The Galveston Daily News. (Galveston, Tex.), Vol. 55, No. 85, Ed. 1 Wednesday, June 17, 1896 Page: 2 of 10
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THE GALVESTON DAILY NEWS. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 189(1
CORNELIUS N. BLISS,
President of the American Protective Tariff League.
15
8
gold plank is placed in the platform they
would carry the state for McKinley by
150,000. They promised, too. that they would
raise all the money that may be necessary
for the campaign, not only in New York,
but in some of the other doubtful states
as well. In fact, they were urofuse in all
sorts of promises, and. having no particu-
lar candidate whom they wanted nomi-
nated, they told Mr. Hanna that it did not
make the slightest difference to them who
might be selected, so long as the candidate
Is not Levi P. Morton.
Mr. Miller assured Mr. Hanna that he
voiced the sentiments of Chauncey M. De-
pew, who for obvious reasons is compelled
ta remain neutral. Under the circumstances
the chances for Morton's nomination are
very slim indeed. His name will be present-
ed for both places unless there is another
change in the programme, and for the sec-
ond place he will be opposed by Garrett A.
Hobart and H. Clay Evans. At the present
time ftobart seems to have the inside track,
lwt Morton's friends will undoubtedly be
able to make a very good show for him.
even if they do not succeed in polling
enough votes to nominate him.
The southern men express the belief that
In the fight between New York and New
Jersey for second place there is an excellent
opportunity for Tennessee to capture the
prize. In any event, there is little doubt
that there will be the hottest kind of a con-
test between the three leading men, with
the chances decidedly against Governor
Morton. All this comes from one of Han-
na's lieutenants. But just at this time all
that comes from that quarter may be
viewed with suspicion. I am inclined to be-
lieve that if Morton will take the place it
■will bo given him, if for no other reason
than to placate Piatt.
ed cases from the districts in Texas at all,
but every effort will be made to get it to
change its opinion.
HEED AND ALLISON BOOMS
On Their Lust Legs—Tickets for Audi-
torium SeatN Plenty.
St. Louis. Mo., June 1G.—(Special.)—The ef-
fort to create a sentiment for Allison and
Keed around the hotels is realty laughable.
The followers of these gentlemen are amply
supplied with brass bands, and they make
the town hideous. They march into the ho-
tels and out again, but the crowds do not
follow them. The Heed men intend to have
a parade to-night, and this will be the last
gasp of the boom of the man from Maine.
On the streets the fakirs sell nothing but
the pictures of McKinley.
To-day's experience has awakened the
eyes of the St. Louis people to the fact that
they had better lower their prices for seats
in the convention. The empty chairs in the
auditorium frightened them. No tickets
were to be seen for sale on the streets to-
day, but to-night every fakir has his hands
full of them. The price put on the tickets
originally was JH). Now they can be had for
about half that amount. (The reason is a
pimple one. The convention is a dead thing
—no enthusiasm—and the people do not
want to pay money to see a corpse.
CREDENTIALS CO M >1 ITTE E.
It* \Vn it tie rin rn—Some Talk About the
Texan Case*.
St. Louis, Mo.. June 16.—(Special.)—The
committee on credentials agreed to meet
Jn the auditorium and settle the contested
election cases from Texas and Delaware,
these being the only ones in which a fight
Is being made. Put the committee ad-
journed from there to a place down town.
From this last place they adjourned again
to the New Jersey headquarters on a back
Ftreet. It really looks as if they were
trying to get away from the contestants
and contest* es. At s o'clock to-night it met
and agreed to take up the cases.
The Delaware cases are the first to be
lizard, and two hours are set apart for
their consideration Then the Texas cases
will come up and two hours are to be given
them. There is an effort being made to
open up all the contested cases from Tex-
as. but members of the committee tell me
that th"- do not think this will be done.
If it is not done, the whole question will
he whether Cuney with his three delegates
at large or Grant witli his three delegates
at large will be seated. All the Texans
who are mixed up in the fight are on hand.
The lily whites are also present with the
determination to make their fight. It will
l>e late in the night or in ihe morning he-
fore the cases are decided, as the commit-
tee will doubtless extend the time for hear-
ing the numerous speakers who are on
Ji and.
Billy Brush of Austin and his colleague,
Hamilton, who were turned down before
they arrived here, want to be heard. Brush
wants his papers read. This can not be
tmless his case is opened, but If the com-
mittee will not read them I will. He shall
not go home and say no one would read
them.
Latent About ConfentM.
St. Louis, Mo., June 16.—(Special.)—At 11
o'clock to-night the committee on creden-
tials concluded to adjourn until to-morrow
morning. It: spent the time from 8 to H on
the contested cases from Delaware, with
ex-Senator Higgins on one side and the
celebrated Addicks on the other. Higgins
won, and when he did it the committee
agreed to defer the Texas cases till the
time mentioned to-morrow. The commit-
luu ugrtted nut lu lake ui> the contest-
SLI.DO E A .\ D TR ACY.
A Trade on Congressional Candidates
Said to lie On.
St. Louis, Mo., June 1G.—(Special.)—Mr.
