The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1920-07-02
lBy Hugh Baillie, United Press Star
COrreSnondent

IBy Hugh Baltic, United Press Stan
Correspondent
AUDITORIUM, SAN FRANCISCO,
July 2.-It's Bryan day at the demo
cratic national convention.
The Nebraskan's expected fight over
a dry plank in the platform was the
principal drawing card at the auditor
ium and the galleries began filing
early
In anticipation of having to handle
a record crowd, special orders were
issued by officials to the door keepers.
This resulted in some confusion and
attempts even were made to keep
press telegraphers out of the hail.
Wearied from their night session
delegates were slow in putting in an
appearance 4
| A. 9:40hs M. less than half an hDal
before time set for opening. there
were by actual count but fourteen OF
them on the floor. John L. Schuyle-
man, Portland, Ore, went about is
suing the following statement:
81 can handle Bryan today as easily
as David handled Goliath"
For the first time since the con
vention opened, the band failed to get
an ovation today when it played
Dixie" None of the southerners
were in their seats and the air which
usually causes wild yells in abund
ance, passed with a mere ripple OF
hand clapping.
Stirring strains rolling from the
pipe organ, which alternated with the
band in the preliminary concert, mere
ly had the effect OF making delegates
and spectators raise their voices
the hum of conservation rose and fell
in accordance with the undulatine
tones OF the music. Evidently the
old timers are beginning to feel 9
bit fatigued which may hasten the
conclusion of the convention.
The Nebraska seats were closely
watched for the entrance Of Bryan
Nebraska's section, under the west bal
cony, commanded an excellent view OF
a roofing section in the east gallery
populated by "wets," who had, draped
over the balcony rail- banner with
the words, "the 1920 emancipation fol
the presidents chair-Edwards.
At 1914 a. N. there was no indica
tion of the session getting under way
The floor by this time was crowded
with delegates standing around and
talking over the situation. The only
sign of life was the test Of food lights
and the activities Of movie men. who
began setting UP their cameras in the
center aisle. ~.
Bryan had a conference shortly af
ter ten o'clock with Chaislan Robin
son, it was understood with regard to
the procedure that would be followed
incident to presentation of Bryan's
minority report on platform planks
The procedure probably will be foi
Senator Glass, chairman of resolutions
committee to offer the latfporm
whereupon those who have dissenting
reports will bring them up.
Chewing on cigars which are
put under official ban to the
considerations of delegates who
have found this solace. A
clerk with a large broad chested
high shouldered fireman standing be
side him, looking fiercely out over the
crowd, announced from the rostrun
that smoking was prohibited, and thai
holding even an unlighted cigar OF
cigaret, or the chewing of cigar, was
prima facie evidence that violation
Cigar and cigaret smokers, holders
and chewers will be thrown out, the
clerk warned, and the muscular fire
man nodded grimly. The resulting
cheer was somewhat ragged.
The galleries were packed and peo
pie were beginning to take seats II
the aisles. The police were getting
ready to close the doors and bar ever
ticket holders, as it was believed thu
standing room soon would be entirel!
occupied.
At 10: % Bryan appeared on the plat
form. He was greeted with applause
mostly hand clapping and rather sui
dued, as it was apparent most of tn
crowd had not noticed his presence
AS the word spread around the ga
leries that Bryan was ON the pla1
form the handciapping was resume
and lasted for about half a minute