Polk County news. [volume] (Benton, Tenn.) 191?-1983, 1920-07-08
DEMOCRATS BUSY AT FRISCO
One Thousand And Ninety-T~o Dele
gates Were In Their Seats When
The GaVel Sounded

Chairman Cummings ana perfected
preliminaries clearing the way for the
real work Of finding a presidential
candidate.
Hours before the opening ticket
holders gathered in the spacious
building which. for the occasion, seats
more than twelve thousand persons.
Those who did not hold tickets were
barred from approaching the main en-
trance by fences hidden by a screen
of California evergreen.
! Decorations of the convention hall
were simple and tasteful with the
Stars and Stripes as the dominant fea-
ture OF the beautiful display.
The seats of the 1902 delegates
were compactly assembled close to the
platform and stretched almost across
the width of the hall. Here and there
stood the state and territorial stand
ards, made of California redwood,
showing the locations of the delega-
lions. Directly behind were the seats
of the alternates and all about them
in an almost perfect circle were places
for more than ten thousand other per-
sons.
The league of nations covenant was
championed as the Monroe doctrine
of the world" by Homer Cummings,
temporary chairman of the Democratic
national convention in his keynote ad-
dress.
OF the peace treaty's defeat in the
senate he said: mo bIacker crime |
against civilization has ever soiled the
pages of our history"
He characterized the Republican
platform as "reactionary and provin-
cial.' FILLED with premeditated
SANDERS and vague promises, It will
be searched in vain for one construc-
tive suggestion for the reformation of
he conditions which it crlticizes and
leplores."
An innovation planned for the open
ng of the convention was the silenc-
ng of the great gathering by a bugle
all instead of the usual pounding with
he gavel. AS the bugler's notes came
o an end and the buzz of conversation
, nthe floor ceased a detachment Of
marines standing in front of the plat
orm raised the national colors and
anne to present arms"
Prohibition
William ]. Bryan, leader of the drys
nd Nebraska's member of the reso-
ltions committee, had a dry plank to q
resent to the committee, which reads
I'VE heartily congratulate the Dem
cratic party on its splendid leader ;.
hip in the submission and ratification
the prohibition amendment to. the
sderal constitution and we pledge the
arty to the effective enforcement of
lie Volstead law, honestly and in good
18th, without any increase in the alco-
olic content of permitted beverages >,
I'D without any weakening of any :,
her of it's provision"
Postmaster General Burleson and =
ines Nugent of New Jersey, leading .,
cts, also had planks varied in Ian
lage, but all to the same purpose !,
edging the party to favor modifica-
On of the Volstead law so that the r
dividual states may determine what
ey will permit in the way of alco-
'lic content.
League OF Nations
President Wilson, Mr.. Bryan and oo
nator Walsh have planks on this to
estion. In spite Of the fight that of
yam and Walsh are making On the dc
esident, it appeared likely that the m,
forces would win. ra
The presidents plank, which Sena- re
Glass will present, pledges the
rty to ratification without impair m,
reservations. Mi
3ryan's plank declares against max so,
the league a political issue and of
res ratification with safeguarding of
ervations. lee
The convention flung aside for the ag,
ment the business before it, while me
egates carried on a demonstration Gel
t swept the great gathering off it's all
t. 1t was half hour before the out sol
st. evoked by a sudden display of of
presidents portrait, could be still ma
Again and again, as his name was
ntioned, the cheers broke out anew z
eliminate in the shout of approval wa,
adopted and sent to the white cell
Use a striking testimonial of his the
tvs faith and pride in the man ing
, has led it through troublous con
Is bril-
Irish Question
he administration is against men, Ant
ing Ireland, but may concede =
ltion of Irish independence in con- tra,
ton with the league of nations pan
ling for the league as the hope of cha
Irish and other subject peoples for resf
dom. %
ish organizations in concert have Che,
Jared plank, emphatically putting Cali
party on record as sympathiEing and
Ireland, and favoring recognition olut
he Irish republic by the United com
es. defe
Philippine Independence
cert ion of n nIank in the Mat. NH