Sledge and Mr. Tracy, leading lights of
populism in Texas, are here, and it is said
that Jim Davis is here also. Just what
these gentlemen are after is not entirely
guessable, but to guess from what has
been whispered around they are present to
see which way the cat is jumping and to
see whether or not a trade can not be made
by which they can assist in electing three
republicans to congress in Texas and re-
ceive in return enough republican votes to
land ihe populist candidates for congress
in the other districts. It is said they are
willing to whack up on electoral votes also.
This is current talk around here, but for
the truth of it 3 can not vouch. Anyhow
they are here, and just at this time it is
extremely strange that they, as populists,
should be here.
Reardon'm Experience.
St. Louis, Mo., June 1C.—(Special.)—Mr.
Ed Reardon of Dallas arrived to-day. Mr.
Reardon is not a slow man, and he had not
been cn the ground an hour before he had
secured a place in the convention as an
alternate from Greer county. Just what
representation Greer county is entitled to
in the convention 1 am unable to say, but
Reardon is an alternate from there and got
a seat in the convention. He is not pleased,
however, with his experience. A colored
alternate sitting in the next chair to him
pulled off his shoes, went to sleep and
snored throughout the proceedings. The
seats Jn the convention are very close to
each other, and at times the sleeper rested
his head on Reardon's shoulder.
Texaus Honored.
St. Louis, Mo., June 1G.—(Special.)—The
following Texas republicans have been
honored as officers of the republican na-
tional convention: Assistant sergeants-at-
arms, D. Webster Wilson and George H.
Neviells of Galveston, Dr. G. G. Clifford and
Dr. Fred Terrell of San Antonio; honorary
secretary, Emmett J. Scott of Houston.
DAPS WO it 14 OUTLINED.
What Was Done and What Will He
Done To-Day.
St. Louis, Mo., lune 1G.—Auspiciously and
serenely, beneath a sky across whose
arched dome not a cloud floated, the chief-
tains of the republican party from the
pineries of Maine to the orange groves of
California, from the everglades of Florida
to the placid waters of Puget sound, met
in council to-day, and in the presence of
about 8000 spectators entered upon the work
of selecting candidates and enunciating
policies for the campaign of 189G. The
first session of the. republican national con-
vention was brief and formal. Chairman
Carter of the national committee dropped
the gavel at 12.20, and sixty minutes later
an adjournment was taken until 10 o'clock
to-morrow. There was not a jar in the
proceedings; there was no demonstration
to thrill the vast concourse of people.
The temporary chairman, C. W. Fair-
banks of Indianapolis, delivered his ad-
dress, a strong, forcible statement in ar-
raignment of tlie present administration
and in detinement of the issues. The com-
mittee selections of the various delegations
were selected. That was all. Those who
expected some allusion to McKinley which
would unloosen the bottled up enthusiasm
for the little Napoleon have had no fight to
uncork it, or who imagined that perhaps
some of the leaders or the orators of the
party would be called to the platform to
lire their imagination and quicken their
pulses, were disappointed. It was purely
a formal session. The recognized heroes
and leaders of the party entered the hall
without demonstrations. Piatt,•Lodge, De-
pew and Quay were applauded, but Mark
Hanna, the Warwick, diil not create a
ripple when he entered with a smiling and
confident air. The fiery rivalry that at-
tends contests between struggling giants,
where the question of supremacy is still
to be fought and the battle is yet to be
won, which arouses factions to tlie wildest
pitch of excitement and enthusiasm, was
lacking.
While there may be vain hopes, blight-
ed ambitions and hitter animosities still
tossing beneath the onward sweep of the
McKinley tide, those who did not favor the
Ohio candidate as their first choice are
looking forward with delight to the un-
equal struggle, knowing it will bring peace
and good will in the end. This being the
situation, the main interest to-day centered
in the personalities of the great men who
assembled in the convention hall. That hall
to which the procession wended its way,
although unpretentious in exterior, is ad-
mirably adapted for the purposes to which
it. is put. It is about 300 feet long by 100
feet wide and almost 100 feet high. The
two galleries which run about the ex-
terior descend abruptly to the edge of the
broad pit, from which to-day 900 delegates
and as many alternates looked up into the
face of the speaker. The decorations are
simple, but effective. Bunting and Hags
conceal the trusses and pillars, the gal-
leries are adorned at intervals with the
coats of arms of the states while in con-
spicuous places hang the portraits of
Grant. Lincoln and other heroes of the tfa;t.
