Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-06-27
FIST FIGHTS OCCUR
AS ROBINSON PLEADS
AGAINST RELIGIOUS BAR

Continued from First Page)
his hearers to crashes of noisy approval
that ranked almost as demonstrations
once when he praised Woodrow VIII
son and again when he demanded that
the hand OF Republican oppression be
removed from the throat of the farmer.
Before the convention goes to bed to-
night 1t may have seen some real DEM
onStrating, for there is a possibility
that nominating speeches for presiden-
tlal candidates may be made at an
evening session.
"A delegate contest from Louisiana fur
nished the high point of the purely
formal part of this mornings proceed
ings. Every one agreed in advance that
the Smith majority could smother the
challenge that had been made against
the right of Col Robert Ewing and hts
fellow-Louisianians to sit in the conven-
ton. but his political opponents in the
State insisted on making their fight,
nevertheless
While the convention was going into
its second day, the new platform con-
mittee was at work in another part 'of
town, hearing the conflicting views OF
vets and drys. and seeking a compro-
mise. Committeeman were doubtful
whether the pIatffonl would be ready in
time for consideration at a night
session.
Negro Spirituals Sung.
Nearly an hour before the time set for
convening the morning session, another
touch of the revival spirit was given the
assembling convention by very dusky
chorus Of jubilee singers, who took the
platform 100 strong and poured out such
old plantation spirituals as de Heat
Oh De Day." "JeS' Like John" and q
dozen others Their maSsed voices filled
the huge hall, drowning the hum of the
big ventilating fans overhead which
worked vainly, even in the almost empty
hall. to churn the hot, gummy air into
sennblance of life.
The negro singers made every minor
chord and plaintive fntoration tell
where 5o-piece military brass band
was all but lost in the general noise.
When they had been at it for half
hour. they filed of the stage, now filing
with distinguished guests allotted seats
there, and left the convention bands to
carry on. They did so noisily, beginning
with How Dry Am, while the crowd
laughed and applauded.
Arriving at the hall just before the
converting hour. Franklin d. Roosevelt,
IlOOr maISflal lOr the SfnlhQ forces. SalC
he understood definitely that the nomi-
mating speeches would be made at to-
nights session. Roosevelt will nofi1i-
nate Smith, as he did four years ago in
Madison Square Garden.
Almost every mention Of the name OF
the late President Wilson threatened
to bring on a prolonged demonstration.
Just as Bowers started his speech Mrs.
Alfred e. Smith took her place In a
box
The keynoter's comparison between
the achievements of the Wilson admin
I istration and that of Harding and Cool
! idge was enthusiastically acclaimed.
Finishing an oratorical fight With the
words the immortal fame OF, Woodrow
/ wilson Bowers brought the Whole con-
Yention to its feet with cheers.
Mrs. Wilson Arises.
Mrs. Wilson rose from her chair for a
/ moment She had been training pair
Of small opera glasses on the speaker
| The demonstration was Quilted after
about minutes cheering.
| Woman delegates were especially hard
hit by the wet weather. Many Of them