The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1932-06-15
}@|lpOIH(d F0|ipSf 1852
By RODNEY BUTCHER
NEA Service Writer

By RODNEY BUTCHER
NEA Service Writer
Observation-Disclosures conventions
have as their primary business the
nomination of presidential candi-
dates and as their secondary business
the framing of platform.
But there are always a lot of mo-
tions and clownish antics to be gone
through which drag convention out
two or three days longer than seems
vitality necessary. You must remem-
Der that one function of a convention
is that of ballyhoo festival with
which the party attracts the atten-
ton of the country.
Few delegates would care to ar
rive and turn around toward home
almost Immediately. Nor would the
local hotel men and others who have
put up good money stand for con-
vention of only one or two days.
X X X
SITUATIONS IN CONTRAST
This year the Republicans probably
will have trouble stretching out their
show, whereas the Democrats, with a
flock of candidates-real and So
called-have taken special measures
to keep theirs condensed within four
days if possible.
The principal variation from rou-
tine convention procedure will be
the meeting of the Democratic plat
form committee just prior to the con-
vention itself, a device to save time.
X X X
THE WAY THEY WORK
Otherwise the procedure of the two
conventions is about the same. They
adopt the rules of the House of Rep
resentativeS to work with, plus cer-
tain traditional deviations which in
clude the two-thirds and unit rules in
the case Of Democrats.
A convention is first called to order
by the chairman of the party's ma
tional committee. Each session, after
the call, is launched by a prayer.
That touch of piety is always impress
sive, if only by contrast. remem-
Der that at Madison Square Garden
in 1924 the Democrats rotated Pro-
itestant clergymen, priests and rabbis
until they had used about all there
were in New York. And the conven-
ton was in the throes of the bitter
est, meanest religious fight ever seen
at national political meeting.
After short speech by the ma
tional chairman and the reading of
the call for the convention the first
adjournment is taken.
X X X
FIRST CHANCE FOR FIGHT
At the following session a resolu-
ton is passed to adopt the House
rules and the rules of the last con-
vention. Then a list of temporary Of
ficers is read for the conventions ap-
proval and 1t is always possible for
someone to rise then and precipitate
a fight over who is to be temporary
chairman and keynoted, as william
Jennings Bryan rose against Alton B.
Parker in 1912.
If that doesn't happen the tenn
porary chairman is brought to the
chair forthwith and usually delivers
an address of welcome.
Because of the radio audience, the
keynote speeches, which used to be
delivered in the afternoon, undoubt-
eddy will be made at night.
Keynote speeches are mighty in
spirational efforts in which one party
is positively identified with the hosts
of heaven and the other painted as
the forces Of darkness and the great
enemies of the poor. They are sup
,>oeod 20 ,.o,,eo frarvox< >.,xL,...A. -
pandemonium.
DOWN TO BUSINESS
Actual business begins after the
keynoting, perhaps the same evening
If 1t hasn't been done in the after
noon, the roll Of states is called for
each delegations member to each of
the six committees, chief of which
are those on resolutions (platform)
credentials, rules and permanent or
|ganization.
The second day begins with rendi-
ton Of the "Star-Spangled Banner
by some celebrated female singer and
receipt Of the credentials committee
report by the temporary chairman.
Sometimes q floor row then breaks
out over which Of one or more sets
of contesting delegates shall be
seated.
X Y X
OFFICIAL AT LAST
At this point the convention Is not
vet Official" or permanent. It is
made up Of temporary roll Of dele
gates as approved by the national
committee. But the committee on
permanent organization follows the
credentials committee with its report
and barring fight, the permanent
chairman = expected to be House
Leader Bert Smell for the Republi-
cans and Executive Chairman Jouett
shouse for the Democrats takes the
chair. The convention then really
begins.
The committee on rules reports
usually an unimportant function
and the roll is called for the national
committee which will take office for
the next four years at the end Of the
convention. Resolutions are made
next, the most exciting Of which Is
likely to authorize the national COM
mittee to call another national con-
vention Ia 1885.