The galleries to-day were well tilled, but
not crowded, it being estimated that about
8oih> persons were present. The campaign
lubs which had marched to the hall to
the clang of martial music were present
in uniform and a very large proportion of
the spectators were ladies. The band, sta-
tioned in the gallery over the platform, en-
livened the brilliant gathering with popular
airs at intervals. But. as stated, the chief
interest in the first session was centered in
the personnel of the convention. On the
platform, running behind the chairman, sat
his colleagues on the national committee,
a notable group of astute party leaders. In
front sat the delegates, chosen leaders in
their states and communities. Most promi-
nent, immediately below the stand, were
the big four of Ohio—Hanna, the king
maker; the dashing Foraker, Governor
Bushnell and General Grosvenor. Directly
in their rear were the Indiana delegation,
clustering about General Lew Wallace,
whose name is famed in politics, literature
and war. while in the rear of them were
the Pennsylvania delegates, headed by the
majestic Hastings and the silent Quay, the
conqueror of so many hard fought polit-
ical battles; in the next tier of seats was
the New York contingent, with Piatt, the
old associate of the imperial Conkling at the
head of the dominant faction, and the
suave Depew and Warner Miller, leaders of
the opposition. Massachusetts, with Sen-
ator Lodge in command, was just
beyond, while to the right of
the stand sat Senator Teller, about
whom cluster the silver men, his face
grave, stern and determined. About the pit
were scattered others equally famed—Gen-
eral Dave Henderson, the brilliant Iowa
,orator, and his colleague, Senator Gear,
and Colonel Hepburn, who took charge of
the Allison boom; ex-Governor Merriam of
Minnesota, champion of gold; the venerable
white haired Dick Thompson of Indiana,
who has figured so conspicuously in the
history of his party, now *7 years old, but
seemingly with many years of life and
vigor yet before him: Walker of Virginia,
who succeeded to "Stonewall" Jackson's
command; Powell Clayton, the old war
horse of Arkansas; General Hobart of New
Jersey, and Henry Clay Evans of Ten-
nessee, both aspirants for the vice presi-
dential nomination; William Pitt Kellogg
of Louisiana, who was governor of his
state in the wild days of the Hayes-Tilden
returning board; General Alger of Michi-
gan, who was an aspirant for the nomina-
tion in the bitter struggle of 1888; Kerens,
Parson, Tanner, Buckley, and a host of
others. Altogether, it is a magnificent body
of men, but many of the notable figures of
the past were sadly missed. Conkling,
Frye. Hale and Cameron, picturesque "Bil-
ly" *Mahone, Ingersoll. Harlan, Plumb,
Garfield, were not there. Ex-Senator In-
galls was not. in the pit but on the plat-
form reserved for the newspaper men, re-
porting the convention along with such old
journalistic vets as "Field Marshal" Hal-
stead, Joe Howard and others as brilliant
as the younger generation.
The only significant demonstration to-day
came when C. W. Fairbanks, the tem-
porary chairman, outlined the position the
party should take on the financial issue,
which now, us at all times since the dele-
gates began to arrive, has been the question
about which a whirlpool of speculation and
interest swirled. The out-and-out gold men
and the conservative men made counter
demonstrations, but the radical silver men
sat silent and glum.
The sentiment regarding the vice presi-
dential nomination rapidly crystalized to-
day when it became known that Governor
Morton had expressed u willingness if it
came to him with any sort of unanimity.
It seems almost as reasonable that the tick-
et will be McKinley and Morton, as that the
platform will be conservative but in favor
of the maintenance of the present gold
standard.
The shock of battle which took place in
the committee rooms will thunder ami re-
verberate on the floor of the convention
to-morrow. The action of the committee
on credentials in favor of adopting the
finding of the national committee except in
two instances, it is believed, will make the
convention brief, and many now believe a
final adjournment will be readied Thurs-
day.
The indications are that the sensational
climax will come to-morrow, when the re-
port of the resolutions committee is pre-
sented. The adoption of the platform is
assured by a large majority, but the radical
silver men are expected to carry the fight
to the last ditch.
Despite the general belief that the ticket
will be MsKinley and Morton, Governor
Morton's name will not go on the ticket
without the most vehement protest of the
anti-Platt faction of New York. Headed by
Warner Miller, the latter are bending their
energies to prevent the nomination of Mor-
ton for the vice presidency. The breach in
the NewYork delegation between Miller and
Piatt was intensiHed to-day when the tele-
gram of Morton to Piatt was received
which signified his acceptance of the nomi-
nation if tendeied unanimosuly. "Levi P.
Morton can not go on the ticket with Mc-
Kinley," said Mr. Miller, "we will invoke
the McKinley managers to assist us against
this Injection of national politics into our
state." And his followers add their "yes"
to his statement.
It was nearly 4 o'clock this afternoon
when the Miller men heard from good au-
thority that Mr. Piatt had received Mr,
Morton's consent to use his name for the
second place. They gathered their forces to
consult over the matter and in a short time
there was a bitter warfare on, and the fol-
lowing resolution was adopted:
"We the republicans of New York state
protest against tin drawing of the strug-
gles of our own state into the national
canvass, and record ourselves as unalter-
ably opposed to placing any of our fellow
citizens upon the ticket as the candidate
for vice president,"
When the McKinley league of New York
state met Chairman Campbell presentod the
following:
"The McKinley league of New York, the
custodian at St. Louis of the signatures of
the 147, 000 republicans of the Km pi re state
who desire the nomination of Wm. Mc-
Kinley for president, having heard that it
is the intention of the bosses' combine,
working in conjunction with treacherous
friends of McKinley, to force Levi P. Mor-
ton on the republican national convention
for vice president, docs hereby protest
against such conspiracy for these reasons:
"1. Its purpose Is to discredit the candi-
dacy of William McKinley.
"2. It is an insult to the friends of Mc-
Kinley, whose Indignation at the outrageous
attack of General Morton's managers on
McKinley has caused them to oppose the
candidacy of Governor Morton.
"3. That it pVesents a menace to the re-
publican party of tin- nation in that It drags
Into presidential politics the party tyranny,
which has disgusted the people of New York
and of the nation.
"We therefore ask all true friends of Wil-
liam McKinley to join with us, his friends
in th • Empire state, in opposing the nomi-
nation of Levi P. Morton for vice president,
or any other candidate from the state of
New York."
