Wheeling majority. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1907-192?, 1912-05-16

grown into a: political party OF the
first magnitude"
This was the sentiment voiced by
Morris Hillquit, of New York; in open
ing the National Socialist Convention
here, as . 4irman of the first day s
proceedings. Nearly 300 delegates
and several thousand spectators join
ed in the applause that greeted his re
marks
"The question of selecting the
nominees of thed ifferent parties for
the office of President of the United
States, whether it be Roosevelt or
| Taft, whether it be Clark or Wilson,
are very subordinate questions, (which
will not in the least affect the well
fare, the actual life Of the American
people; but whether the Socialist par
| ty will again double its vote, whether
the Socialist party will show up mil
lion and a half or two million strong,
will be a historical fact which, will
lay the foundation for a new society
for new life in this country.
"In looking at this representative
gathering and splendid gathering"
said Hillquit in the beginning of his
opening speech, my thoughts invol-
untary revert to theN6rst convention
of the Socialist party, likewise held
in Indianapolis.
1T is just eleven years ago, very
short, insignificant span of time, but
within that time the Socialist move
ment in this country has grown so
marvellous in extent, in significance,
and in substance, that the convention
meeting here today represents an en-
tirely different movement from what
was represented eleven years ago."
Pointing out to the remarkable
growth shown by the Socialist press,
the dues-paying membership and the
Socialist vote, Hillquit declared:
1--WE have within the last few years
finally succeeded in demonstrating to
a very large portion Of the working
class of this country that the Social
list party is the only party that truly,
fully, and at all times represents
their interests and fights their bat
ties. and labor is coming into our
ranks in larger and better numbers
every year-aye, every month and
every day.
ut is not merely upon our physical
growth, however, or upon our large
strength that we congratulate our
selves in assembling at this conVen-.
ton. It is the fact that the Socialist
party has at all times remained true
to its trust and carried the red ban
ner of International Socialism unsoil-
ed, unstained and aloft in this coun-
try"
National Secretary John M. Work
called the convention ito order prompt
" ON Sunday morning, 10 a.. M, the
time set by the National Committee.
Gustave A. Strebel, of New YORK.
called the roll, and Hillquit was elect
ed chairman over W. P. Collins, OF
Colorado. James NJ. Reilly was elect
ed secretary.
The calling Of the roll showed that
there we're no contrasting delegations.
Most of the first day was spent IN
making nominations for committees
provided by the Constitution. A COM
mittee on the party press will also be
elected by the convention. 1t was oe-
cided ito reduce the length OF speeches
from ten minutes to five minutes that
delegations shall not vote as unit
unless instructed by State referen-
dunn. that the nomination OF. eandl-
dates for President and Vice Pres1-
dent of the United States shall take
place on Friday afternoon and that the
convention adjourn not later than
Saturday night.
delegate Carey of Mass, crushed
the hopes of Socialist orators, When
he moved an addition to the conven-
ton rules prohibiting nominating
speeches for candidates on Friday.
His proposition carried by vote OF
1852 to Sc
Il don't want to spoil spargo's
chances of making a speech" declar-
ID Congressman Berger, as his excuse
for voting against Carey's motion.
After the proposition carried, Hill
unit fsolemnly announced: 1T is the
ruling Of the chair that hereafter all
socialist eulogies be limited to fun
eral speeches"
Carl ot, in behalf of the Indiana
nolis socialist local, and Jacob Good
man in behalf Of the local branch OF
the Workmen's Circle, made snort
speeches of welcome to the 'oonven-