Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1920-06-29
FORCES OF
ADMINISTRATION
Continued from page I

The threatened anti-administration fight
30 far as IL related to the organization OF
the convention machinery, collapsed with
out a showing.
At the same time the committee for
mulating the rules for the convention
has cleared the way for the nominating
speeches 10 be delivered while the rcso-
lmtions committee is working on the
platform. BY unanimous action 1T has
decided that candidates may be placed
in nomination while the platform de
liberation are going on but no balloting
for a nominee may be conducted until
after the platform has been adopted.
This action will simplify and hasten the
work OF the convention.
From the dramatic moment Yesterday
when portrait Of President Wilson was
unveiled in the greatest convention audi
torium to let loose storm Of Tribute and
appreciation from party fellows on the
floor, there seemed little chance for those
who had set themselves IN opposition.
GREAT DEMONSTRATION.
The demonstration for the President
fairly lifted the convention to its feet
and set IL marching through the aises
roaring and shouting. II was born IN
part Of a solemn patriotic fcryor that had
preceded ii and which had set the rolling
tones of the "Star Spangled Banner
soaring into the caverns of the massive
building with force and volume that
spoke Of hearts thrilling with high feeling.
The majestic proportions Of the build
ing, the peal Of the great pipe organ
flooding the space with music the clash
and stir of the military band, the vivid
wall of color where great flag swept
from ceiling 10 floor before tho delegates,
the note struck by the marine color
guard on the platform and through II all
the keen, wine-like quality of the cool
salt breeze that swept in from the wide
reachcs Of the Pacific-all these things
were busy even before the flag swung up
in graceful folds 10 disclose the President 8
likeness and send the convention into a
frenzy Of cheering.
The burst Of feeling did not die with
adjournment. Long after there was
still hint of IL in the voices Of the ele-
gates.
The same subsidinf undercurrents ran
through the deliberations Of the com
mittees. II was there with the collapse
Of the movement to prevent the election
Of Senator Glass, movement that had
the backing of VIM. J. Bryan.
Senator Robiuson's election for per-
manent chairman was more Of foregone
conclusion No opposing candidate had
been selected
The administration forces now have n
strong grip on the machinery which will
write the confession of faith for the party s
1920 campaign. There will be battles
in committee over many planks, but there
WINS less prospect today than at any time
since tho convention leaders began 70
assemble, in the opinion Of most political
observers schooled in tho ways of con
ventions, Of an open fight on the foor.
Administration leaders appeared conf
dent that differences could be lroned out
in committee.
HRrAN's LEAGUE FLANK
Mr.. Bryan has put forward the League
of Nations plank on which he would have
the convention stand II declares for
such reservations as are necessary 20 secure
ratification and Is In sharp conflict with
the position taken before the convention
Yesterday by National Chairman Homer
s. Cummings In his keynote speech. Mr.:
Cummings laRhed at the attitude Of
Republican Senators in the treaty fight,
charging that they had sought nullIhca-
tion, not reservations. lie declared that
no reservation not aimed al the life Of
the covenant would have been rejected by
the administration, and administration
forces in the convention are expected 70
cling TO that line.
Whether Mr. Bryan, like a good trader,
has asked more than he expected 20 get
and is willing to take less IL not clear.
The administration leaders, stimulated
by the victories OF yesterday, reiterated
their confidence that no minority report
on the treaty plank could carry.
Other planks may cause committee
dscord but there was word of cheer Tor
Irish sympathizers in Mr.. Cummings
speech The only issue he did not deal
with directly in his keynote address was
that over party statement on prohlbi-
tion enforcement.
In that issue may be wrapped up the
fate of some aspirants for the Presidential
nomination. The battle has come TO the
surface in q caucus of the New York dele
CATION, which voted without roll call 20
urge modification OF the enforcement law.
The situation left behind it echoes OF
gag rule" charges and assertions that #
floor battle were insisted upon by the
New York delegation the partys chances
at the polls would be ruined.
Events so far have shown no marked
reaction overnight on discussion OF
nomination booms. There seemed to be
a general feeling that prospect ofMcAdoo s
selection had increased but there was no
definite development upon which Il
could be based by those who took this
view
With member of the President s
Cabinet in the race in the person OF
Attorney General Palmer, and former
Cabinet member, McAdoo, being urged
Just as vigorously, no candidate has yet
been formally characterized as the choice
of the President. Administration forces,
machine-like in their unanimity of action
on other matters, are at odds on candi-
dates, each group supporting its own man.
The reflex of their JOINT victories Is there
fore not easy to trace IN the nomination
fight.
The convening hour of the convention
today was | o'clock Is o'clock New York
time). Delegates not busy with COM
mittee duty were off sight seeing.
Meantime as observers studied the
make up of the subcommittee it became
more apparent that the real contest over
the platform would come after the sub
committee report had been laid before the
full committee for review. William j
Bryan, omitted by the administration
leaders from membership on the sub
committee, said he probably would not
present his planks on prohibition, the
League of Nations and other subjects
i II