Sneaking of the resolution, John E. Mil-
hoiland denounced Morton as the "tool of
Piatt," and Piatt as "the one-man power
that made New York republicans the laugh-
ing stock of the nation."
W. C. Campbell of New York said it was a
sudden combine of a number of the most
disreputable bosses in the party to aid a
fellow boss. "You all remember," he said,
"that Tom Piatt has sold out the party
again and again in New York. By this
move he intt nds to sell out McKinley if pos-
sible. The friends of McKinley should be-
ware of him."
When these speeches were finished every
member of the delegation was given copies
of the resolution to distribute among the
different state delegations, and the work
was taken up at once. Mr. Miller, Cornelius
Bliss and S. R. Kruger went at once to the
Ohio headquarters to ask about the rumor
that had been spread that Ohio was favora-
ble to Morton. Mr. Miller said: "Ohio will
not support Morton. Mr. llanna's only
promise to-night was that If the delegation
could be united on one man for vice presi-
dent he would throw his Influence toward
the selection. We are against Morton, and
Hanna will not stand for any promise to
| I'latt."
Mr. I'latt declines to say anything for pub-
lication. Mr. Morton is a candidate for
president," was his terse statement, and he
woulo not express himself on tin situation.
I As the • v'Fning wore oh the question grad-
ually drifted out of New York state politics
to one of national importance. Leaders of
: delegations were visited and button-holed,
and tables of possible voters were made up.
I Ex-Senator Hiscock of.New York took a
hand. He said: "In the event of Morton not
1 U'in;: numinuted for urtusideiiL the vice
presidential sentiment of the convention i9
for him. 1 do not think anything could stop
him."
Mr. Piatt's unwillingness to talk about
the vice presidential race was due not only
to his loyalty to Mr. Morton but to a fear
that if it was known that Mr. Morton was
absolutely a candidate his support for the
presidency might be injured.
Chauncey M. Depew became a factor In
the fight to-night. Asked if he had been
informed of Mr. Morton's candidacy he
said: "l have Mr. Morton's telegram of
Saturday declining to run for that office.
If Mr. Morton should notify me that he is
a candidate for vice president I would not
present his name to the convention for
president."
A little later in the night, when Warner
Miller and George B. Matthews called and
asked him to sign a document protesting
against the Morton vice presidential boom
he said: "1 am in sympathy with the
movement but 1 can not consistently sign
it for you. in view of the fact that I am
here as Mr. Morton's representative to
place his name before the convention."
At Mr. Piatt's room to-night it was ad-
mitted that Mr. Morton's chances would
be slim if Mr. Rc«-d entered the race, but
that seemed to be the only fear.
TliOMAS II. CARTER,
Chairman of the Itepuhliean National
Committee.
Thomas H. Carter, chairman of the repub-
lican national committee and senator in
congress, has made more rapid progress in
politics than most of his associates in either
body. Only 41 years of age, he has served a
term in the house of congress, some time in
the office of land commissioner, nearly four
years as chairman of the republican nation-
al committee, and with the opening of the.
present congress he took his seat as senator
for his adopted state. Montana. He was
born in Ohio in 1854. moved to Illinois in his
youth, and at the age of 21 located at Bur-
lington. Iowa, as a book agent, arid at the
same time studied law. In 1882 he went to
r
the entrances, and within officers and em-
ployes were performing the final details.
At 11.10 o'clock the main doors of the hall
opened, and those among the immense
waiting crowds entitled to do so began to
file in singly and in groups. It was but a
short time before all of the 14,000 seats
were filled, and a band behind the speaker's
stand played patriotic airs to while away
the time until the convention was called to
order.
At 11.20 Senator Carter, chairman of the
national committee, who was to call the
convention to order, arrived and gave his
final instructions to the secretaries and
reading clerks. Five hundred and eighty
seals were reserved for the press, filled
with busy newspaper men, and the click
, of telegraph instruments had already be-
| gun to carry the music of the convention to
the world at large. As prominent per-
I sotiages arrived in the hall and were recog-
! nized they were received with applause
and cheering by the galleries.
; At 12.20 the gavel fell. The usual bustle
j and commotion followed as the delegates
; and audience settled into their seats and
i Chairman Thomas II. Carter of the na-
tional committee declared the republican
presidential convention of 1896 open for the
business before it. He said:
"The convention will be in order. Gentle-
men not delegates or alternates will retire
from the space in front of the chair. Gen-
tlemen in the aisles will vacate them and
cease conversation. All persons in the
aisles will promptly retire; such persons
are requested to promptly retire. Their
presence standing in the aisles will ob-
struct the proceedings of the convention."
After a pause, a number of delegates still
remaining standing, Carter assumed his
duty of calling the body to order.
"Sergeant at arms will see that the aisles
are promptly cleared."
When all were seated Mr. Carter made
the following explanation:
"Gentlemen of the Convention: Owing to
the fact that a concert was held in this
auditorium last night, the cards designat-
ing the places of the respective states and
territories became somewhat disarranged.
This defect will be remedied during the
convention, and hereafter seats will be pro-
vided at properly designated places for
each state and territory.
"The convention will be in order and the
chaplain offer prayer."
