the choice Of the national committee
for temporary chairman. Mr.. Bryan
attacked Parker as a reactionary, he
declared that the party was progress
sive and must have a progressive
chairman. He lauded the public serv-
ices of Senator Kern OF Indiana,
whom he placed in nomination, and
dwelt at length on record as a party
man. Mr.. Bryan was given a rousing
reception when he arose to address
the convention and was frequently in
terrupted by cheering during the
course of his remarks.
Senator Kern, seeming the bitter
fight that was coming, tried to pour
oil on the troubled waters by a COM
promise that would harmonic the fac
tons. but he failed in this and then
proposed the name Of Bryan as being
the only man who could lead the prog
ressives with any hope of victory.
Bryan to Continue Fight.
Mr.. Bryan announced he would con-
tinue his fight for progressive princi-
pies while the platform is being
framed, and he has been selected as
the Nebraska member of the commit
tee on resolutions.
Mr. Parker was introduced to the
convention as its temporary chairman,
and started on his keynote speech.
Before he had progressed far the
crowd began to leave, and as it was
apparent the convention could not be
held together, a motion to adjourn
until eight o'clock at night was put
and carried.
Mr.. Bryan threw his powerful per
sonality into the contest after he had
placed the name of Senator John W.
Kern of Indiana before the convention
for the temporary Craftsmanship. Dur
ing his address in making the nomina-
ton Mr. Bryan frequently was inter
rupted by jeers from the galleries, but
Just as frequently brought enthusiasts
tic shouts of approval from the dele
gates.
Mr. Kern, who few moments be
fore had said he was for Bryan, first
last and all the time, in spite of the
antagonistic attitude of the delega-
ton from Indiana, followed Mr.. Bryan
to the platform, and, in a plea for
harmony, said if that appeal should
prove in vain, the party would have
to turn to its leader of the past, Mr..
Bryan, and call on him to take che
leadership again.
Kern Pleads for Harmony.
Mr.. Kern then turned to Mr. Parker
and asked him to withdraw in the in
terest of peace, adding that he, Mr..
Kern, also would withdraw. Receiv-
ing no response to this suggestion
from Mr. Parker, Mr.. Kern eliminated
himself from the contest and present
ed the name of Mr.. Bryan.
Mr.. Bryan returned to the platform
and said he had urged one leader aft
er another to accept, but in vain.
And if no other progressive ap-
pears he declared vehemently, q
shall accept the candidacy and let
you express through me what you
have fought for for sixteen years"
Following a rousing reception of
this announcement, Representative
Fitzgerald Of Brooklyn was recognized
to speak in behalf of Parker.
Ostay IN the opening.
After half an hours delay, due to
an insufficient number of doorkeep- /
ers to handle the crowd of delegates
seeking admission to the armory,
Chairman Norman E. Mack called the /
convention to order and introduced
Cardinal Gibbons. who offered prayer /
Other preliminaries disposed of
Chairman Mack had read the list of
temporary officers recommended by
the national committee and headed by /
Alton B. Parker for temporary chair
man.
At once Mr.. Bryan, who had occu-
pied an obscure place on the platform.
came forward and was recognized By
the chair His appearance was the
cause OF the first enthusiastic out
break by the delegates.