THE EVENING BEE: THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1896.
COPY FIVE CENTS.
ALL FOR M'KINLEY
No Sixteen to One Free Coinage for Nebraska Republicans.
SENATOR THURSTON EXPEDITES THINGS
Secures the Election of Three Delegates-at-Large by Acclamation.
WEBSTER, KENNARD AND JANSEN GO
Plan of the Wharton Letter Carried Out Without a Hitch.
CROUNSE INTRODUCES A RESOLUTION
Seeks to Shame the Senator, but is Overridden by the Delegates.
THUMMEL CHOSEN AS THE FOURTH MAN
Matt Daugherty Lacks Several Votes of Being Even a Good Second.
PLATFORM REPORT PLEDGES MANY THINGS
Endorses the St. Louis and Lincoln Conventions in Advance and Promises to Support to the Ticket Next Fall.
For delegates-at-large:
JOHN L. WEBSTER of Douglas.
THOMAS P. KENNARD of Lancaster.
PETER JANSEN of Jefferson.
GEORGE H. THUMMEL of Hall.
Alternates:
O. G. SMITH of Buffalo.
C. B. DEMPSTER of Gage.
L. P. JUDD of Boone.
A. C. WRIGHT of Cass.
Above are given the names of the men elected as delegates to the national convention at St. Louis by the republican state convention which met for that purpose at the Coliseum last evening. This part of the proceedings was most quickly and harmoniously accomplished, all the delegates being elected by acclamation except George H. Thummel, who triumphed after a close tussle with his only opponent, Matt Daugherty of Ogalalla.
Besides selected the delegates the convention adopted a money plank which declared in so many words against the free coinage of silver after a futile effort to silence the convention on that issue. The only other difference of any consequence was over the ratification of the resolutions adopted in Omaha some time ago as a compromise between the supporters of McKinley and Manderson. In this case Senator Thurston's plea for the compromise resolutions failed to find a sympathetic response and a substitute resolution was adopted which contained no other name than that of William McKinley.
The convention hall itself was the largest, best ventilated and most convenient ever tendered for the use of a state gathering in Nebraska. There was no crowding of delegates into narrow aisles, on the stage and in galleries. Everybody had plenty of room, and the arched ceiling nearly a hundred feet from the floor gave ample opportunity for breathing—a luxury seldom enjoyed by conventions in Nebraska. The floats and paraphernalia belonging to the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben lent a picturesque feature to the otherwise severe plainness of the Interior. The Second Infantry band from Fort Omaha was in attendance, and while the huge crowd was assembling played a varied program, literally interspersed with lively campaign melodies. On the immense stage back of the speaker's desk, on the west side of the auditorium, [?]sented a large number of the prominent [?]
ng [?] time [?] Mallalieu of the [?]vention called the con-[?]r. In the absence of Chairman [?]er, who is detained in Washington by important duties in connection with his official position, Mr. Mallalieu had had general charge of the preliminary work of preparing for the convention. When he arose to call the convention to order he faced an assemblage of fully 3,500 people. He first introduced the John L. Webster Glee club of Omaha. The club sang a campaign melody, the accompanying words portraying the ponderous woes of one Grover Cleveland and depicting in general terms the panic stricken condition of the democrats. The big crowd liked the sentiment and applauded the glee club. Tim Sedgwick of York, secretary of the republican state central committee then read the call. This formality being over, Vice Chairman Mallalieu introduced as the temporary chairman of the convention Hon. William P. McCreary of Hastings.
Mr. McCreary's brief speech was listened to with close attention by those close enough to the platform to hear it. Unfortunately, however, the crush of delegates constantly crowding into the rear and sides of the auditorium created so much noise and confusion that the greater portion of the audience was unable to catch much of the best part of the eloquent speaker's address. The temporary chairman was frequently applauded, his references to McKinley giving full opportunity for the escape of the pent-up enthusiasm and his demand for the complete demonetization of democracy and the free and unlimited coinage of republicanism, honest money, protection and reciprocity brought down the house. Mr. McCreary said in part:
M'CREARY'S ADDRESS.
"It would be indeed a cold heart that would not be warmed by such an occasion as this. Especially is this true at this time because this is the beginning of a campaign of people who have sent their representatives to this convention to declare their views upon the vital questions of the hour. Never was there a time in American politics since the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, when the people were so serious as they are today. It is not a blow struck at a statesman this time, but one struck directely at American industries and the American homes. The people who have selected these delegates are entitled to the deliberate judgment of this convention. Like the Israelite of old, they are seeking for a Moses to lead them out of the wilderness. It has been charged that in selecting the delegates to this convention there were cases in which the will of the people was not consulted. I have no need to deny this accusation. The people have but one idea in this campaign, and this convention would be false to them if it did not declare in favor of one great exponent of the protective tariff principle. I refer to Major William McKinley of Ohio. (Prolonged applause.)
"It has been said that Major McKinley is no more entitled to credit for the McKinley law than any other member of the committee. I remember that at one time
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ALL FOR M'KINLEY
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Mr. McKinley was downed in his own district because it was held that he was responsible for that law. We hear a good deal of talk about the money question, but what the American people want is the demonetization of democracy and free coinage of republicanism."
Continuing, Mr. McCreary paid his respects to the populist party, which he characterized as the political harlot of the nineteenth century.
