Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-06-15
Wilson and Marshall and
Victory in November
Is the Program
DELEGATES CANNOT
RECALL BETTER WORK
Do Not Remember a Session
When Everything Was
as Untroubled

W. ~ - ~ ~ ~ ~~e~>>
Coliseum, st. Louis, June a.
With the keynote Of "Ameriean-
Ism and peace, preparedness and
prosperity" the democratic ma
tionaI convention began its first
session shortly after noon today,
with not single element In sight
to disturb the harmonious renom-
lnatIon OF President Wilson and
Vice President Marshall.
When National Chairman Nc
Combs called the convention to
order twelve thousand delegates,
aiternates and spectators packed
the big coliseum to the roof. Men,
bers Of the national committee,
members Of President Wilson's
cabinet and party leaders from all
over the country had places on
tho platform. Plaster medaIlions
Of Washington, jackson, Jefferson
and Cleveland looked down upon
the delegates from the deoora-
tions which consisted unlformely
Of nothing but the American flag.
The only picture Of President vii.
son In the hall hung In front Of
2 the speakers desk inscribed
America first"
Vice presidential boons wilted
by President Wilson's direct
word that he desired tho renonnln
alton Of Vice President Marshall
were brought to the convention
hall but only as favorite sons
compliments.
st. Louis, June 14.-Wilson and
Marshall and victory in November was
the program of the delegates who
crowded into the big coliseum here to-
day for the opening session Of the
democratic national convention. There
was not one democrat who
went into the building who could re-
call when national convention of that
party entered upon its work with more
harmony than that which prevailed
among the more than 1000 delegates
today. The candidates for president
and vice president have been decided
upon and, according to the leaders,
there will be no friction over the
party's declaration of principles. Only
the phraseology of few planks in the
platform remains to be agreed upon.
Expect Big Crowds.
Despite the expected cut and dried
which the party managers
hope to enliven by calling upon old
campaigners to deliver ringing
speeches to tho delegates at odd mo-
ments during the sessions, the SER
geant at arms of the convention was
with small army Of assist
ants to handle large crowds at all OF
the meetings. Every seat in the oval
shaped hall has been allotted and az
were made to take care
of hundreds in spaces back Of the
seats and in the aisles. The interior
of the coliseum was handsomely dec
Grated, the American colors, Of course
The city itself was dressed for the
occasion, the fact that this was Flag
day, the anniversary Of the birth Of
the American flag. helped in the dis
play Of colors.
All For Wilson.
Quite in contrast to the republican
at Chicago when more
than a score Of different kinds of but
tons were worn announcing favorite
son candidates for president, there
was but one button seen on the dele
gates today and that carried like
ness of President Wilson. Delegates
shouted for Wilson, wore neckties
with the name Wilson embroidered OH
them or carried pictures of the presi.
dent.
Those who did not have on Wilson
buttons wore some emblem Indicating
their favorite for vice president
Thomas r. Marshall Of Indiana, Roger
G. Sullivan Of Illinois, Gov. Major Of
Missouri or Gov. Morehead Of Ne
braska. But only one of these ap-
peared to be in the running, the pres
ent vice president. President Wilson
has indicated his preference for his
running mate Of four years ago and
there is not the slightest doubt that
his wish will be gratifed. The other
may receive complimentary
votes, but If the leaders who are man
aging the convention can bring 1t
about, Vice President Marshall will be
by acclamation.
Provide for All.
There will be about 1880 seats in
the Coliseum. There will be 512 seats
on the platform, 472 seats in the sec
tion reserved for newspapers and press
associations, 23S for weekly papers,
and 2,15s for delegates and alternates.
The remainder viii be in boxes and
balconies