Rev. Rabbi Sale then came forward upon
the platform and amid the hush of the as-
sembled convention delivered the following
invocation:
Helena. Mont., where, after making a spe-
cial study of rhining law, he entered upon a
successful prac-tlce. In 1888 he was elected
to congress as a territorial delegate, and be-
came the first representative In the house
of the new state when it was admitted to
the union. He at once because a close friend
of Speaker Reed, who took avery opportuni-
ty to advance him in the house. About that
time he was chosen as secretary of the re-
publican national committee, and upon the
expiration of his congressional term and his
defeat fur rf*«lectlon, he was appointed
commissioner of the land office by Presi-
dent Harrison. When Harrison was renom-
inated in 18H2 some difficulty was experi-
enced In securing a chairman to conduct the
campaign. W. J. Campbell of Chicago was
the candidate's first choice, but the selec-
tion was unsatisfactory to others, and Car-
ter was appointed to the place. He made a
strong contest for victory, but conditions
were unpropitious. He succeeded, however,
in getting a republican legislature in Mon-
tana, by which he has been elected to a full
term of six years in the senate, While in
congress he served on the coinage commit-
tee ami opposed the free coinage of silver,
which fact prejudiced him more or less at
home, in his canvass for the senate it is
understood he gave pledges of a change of
heart on that subject, and is now in full ac-
cord with the sjlverites in congress.
OI'KMMi OF THE DAY.
Cool Weather—llanna Hunt ling—Some
Preliminary \oten.
St. Louis, Mo., June 16.—The day for the
formal opening of the convention opened
as beautifully as could have been desired.
A good breeze from the north was blowing
early In the morning, and although the
sun gave promise of being too warm for
comfort before the day was done, a cool
wind made things bearable.
Mark H&nna, Brisk, alert and energetic
as usual, was up early and brimming over
with confidence in the ultimate success of
McKinley.
This belief in McKinley's nomination is
not shared by the Massachusetts men, who
are very determined In their support of
Reed. Such of them as were around their
stale headquarters early this morning were
certain there would be no nomination at
all this week, and when it Is finally made
William McKinley, jr.. will not be within
shouting distance of the coveted honor.
Matters at the majority of the delega-
tions were very quiet in the early part of
the morning. All the caucusing over com-
mittee appointments and the adoption of
a financial plank Is over, and the delegates
are all waiting for active proceedings in
the convention hall.
To the Hall.
St. Louis, Mo., June 16.—Few of the dele-
gates made the march from the hotels
to the convention hall. The sun at mid-
day became a trifle too torrid for the men
who had been sitting up late to attend
caucuses to do any marching. They left
that part of the programme to clubs com-
posed of younger and more enthusiastic
men.
The Illinois delegation, headed by the
Cook county republican marching club, 300
strong, and the First regiment band of Chi-
cago, marched to the convention hall from
the state headquarters at the Southern
hotel. The delegation was headed by Hon.
Richard Oglesby, who was three times gov-
ernor and twlco senator from Illinois, By
his side was ex-Governor Joseph W. Fifer.
As the procession passed through the
streets to the convention hall it was fre-
quently cheered by crowds that thronged
the sidewalks.
The marching club was uniformed with
silk hats ami Prince Albert coats, and one
member carried an umblella. At the main
entrance to the convention hall the march-
ing club divided Itself, forming along the
wall on each side of the walk, and with
uncovered heads saw the delegation safely
landed.
The Ohio delegations marched from the
Southern hotel at 11.30, the Cook county
republican club of Chicago and the Illi-
nois delegation leading the way.
The Blaine club of Cincinnati, 200 strong,
acted as an escort to the Ohio delegation.
The club members marched four abreast,
all wearing high, white hats and carry-
ing alternately by rows red, white and
blue umbrellas.
CON V E.VI'IOX PROCEEDINGS.
Temporary Organ i/.a t Ion Effected.
Adjourned Till To-Day.
St. Louis, Mo., June 16.—It was an ideal
day for opening the convention, the sun
shining gloriously from a cloudless sky and
a cool northeast breeze fanning the millions
of flags and countless miles of red, white
and blue bunting which decorated buildings
everywhere. The great hall was beauti-
fully decorated. Pillars which upheld gal-
leries were- swathed in bunting, and the
rough ceilings, seventy-five feet above the
pit, were a maze of color. Around the gal-
leries at intervals blazed the coats of arms
of the various states. The speaker's stand,
from which on either hand stretched tables
for the press, was ornamented with a
beautiful silk Hag, while from the gallery
in the rear which overhung the seats re-
served for distinguished visitors, looked
out the faces of many republican heroes
who have gone to their last reward. All
roads led to the convention, at Clarke
avenue and Twelfth street. From that
great oblong, box-like structure, which
covers a block, fluttered myriads of flags.
A cordon of blue coated LOlkcinen guarded
THE OPENING PRAYER.
By Itev. Dr. Samuel Sale, Ralilil of
Gate* of Truth Coiitfreffatton.
All Merciful and Most Gracious Father,
Fountain of Light and Life: We seek thy
presence and implore thy guidance in the
toils and tasks of our earthly being. O,
thou who art enthroned in the roll of a
man and ruler in the destiny of nations,
be nigh unto us now and show forth thy
wondrous ways in this assembly of people.
