Evening star., 1924-06-29

journed until the convention as
sembled at $50, after William j.
Bryan, realizing all the dread poten-
tialities of taking to the floor, rev
erently had invoked Divine blessing
upon the deliberations of the com
mittee. Then, when the convention
itself assembled, Homer S. Cummings
of Connecticut, its chairman, made
an impassioned speech to the dele
gates, describing the committees
work to bring in unanimous re-
port. which had proven unavailing.
His speech so impressed the dele
gates with its earnestness and with
the seriousness of the Klan situation,
as he SO graphically and dramatically
portrayed ii, that not a dissenting
vote was raised against the motion
to recess until 3 o'clock.
The delegates filed out of the hall
for the recess showing they realized
the gravity of the occasion in which
they were participating, and the pos
Sible far-reaching consequences not
only to the Democratic party but to
the domestic tranquility of the
nation.
Clash Brings Crowd.
News of the impending clash of the
late afternoon flashed through the
corridors of the convention hotel dis
trict and consequently there was a
rush back to the hall long before the
hour set for reassembling.
Fourth avenue, Madison avenue,
Madison Square and 26th and 9th
streets were packed with taxicabs
and private cars seeking to deliver
their occupants early at the conven-
tion hall entrances.
The scene around the doors shortly
after 3 o'clock really, as the cub re-
porter would say, "beggared descrip-
ton" as a fighting, struggling mass
of eager and excited visitors con-
tended with the police for admission.
Clothes We're torn in the mad scram-
Bile for priority of entrance, as it
marshal would close the building.
Delegates despite the presentation of
their credentials, were jostled aside
and made to take their chances with
the plain people until they could
work their way through the crowds.
Delegates Are Thrilled.
The delegates were thrilled when
shortly after 3 o'clock, word flashed
around that the committee on reso-
lutions had failed to come to
unanimous agreement, and would re-
turn to the hall with a proposition
to present and read the uncontro-
verted features of the platform.
ton to recess until o'clock. when.
at session to be attended only by
delegates and the press, the proposed
planks on Ku Klux and league OF
nations would be discussed and
This was construed as foreshadow-
ing a real fight on the floor of the
convention over these controversial
issues. and mems faces hardened.
All thoughts and discussion of can
didates vanished as these exciting
events of the day were progressing.
1t was realized that the action of the
convention upon the league and
Ku klux planks would have an i'm
M ri q nt hno rir he fnrftI Of
the leading candidates. Moreover, the
deadlock over candidates had really
set in already. and the period of COM
promise and conference had not yet
come.
When Cummings started in to read
the uncontroverted planks of the
platform. the delegates and the audi
ence thrilled with expectation of the
beginning of the big fight.
But their lust for the taste of blood
had to be deferred for a time, while
Mr.. Cummings read the formal terms
of the platform.
Cold Toward League.
though perspiringly to the reading
of the platform. Then Newton %.
Baker was recognized to offer his
substitute of a full-bosomed league
proposed by the majority. Only luke
warm interest was manifest by the
audience in the proposition presented
by the minority and the applause was
largely confined to the galleries. in
dicating that the mass of the dele
gates were disposed to accept the
committee resolution.
When the substitute for the COM
mittee's Klan plank was read, there
was q wild demonstration of approval
from the galleries, with scattering
applause among the delegates.
The chair announced division of
time on the debate on the amend
ments amountings to two hours on
each plank, and the debate set in at
once.
Opponents Strengthen Lines.
While the speakers were arguing
the merits of the conflicting league
of nations planks, there were fire.
Quent conferences of delegations on
the floor. The klan and anti-klan
factions also held pow-wows among
themselves. lining up for the expect
ed clash when it came to voting, each
side proselyting for votes and
strengthe ming its existing lines.
Early in the evening, local news
paper came out with a statement that
Gov. Smith was saying that unless
the convention denounced in the plat
form the Klan he would not continue
in the contest for the nomination as
as the candidate of a party which is
dominated by the Khan.
1t was reported that Senator Rails
ton was losing grodnd because of
Tom Taggart's alleged neutral at
titude toward the Klan. He is chare-
sd with playing both ends against
the middle" in efforts to keep friends
with both Sides
There was much eager discussion
among the delegates as to whether
serious damage already has been done
the party, no matter which one of the
Khan planks may be adopted
Queue Wearers Barred.
PEKING lima os os-CooI;., - ~,