The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1916-06-14

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vorite son, would have been named.
This year, it was conceded, will be
an excellent opportunity for the
Democratic party to abolish the pre-
cedent requiring a two-thirds ma
jority as necessary to a choice. There
is only one candidate in the minds
| of the delegates -Wilson-and this
| offers free road to revision of the
rules.
| Most important also, in the minds
of the gossipers and hotel lobby de-
baters, was the platform upon which
Democracy will make this years race.
The Democrats believe they have the
"edge", on the Republicans, simply
because they will have an opportunity
to see what sort of statement of
principles the Chicago convention
has enacted, and to meet those prin-
ciples in the Democratic pledges.
1900 Present.
Over 1900 persons assembled here
at noon to waste time, speak, listen
to speeches, for the next three days.
Democrats used Flag Day for frenzy
patriotism. Fifteen thousand flags
were distributed. The band played
the "Star Spangled Banner" when a
huge flag was unfurled from the CELL
ing. All the delegates were on their
feet, waving flags in frenzy patriot
ism.
A Silent Plea.
Women staged a silent plea for suf-
frage by lining the approaches of the
convention hall. A concerted battery
of 5000 pairs of eyes started speech
less at the delegates in mute appeal
for "votes for women" The women
were dressed in white, had yellow
sash across their shoulders and yel-
low parasol above their heads.
Former Governor Glynn of New
York acted as temporary chairman
and he-deliyered the keynote, speech
of the convention. Paragraphtc
punches in his speech follow:
Has Strong Punch.
"Today Americans must decide
whether their country shall have
national soul. We assert the policy
of neutrality as truly American.
button to the laws of the world. II
Washington was right, if Jefferson
was right, if Hamilton was right, If
Lincoln was right, then the presi-
dent Of the United States is right to-
day."
"Neutrality is the policy that kept
us at peace while Europe is driving
nails of war through crucified hui
manity. In all history of nations,
Of all ages, there is not country
which has enjoyed such gigantic
] balance of trade as has the United
States.
! ''Where Washington vainly plead
ed for recognition of our neutral
| rights, where Jefferson sought in vain
to protect shipping, where Lincoln
| failed to gain for the United States
| freedom of the seas, Woodrow Wilson
! has secured from every warning pow
er, from every prince under the sun,
| the formal and definite assurances
that the neutral rights of America
will be respected and observed"
Young and progressive Democrats
began gathering together early to-
day. They made it perfectly clear
that the Democratic platform must
contain a strong bid for the father
less Progressives or there will be a
fight.
Some Things Doing.
Despite the supposed quiet, re-
porters found that few little things
happened today. -
First-Wilson has halted the pro-
| gram IOr plduh III Cue purity p13L-
form against making supreme court
justices ineligible for political office.
Second Wilson favors Marshall
for vice president which seems to put
needles to other vice presidential
blooms. 's. ~--.
Third-The Democrats have decid-
ed to adopt a tariff plank amounting
to distinct appeal to business in
Iterests.
| Fourth-Bryan announced that he
will definitely support Wilson on any
proposition, even preparedness.
A demonstration for Wilson lasted
16 minutes despite the terrific heat