Jasper County Democrat, Volume 3, Number 5, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 May 1900 — POPULISTS AT WORK. [ARTICLE]

POPULISTS AT WORK.

PRELIMINARY DOINGS OF RIVAL CONVENTIONS. Sioux Falla Assemblage Completes Its Organization, Choosing Thomas Patterson of Colorado Permanent Chairman—The Cincinnati Body. At Sioux Falls, S. D., on. Wednesday ’Thomas Patterson of Colorado was selected for permanent chairman of the national Populist convention after a session lasting for over two hours. J. 11. Curren of Kansas, Leo Vincent of Colorado and William M. Deisher of Pennsylvania, who served as temporary secretaries at the afternoon session, were named as permanent secretaries. The selection of Patterson was made by acclamation. Several names were considered before the final selection was made. Gen. James A. Weaver of lowa and Senator Marion Butler of North Carolina were among those urged for the place. Senator Pettigrew’s name was also presented, but later withdrawn, Pettigrew stating that he would not under any circumstances allow his name to be considered. The convention began business at 2:20 o’clock. There were probably 500 delegates in their seats, and surrounding them there was a fringe of alternates and visitors numbering 600 to 800. From the arrival of the Minnesota delegation bearing Bryan and Towne banners there were outbursts of applause at every convenient opening and upon the least provocation. United States Senators Butler, Allen and Heltfield received liberal greeting, while Senator Pettigrew was overwhelmed by the cordiality of the welcome accorded to him. There was also generous applause when the name of Mr. Bryan was mentioned by the speakers of the day. Many sentiments were cheered to the echo, and this was notably the case with Gov. reference to the Boers and the Filipinos. Before entering upon the regular order of business prayer was offered by Bishop O’Gorman. Chairman Butler then introduced Gov. Lee of South Dakota, who on behalf of the State welcomed the convention. Gov. Lee was given Iclose attention and was frequently interrupted by applause, his reference to the “splendid heroism of the South African republics” bringing a burst of cheers. His allusion to W. J. Bryan, however, the first time his name had been pronounced, brought the delegates to their feet in a hurricane of cheers and waving of flags, sonic enthusiastic delegates climbing on their chairs to voice their approval. Senator Butler responded for the convention. At the conclusion of his address proper Chairman Butler introduced the temporary chairman of the convention, P, M. Ringdal of Minnesota. As Chairman Ringdal ceased his speech there were heard cries of “Pettigrew,” “Pettigrew,” but the Senator, who sat upon the platform, did not respond. The roll call of States was begun and a loud laugh was raised by the annoufivemeut of J. J. Chambers, representing Alaska. “I am the only one here from Alaska, and I will have to name myself.” The same condition confronted I. N. Burdick of the Indian Territory and Ernest Kroner of Oregon. The evening session was devoted entirely to singing and music by the band.

MEET IN CINCINNATI. Middle-of-the-Road Populists Hold * National Convention. Four hundred aud seventy men and women occupied delegates’ seats when National Committeeman D. Clem Deaver called the national convention of the middle-of-the-road Populists to order In the opera house in Cincinnati at 2 o’clock Wednesday afternoon. Former Congressman M. W. Howard of Alabama was named as temporary chairman and J. C. Allen of Oklahoma as temporary secretary, with Earl Richardson of Illinois as secretary. The committee on credentials was appointed and the remainder of the session taken up in listening to speeches. Ignatius Donnelly made an address denouncing the fusionists at Sioux Falls and W. J. Bryan. A recess was then taken until 8 p. m. At the. night session Wharton Barker, the leading candidate fur the presidential nomination, made a lengthy speech. The committee on credeutials reported the delegations and refused to recognize proxies. This allowed Kansas only two votes instead of eighty-six, as only two delegates from that State were present. On the convention’s vote on the proxy question a wrangle ensued. Barker and Donnelly opposed allowing R. M. Chenault to cast forty-three votes or half of Kansas’ quota. The result of the balloting was disputed, but finally verified, and the committee’! report was amended so that the delegates could cast the full quota for their respective States. The report as amended was adopted. jyhe committee on permanent organiza--riogjreported in favor of Col. W. L. Peck otWrorgia for chairman. A minority report favored Judge 8. W. Williams of Vincennes, Ind., for chairman. The majority report wns adoffied. The convention then adjourned till 8 p. m. Thursday.