Hearken unto thy servants and bondmen
of freedom and pour out on them who have
come to thy bidding in the service of truth
and honor, the spirit of wisdom and under-
standing, the spirit of counsel and strength,
the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the
Lord. Make righteousness the girdle of
their loins and faithfulness the girdle of
their hips, so that they may manfully dis-
charge the duties of their gathering, to
further the well being of the people and to
safeguard the honor and integrity of the
nation. O kindle anew in the hearts of
our generation the altar flame of devotion
to the high alms that inspired the minds
of the founders of our republic, and above
all illumined and immortalized the life of
the Father of his Country. Fill us with
a deep and abiding sense of the transcend-
ent dignity and nobility of American cit-
izenship and of the sacred obligations that
should attend it so that we may grow from
day to day in the beauty of civic virtue,
and our beloved land, from hundred har-
bored Maine to the vine-clad hills of the
Golden Gate, from the ice-bound north to
the warm and sunny south, may go from
strength to strength until it achieves its
destiny to become the fixed and shining
mark for every bark bound for the haven
of law and liberty.
Let not the glory of our past be greater
than the present, nor let us come to grief
and shame by the worship of gods of gold
and silver to the neglect of those ideas of
the mind and the soul which alone are
worthy of a free man's worship, and alone
can secure the possession and enjoyment
of civil and religious liberty. Remove from
around us the din and noise of insincerity
and sounding blows; let bitter strife and
wrangling cease. In the joyous and frate-
ful exercise of our perelous divine birth-
right, and as true and loyal Americans, let
us rise superior to every prompting and
prejudice of sect o^ section, so that, firmly
linked in the love of our common country,
we may realize how good and lovely it is
for brethren to dwell together in harmony.
Prosper thou the work of this council,
convened in the cause of the people, and
when Its message goes forth over the land,
may its golden ring bring them the glad as-
surance that prosperity will brighten our
homes and the immediate jewel of our soul,
the good name of our people and the credit
of our government, shall remain untarn-
ished forever.
GENERAL HORACE PORTER,
Mentioned for Vize President.
DR. SIMON SALE,
Of St. Louis, Chaplain of the Convention.
May thy grace, O God, come upon us, and
do thou establish the work of our hands.
Amen.
The secretary, Joseph II. Manley of the
national committee, read the call for the
convention, after which Chairman Carter
said:
"Gentlemen of the convention, by direc-
tion, 1 present, subject to your
approval, for your temporary chairman,
Hon. Charles W. Fairbanks of Indiana."
(Applause.)
Mr. Sutherland of New York was recog-
nized .and said: "On behalf of the delega-
tion from New York we desire to move
that the recommendation of the national
committee in the selection of chairman be
now approved."
The motion as put was carried by an
unanimous vote and the convention re-
ceived tlni result with cheers.
Chairman Carter: "I now have the dis-
tinguished honor to present to you, as your
temporary presiding officer, the Hon.
Charles W. Fairbanks of Indiana."
As Mr. Fairbanks came forward the con-
vention heartily applauded him. He deliv-
ered the following address:
1ION. C. W. FAIRBANKS' SPEECH
Upon AmniiiuIiiu the Cliiilmiiiiinliip of
the HrpaMfenn Convention.
Gentlemen of the Convention: I am pro-
foundly grateful for this expression of
your generous confidence.
As citizens we were never called upon to
discharge a more Important duty than that
which rests upon us, the nomination of a
president and vice president of the United
States. This duty is a peculiarly impressive
one at the moment, for it is already
written on the book of fate that the choice
of this convention will be the next presi-
dent and vice president of the great repub-
lic. Three years of democratic administra-
tion have been three years of panic, of
wasted energy, of anxiety ami loss to the
American people without a parallel in our
history. To-day the people turn to the re-
publican party hopefully, confidently; and
it Is for us to meet their expectations; it
is for us to give them those candidates
upon whom their hearts have centered and
to give them clear, straightforward, emphat-
ic expression of our political faith. The re-
publican party is a party of convictions
und il has written its convictions in the
history of the republic with the pen and the
sword; with it the supreme question always
has been, not what is merely "politic," but
is everlastingly "right." The great men
we have given to the nation and to history,
the mighty dead and illustrious living, are
our inspiration and lower of strength. If
we are true to their exalted example we
can not be false to our countrymen.
For a third of a century prior to the ad-
vent of the present democratic adminis-
tration we operated under laws enacted by
the republican party. All great measures
concerning the tariff and the currency orig-
inated with it. The tariff laws were formed
upon lines which protected our laborers and
producers from unequal and unjust foreign
competition, and upon the theory that the
best market in the world is the home mar-
ket, and that it should be enjoyed by our
countrymen.
Under the currency laws our currency
was made national. The wildcat state
banks, money of the democratic party, was
wiped out of existence. The unprecedented
demands growing out of the war were met
by paper currency which ultimately be-
came as good as gold. Since the resump-
tion of specie payments in 1879 every dol-
lar of our money, paper, silver and gold,
has been of equal purchasing value the
world over. The policy of the party lias
been to make and keep our currency equal
to the best in the world.
