Evening star., 1928-06-15
Convention Spellbinders.

| Some DAY, perhaps, some one. with a
bent for historical research. will under
| take 10 make collection of the nomi-
mating and scconding speeches at the
American political conventions. The re-
sulting volume would be great tome.
| IT would not command an extensive cir
culation but it would be distinct con-
tribution to political literature and would
possibly afford much worthwhile mate
rial Of biographical nature 1t would
not be devoid OF humor. though some
what unconscious in character
Study of such a collection of speeches
would reveal that certain formulas have
with almost unvarying precision been
observed by the convention spellbinders.
In the first place. the non1inator or the
seconder carefully avoids mentioning the
name o. his favorite until his conciud-
ing sentence. He describes him in
glowing terms, but In all save the fina.
phrase he refers to him as ''our candi-
date" or the candidate whom
am about to place in nomination" or
the man we Offer" with other varia-
tions Of the theme. This is In recog-
milton OF the law OF climax. II would
be serious mistake 10 make specific
Identification before the descriptive
eulogy is concluded. The disclosure of
the name is In theory reserved as a rev.
elation.
The nominator or seconder must de-
scribe his candidate in terms of unblem-
iShed virtue, OF unlimited sagacity. of
answering devotion TO the principles of
his party. OF indefatigable energy for the
advancement of the public welfare, of
invaluable services to both party and
country. and Of the highest qualifca-
tons for the great once for which he
Is proposed.
No note Of apology must ever creep
into nominating or seconding speech.
II there are flaws in the record Of the
man. If there are episodes In his career
that are unfortunate. they must be ig-
nored. The positive note must be struck
throughout.
There must be no comparisons with
others that will hurt the feelings of
their champions and supporters. The
nominator must speak, as Lincoln said,
with malice toward none, with charity
for all, with firmness In the right" He
must not praise competitors. but he
must not blame them.
The noninator must describe his
principal as the one man whose nomi-
| nation win assure victory for his party.
whose political strength Is assured,
whose name viii cause the raIlying OF
all the party clans and appeal even TO
the enemy. whose State is pivotal, it's
electoral vote being essential TO success,
The geographical factor IL an important
one In any arrayaI Of reasons for the
selection OF "the candidate whom am
about 10 propose
The early struggles Of the candidate
must be described in moving phrases
The barefoot boy, the lad from the
farm, the factory worker, the son oi
poverty. Is usually the best material for
the convention speIlbindeF. II his In
fancy was accompanied by the silver
spoon the nominee must be described Al
one who has overcome. the handicap oi
afiuence and ease, and one whose great
native virtues have developed despite tht
/ cioying influences OF wealth.
Some Of the many hundreds OF n0mi.
mating and seconding speeches delivered
al the political conventions held In THU
country have influenced the results. But
only few. Az far az effect upon tbs
! bsiloting has been concerned these out
pourings Of eioquence. Of eniogy and ol
adulstion might as we'll never have beer
uttered Some day, perhaps. the politi.
cal parties will come 10 the point OF {
restriction Of this food of oratory, put.
ting all speeches within time limits. Bu
that would rob these meetings Of much
Of their color and enthusiasm. and, IN.
/ cidentsiiy, much of their taaiuoy.