Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1916-06-01
CONVENTION A LOVE FEAST
Deliberations OF Democrats
Masked by Harmony.
Platform Has rInnls of Praise for
President Wilson-Dclcgntcs Chosen
for National Convention ut
st. Louis


day will go down into history as al
unprecedented love feast There was mt
conflict of any magnitude during the
procedure of the business of the con-
rention with the exception OF the cleo
tion of tho seventh and eighth delegates
to tho national democratic convention
Tho Second cavalry band of Fort Ethan
Allen escorted about 500 of the dele
gates, who were in the city to attend the
convention, from the Sherwood House,
which was democratic headquarters, to
tho theatre. The convention, presided
over by the Row. j. r. Reardon of
Barre. went on record as endorsing the
Wilson administration and his candi-
dacy for reelection.
The convention WIS raped to order
Mt 1886 O'Clock by James e. Kennedy
OF Winston, chairman of the state dem
ocratic committee, after which j. Il.
Byrne, secretary Of the state organiza-
tion, read the call OF the convention,
which was held TO elect delegates and
nlternates to the national convention, to
be held AT st. Louis. on June Il.
Mr.. Kennedy, as State chairman. then
introduced the Rev. j, b. Reardon as
temporary chairman of the convention.
The Rev. Mr.. Reardon then gave an
Grafton on the Democratic party, the
administration of President Woodrow
Wilson and conditions in this country.
In part he spoke as follows:
Men can be childish and some in their
efforts are more noisy than others in
proclaiming that the future salvation of
our country depends upon whether or
not they are elevated to positions Of
greatest trust and responsibility. Each
nation must be judged by her past.
Our republic was the first to De founded
on honest manhood In it is the blood
of all nations and it is our mission to
continue all that is good in all nations
THE basis of our security is in the hon
est public opinion Of the citizenship and
the voice of the people is to be heard
in the future through the medium of
the direct primary Through the me-
dunn of liberty and education we are
emerging into the light. Few are called
TO die for their country, but we can
do better than lie for our country by
living for it. which requires watchful.
patient care. To see that the past weak
ness in the Democratic party of the
State of Vermont is overcome Wilson
club should be organized in every town
and city in the State. from the smallest
to the largest. 1t is up to the chairmen
OF each town and city committee to
work in cooperation with the state
chairman and committee so that all
forces brought together in unity
which will result in compact action
There should be a daily newspaper in
the State to bring before the public the
principles of democracy in State and
nation. This would be n step toward
Ing to stand upon the record of Presi-
dent Wilson for with the Republican
party, who have controlled affairs the
past half century with the execution of
ten years. rests the burden of unprepar-
edness. 1t will not be Hughes or Roose-
Welt who will lead the country in nre-
paredness. but Wilson, to whom the
American public owe lasting debt Of
gratitude, for it is to him We owe the
present prosperity and happiness among
our people.
The Rev. Mr.. Reardon's address was
received with enthusiasm and at it's con-
clusion NJ. c. Connolly of Ludlow rose
TO make the motion that the clergy
man be made permanent chairman OF
the convention which was heartily sec
onded and unanimously carried Charles
Watson of st. Adams then nominated
w. ii. Writer'S Of St. Adams as perma-
nent secretary and he was elected
Following are the resolutions intro
duced by the members of the resolution
committee, NJ. G.. Leary of burlington.
j. w. Miller of Bethel and Ernest Hitch
COCK of Pittsford, and which were
adopted by the convention:
THE PLATFORM.
Vermont by our delegates in convention
assembled, once more assert our faith in
the principles of democracy and the
supremacy and rule of the people of the
nation as against the domination Of
leaders, bosses, combination and inter-
ests.
2 We extend to the President Of the
United States Woodrow Wilson. our
affection and gratitude in the wise. con-
servative and statesmanlike course pur
sued by him in the difficulties and
perplexities that have surrounded the
nation in the months past and which has.
with honor and without war, maintained
the rights of the nation and of humanity
We desire to assure tho President az
OUR earnest cooperation in all efforts 70
continue our government honorablv at
peace with all nations whether at wa
or otherwise: but this We declare should
be under full recognition Of our national
rights and the law of nations
8. While the lack OF perfect harmony
with neighboring governments is de-
plored, we declare that the rights ,P
American citizens must be recognized and
maintained wherever the citizens NAV DO
md We further declare that American
Soil must be protected from invasion bv
bandits or the public enemy
Tho Presidents Mexican policy is there
fore heartily endorsed
4. We endorse the policy OF prepnred-
ness as outlined by the President and
demand the organization of such land AMI
naval forces as shall be adequate for the
full protection of the nation and the
maintenance Of its rights.
8. We congratulate the country upon
tho monetary, commercial. economic and
industrial legislation enacted by the
democratic Congress.
6. Wc endorse the candidacy of Wood
row Wilson for reelection rs president
or the United States. and pledge to him
tho support of tho democracy of Yer
mont
resolution was introduced by III. c.
Bhurtleff Of Montpelier on the death
of John Fl. Senter Of Montpelier, who
had lifelong aftiliation with the Demo-
cratic party of the State of Vermont