Under the operation of these honest tar-
iff and honest money republican laws, the
country grew in wealth and power beyond
precedent. We easily outstripped all other-
powers in the commercial race. On Novem-
ber 8, 1892, there was work for every hand
and bread for every mouth. We had
reached high water. Labor received higher
wages than ever, and capital was profitably
and securely employed. The national rev-
enues were sufficient to meet our obliga-
tions and leave a surplus in the treasury.
Foreign and domestic trade were greater in
volume anil value than they had ever been.
Foreign balances were largely in our favor.
European gold was tloating toward us.
But all this is changed. The cause Is not
hard to seek. A reaction began when it
was known that the legislative and execu-
tive branches of the government were to
be democratic. The democratic party had
at Chicago condemned the protective tariff
principle as unconstitutional and solemnly
pledged itself to the overthrow and the de-
struction of the McKinley law and to the
adoption of free trade as the policy of the
United States. This bold, aggressive at-
tack upon the long settled policy of the
republican party bore its natural fruit in
shaken confidence and unsettled business,
and we were soon drifting against the rock
of destruction. Before the work of demol-
ishing had actually begun a run was
started upon the treasury reserve which
the republican party had wisely accumu-
lated for the protection of government crul-
it. The drain upon the reserve for the
redemption of greenbacks ami treasury
notes greatly surpassed all prior experi-
ence and emphasized the discredit into
which the democratic, administration had
fallen. An utter want of confidence in the
administration possessed the people.
The democratic party was harmonious
upon one subject, and that was the de-
struction of the McKinley law; but when
they catne to the exercise of the creative
faculty, the enactment of a great/revenue
measure in its stead, there was discord.
The imperiled interests of the country
watched ami waited through the long and
anxious moments for some settlement ol
the Important question. They wanted an
end of uncertainty. At length the Wilson
bill was adopted, and it was characterized
by the democratic president as the child of
"perfidy and dishonor." It was so bad that
he would not contaminate his hands by
signing it. A bill that was too base for
Mr. Cleveland to approve is too rotten for
the approval of the American people. This
Important law was wanting in the pri-
mary purpose of a revenue measure, for it
tailed to provide adequate revenue to meet
the requirements of the government. The
deficiency thus far amounts to some $150,-
000.000. The end Is not yet, for the deficien-
cy grows day by day. This leaves the
treasury and the public credit In constant
peril. Out foreign credit is Impaired and
domestic capital l'cels insecure.
The favoritism of the Wilson law Is one
of its marked features. Its blow to ship
husbandry was an unpardonable offense; it
was a flagrant wrong to the farmers of the
United States. This great industry had de-
veloped and grown under republican pro-
tective laws until it was one of our great-
est. We are now sending abroad millions j
of dollars for wool which was paid to our
farmers under the McKinley law.
The bill struck down reciprocity, one of
the highest achievements in American
statesmanship. No measure was ever en-
acted which more directly advanced the
interests of the American farmers and
manufacturers than reciprocity. With its
destruction fell advantageous commercial
advantages under which their products
were finding larger and more profitable
foreign markets and without the loss of
their own.
The substitution of ad valorem for spe-
cific duties has opened the way for system-
atic and wholesale frauds upon the treas-
ury and the producers and employers of
the country. By means of undervaluation
foreign goods pass through the custom
houses without paying then just dues to
the treasury of the l nlted States. Thus
we have lost millions of dollars in reve-
nues. and tie foreign producer has been
able to unfairly possess our home markets.
Neither time nor place will permit further
reference to the unfortunate legislation of
the democratic party, nor the hurtful, de-
moralizing effects of it. Sultlce il to say
ii has been the greatest original factor in
breaking down confidence, checking prog-
ress, emptying the treasury, causing con-
tinued deficits and enforced idleness among
millions of willing workers.
To meet the monthly deficit and protect
our credi and save the government from
protest, tile president has been forced to
sell bonds; in other words, he has been
obliged to mortgage the future in a time of
peace to meet the current obligations of
the government. This is a sharp contrast
with the republican record. Our tariff
laws not only raised revenue, but they
protected our domestic industries; they Im-
partially protected our farmer and manu-
facturer. both north and south. Not only
that, but they also raised sufficient reve-
nue to gradually reduce the public debt,
and without imposing a grievous .burden
upon the people. During the administra-
tion of Harrison $236,000,000 of obligations
were paid, while Cleveland, during the
last three years, has added to our interest
bearing debt $202,000,000. Against such dem-
ocratic financiering the republican party
enters its emphatic protest. He attempted
to reverse the tariff policy of the United
States with such lamentable results that
the democratic party now proposes to re-
verse the currency policy. It turns to the
currency as the parent oi our ills. Its ef-
fort to shift the responsibility will deceive
no one. Its attack on the tariff, its record
of inefficiency and insincerity is a part
of the unfortunate history of the republic.
The present currency system is the fruit
ol republican wisdom. It lias been ade-
quate to all our past necessities, and if!
uncorrupted will meet our future require-
ments. Our greatest prosperity was at-
tained when republican currency laws were
in full operation. When the republican
party was in power our currency was
good; it was made as good as the best on
the globe. We made sound tnonev, and we
also made honest protective tariff to go
with it. Sound money and an honest pro-
tective tariff go hand in hand together, the
one with the other.
If the people doubt the integrity of the
treasury, they will question the soundness
of the treasury. Recognizing this funda-
mental tact, the republican party always
provided ample revenue for the treasury.
