Democratic Sentinel, Volume 20, Number 16, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 April 1896 — START A BLAND BOOM. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

START A BLAND BOOM.

Missouri Democrats Declare for Free Silver Coinage. R. P. Bland’s boom for the presidential nomination, on a free coinage of silver platform, was launched with great enthu-

siasm by the Missou r i Democratic State convention at Sedalia. It was the largest gathering of the party ever held in the State, for, in aiidition to the 535 delegates, over 2,000 visitors were present. Chairman Moffitt of the State Cen-

tral Committee called the convention to order in Wood's Opera House at 12:30 o’clock. After prayer by Rev. J. S. Meyer, ex-Congressman William M. Hatch was announced as temporary chairman, and Jeff Pollard of St. Louis as temporary secretary. Mr. Hatch made a spirited address, and throughout its delivery was cheered long and loud. The mention of Mr. Bland’s name as one of the most valuable and faithful of Democrats brought forth a flood of applause and cheers. Mr. Hatch hoped the Chicago convention would adopt an unequivocal silver platform.

R. P. BLAND.