The Wilmington morning star., 1940-07-31
BY HENRIETTA PRICE

'Al . a = bam al" resounded
the secretary's voice through the
massed Chicago stadium. Prompt
ly answering the roll cali of the
Democratic convention came tn e
delegation chairman's reply. Ala
bama desires to make a presiden-
tial nomination. Our delegate, Sen
ator Lister Hill, is on the plat
form" Thirty thousand pairs of
eyes swung to the speakers ros-
trum for the speech. The giant
frecracker of demonstration was
set off by the concluding words of
his a~ddress-"I place in nomination
for president of the United States
Franklin Delano Roosevelt"
State standards waved madly.
New Jersey started the parade.
The first banner was unfurled by
North Carolina and displayed huge
black letters-North Cardinals 26
votes for Roosevelt. One by one the
states joined. Delegates pushed
each other for front positions. Some
fought for their state standards.
The California placard was borne
by Melvyn Douglas, southern mo-
vie actor. The organ pealed forth
Happy Days are Here Again
Signs and posters appeared as if
by magic: I'VE want Roosevelt;
Roosevelt and Humanity; Give us
Roosevelt" Six states remained
conspicuously out of the demon
stration. Although Texas was
pledged to Garner, one delegate
seized the Texas banner and Join.
ed the procession.
Senator Barley raped for or.
der only to be greeted by a wild
roar of protest. The din increased.
Showers of paper descended from
the galleries and the spectators
stamped and shouted their appro-
val.
Twenty-Five minutes elasped.
Again Chairman Barley pounded
for order. Roll call proceeded and
seconding speeches we're made.
Huge kleig lights white-washed
the stadium. From the ceiling hung
red, white, and blue banners. The
air cooler rippled the flags slightly
But they only felt the cool air, for
down on the convention floor the
delegates and galleries sweltercd.
Fans bearing "Chicago's Best is
Yours and presented by Mayor
Edward Kelly, futtered. The air
was hazy with cigarette smoke.
From time to time the spectators
shouted, I'VE want Roosevelt" &C.
companied by drum-beat applause.
Camera bulbs flashed while high
above the convention heads revolv.
ed the newsreel cameras. Many
tainted from heat and first aid was
quickly applied. Back Of the speak
ers stand situated the radio
booths representing each national
network. In the CHS section H.. V.
Kaltenborn, sans coat, was talking
rapidly into the microphone.
ARKANSAS beloved the secre.
tary. Arkansas yields to Virgin
ia" came the response. From Vir-
ginia came Carter Glass to pre-.
sent the name of Irish James A.
Farley. The southern statesman's
voice was weakened by age and
illness. A short demonstration for
Farley followed but it did not carry
the great enthusiastic spirit of the
Roosevelt supporters.
Next Maryland nominated her
favorite son, Senator Willard Ty-
dings.
Soon Texas was called and
Wright Morrow lifted his voice in
praise of her John Nance Garner.
Cowboys and bands monopolizcd
the Lone Star State demonstration
which died after nine minutes. And
the nominating speeches were end
ed.
Aganin, Alabama" called the
secretary. That southern state went
for Roosevelt. At the casting of
each vote the galleries roared ap-
prevail or disapproval. Governor
Clyde R. Hoey spoke for the North
Carolina delegation. Jim Farley
was continually moving about,
shaking hands, and comforting with
friends.
AT the conclusion of the roll cali,
James Farley was recognized. In
an even, but full, voice he with
drew his name. The convention ap.
plauded. They liked Jim Farley as
a party leader but not as nominee
for president. The other candidates
withdrew and Franklin D. Roose-
welt was tie unanimous Democratic
choice for president. On the heels
of this announcement came another
demonstration.
The next evening came the vice
presidential nominations. Here the
race was more contested. Accom-
panied by her tall, broadly-smiling
son, Franklin, Jr., and greeted by
Jim Farley, blue-gowned M r s.
Franklin Roosevelt arrived and the
session was convened.
Paul McNutt was popular and
received an ovation second only to
that accorded the President. Per-
haps, had he chosen to cross Presi-
dent Roosevelt, he might h a v e
been the nominee. Secretary Wal
lace remained smilingly calm
throughout the entire nroced1lre