\\ hen, In the last half century of our
history, did the democratic party* advocate
a financial policy that was in the best
interests of the American people? Look
at its ante-bellum record. Consider its
hostility to the currency, rendered neces-
sary by the exigency of war; and later its
el forts to inflate the currency in a time
of peace by the Issue of greenbacks. Wit-
ness its opposition of the republican party
to resume specie payments. But four short
years ago it declared for a return to the
old discredited bank currency.
The republican party has not been un-
friendly to the proper use of silver. It has
always favored and favors to-day the ut*e
of silver as a part of our circulating me-
dium. But it favors that use under such
provisions and safeguards as shall not im-
peril our present national standard. The
policy of the republican party is to retain
both gold and silver as a part of our cir-
culating medium, while the policy of free
coinage leads to certain silver monometal-
lism. It is an immutable law that two
moneys of unequal value will not circulate
together, and that the poorer always drives
out the better.
The republican party desiring fairly to
secure a larger use of silver pledged It-
self In favor of an international agree-
ment.
Harrison, true to the pledge of the party,
took the Initiatory steps and invited an in-
ternational monetary conference at Brus-
sels at which the subject of international
coinage agreement was ably and profitably
discussed. The democratic party was also
committed to International bimetallism, but
when it came into power the work which
had been so auspiciously begun by the re-
publican party was abandoned. It was so
absorbed in its efforts to break down the
McKinley law and to empty the treasury
that it had no time to promote interna-
tional bimetallism. Those who profess to
believe that this government, ihdependent
of other powers, should open its mints to
the free and independent coinage of silver
at a ratio of ltl to 1. when the commercial
ratio in all the great markets is 30 to 1,
and at the same time not drive every dol-
lar of gold out of circulation but deceive
themselves. Great ami splendid and pow-
erful as our government is. it can not ac-
complish the impossible. It can not create
value. It has not the alchemist's subtle
art of transmitting unlimited silver into
gold, nor can it, by omnipotent tlat make
50 cents worth 100 cents. As well under-
take by a resolution of congress to sus-
pend the law of gravitation as to attempt
to compel an unlimited number of 0U-cetit
dollars to circulate with lOU-eent dollars at
a parity with each other. An attempt to
compel unlimited dollars of such unequal
value to circulate at a parity is bad in
morals and is vicious in policy. Sound
thinkers upon the great question of cur-
rency know from the beginning of the ex-
periment how miserably and certain it
would fall. The commerce of the country
would again be thrown upon the sea of
uncertainty, and the specter of want would
continue to haunt us for years to come.
Upon opening our mints to the independent
free coinage of silver, foreign credits would
be withdrawn anil domestic credits would
be greatly curtailed. More than this, there
would be a certain and sudden contraction
of our currency by the expulsion of *620,-
000,000 of gold, and our paper and silver
currency would Instantly and greatly de-
preciate in purchasing power. Hut one re-
sult would follow this; enterprise would he
further embarrassed; business demoraliza-
tion would be increased, and still further
and serious injury would be inflicted upon
the laborers, the farmers and merchi\nis
and all those whose welfare depends upon
a wholesome commerce.
A change from the present standard to a
low silver standard won lei cut down the
recompense of labor, reduce the value of
the savings In savings banks and building
and loan associations; salaries and incomes
would shrink, pensions would be cut in
two. the beneficiaries of life Insurance
would suffer, lu short, the Injury would
be so universal and far reaching that a
radical change can be contemplated only
with the gravest apprehension.
A sound currency is one of the essential
Instruments in developing our commerce.
It is the intention of the republican party,
not only to develop our domestic trade, but
to extend our commerce into the uttermost
parts of the earth. We should not begin
our contest for commercial supremacy by
destroying our currency standard. All the
leading powers with which we must com-
pete suspended the free coinage of silver
when the increased produ« tion of silv er
forced the conimerci.il ratio above the coin-
age ratio to gold ed' silver. Shall we ignore
their ripened experience? Shall we attempt
what they have found utterly impossible?
Shall it be said that our standard is belowfl
theirs?
You can not build prosperity upon a de-
based or iluetuatlng currency. As well un-
dertake to build upon the changing sanda
of the sea. A sound currency defrauds no
one. it is good alike in the hands of thu
employe and the employer, the laborer and
tie' capitalist. Upon faith in its worth, its
stability, we go forward planning for the
future. The capitalist erects his factory,
employs his mechanics and laborers. He is
confident that his margin will not be swept
away b> fluctuations in the currency. The
laborer knows that the money earned by his
toil is as honest as his labor and Is of un-
questionable power, lie likewise knows
that it requires as much labor to earn a
poor dollar as it does a good one; he also
knows if poor money is abroad It surely
finds its way into Ills pockets.
We protest against lowering our standard
of commercial honor. We stand against the
democratic attempt to degrade our currency
to the low level or Mexico, China. India and
Japan. The present high standard of our
currency, our labor and our tlag will be sa-
credly protected and preserved by the re-
publican party.
There are many Important questions re*
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The Galveston Daily News. (Galveston, Tex.), Vol. 55, No. 85, Ed. 1 Wednesday, June 17, 1896, newspaper, June 17, 1896; Galveston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth465743/m1/2/: accessed July 10, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Abilene Library Consortium.