The purely ornamental work of the convention being finished, the business of the evening commenced in earnest.
On motion of John C. Wharton, J. M. Gillan of Omaha was made temporary secretary.
COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS.
Senator Thurston took the floor to move that in order to expedite business the chairman appoint a committee on resolutions, to consist of a chairman and one member from each congressional district, to which all resolutions should be referred without debate.
Ex-Governor Crounse suggested that there was one question before the people which should be honestly faced. He hoped that the republicans of Nebraska would be brave enough to meet the issue squarely, and in order to do that open debate was necessary.
Senator Thurston explained that his motion was not intended to stifle debate, but to permit it at the proper time, which was after the report of the committee. The convention, he said, would have the courage to fight for the cardinal principles of the republican party—sound money and protection.
Senator Thurston's motion was then carried without opposition and the committee was appointed, as follows: Senator Thurston, chairman; G. M. Lambertson, First district; Cadet Taylor, Second district; W. H. Needham, Third district; Thomas Wolfe, Fourth district; John J. Lamborn, Fifth district; Henry Gibbons, Sixth district.
J. L. McPheely of Minden moved that as there were no contests the services of a committee on credentials be dispensed with and that the list of delegates as in the hands of the secretary be declared elected. This was carried.
The temporary organization was then made permanent and the convention listened to a song by Joe Barton of this city.
TURN IT OVER TO THURSTON.
Chairman McCreary announced that the selection of the delegates to the national convention was in order. The announcement brought Senator Thurston to his feet with a motion to expedite the work of the convention. He suggested that inasmuch as there was no difference of opinion as to the names of three of the delegates-at-large, much time could be saved by selecting them by viva voce vote. He therefore moved that John L. Webster of Douglas, Thomas P. Kennard of Lancaster and Peter Jansen of Jefferson be selected by acclamation.
The motion was seconded by a Gage county delegate, but before the question could be voted upon ex-Governor Crounse sent to the secretary's desk a substitute, which he asked to have read. The reading of the substitute was attended with some difficulty, but, when finally before the convention, was found to be as follows:
Whereas, Senator John M. Thurston has kindly volunteered to leave his seat in the United States senate and journey several times half way across the continent to attend the meeting of the state republican committee and direct its proceedings in issuing its call for this convention; also to have himself made delegate to ward and county conventions, and, as self-constituted dictator, happily styled King John the First, has issued his edict directing the selection of himself, John L. Webster and Peter Jansen as delegates to the national republican convention and fixing the boundaries from which this convention may elect the other two delegates-at-large; and,
Whereas, It is understood that, having gathered to himself the several titles and offices of senator, delegate and dictator, he is ambitious for the additional honor of being nominated as vice president, or holding a place in the cabinet, when, as secretary of the interior or attorney general, he can be of further and greater service to the Pacific railroads, whose passes and stolen millions have been used to advance the honored gentleman to his present commanding position; and,
Whereas, The senator by innumerable proclamations, letters and interviews has given the public in general and presidential candidates in particular to understand that he carries the republican party of Nebraska in his pocket; and,
Whereas, In order that this impression may continue and the chances of the senator for gratifying his ambition be not impaired by any act of independence or disloyalty on the part of the republicans here assembled; and,
Whereas, We recognize in the senator a willingness and a confidence in his own ability to go to St. Louis, as the entire sixteen delegates allotted to Nebraska, and regret that the authority of this convention will not permit us to thus constitute him, therefore in order to effect the same, and as nearly as may be; therefore be it
Resolved, That Senator Thurston be requested to name all the delegates to the St. Louis convention we are assembled supposedly to select, which delegates are hereby instructed, and the district delegates are requested to vote and act in said convention under the direction and for the glory of the senator.
Resolved, That an apology is due from ex-Senator Manderson to Senator Thurston for permitting the use of his name as a presidential candidate without having first obtained the consent of the senator, and for attempting to usurp the title of "Favorite Son," when it is well known that the name of our favorite is not Charles, but John; and
Resolved, lastly, That we can but admire and applaud the magnanimity of our senator in graciously consenting that the name of ex-Senator Manderson may be mentioned at St. Louis at such time or manner as will injure no one else or do him any good.
FOLLOW THE SENATOR'S SUGGESTION.
A delegate from Pawnee county moved that Crounse's substitute be laid on the table.
The reading of the substitute was greeted with a hearty and prolonged outburst of hisses which the chairman could scarcely restrain.
C. E. Holland of Seward county moved to table the substitute without any further reading. Senator Thurston arose and found it impossible to speak because of the tremendous cheering. He said that he had too much respect for the author to ask other than that the substitute be read in full. He added that if, after reading, it was found to reflect any honor on the author, he hoped the convention would adopt it. When he finished the secretary was allowed to continue with the reading. At the mention of the selection of Senator Thurston for vice presidential candidate or for secretary of the interior the convention showed its appreciation of the suggestions offered by applause loud and long.
The chairman put the motion to table and it was carried with a shout.
The rules were suspended and the three men who had been nominated as delegates at large were unanimously chosen to represent Nebraska at St. Louis.
John L. Webster was called for and in reply made a short speech, which was well received. He said it was simply his desire to go to St. Louis and voice the sentiment of the republicans in casting his vote for Major McKinley. He said his time, his services and his whole attention should be at the command of the party in the fall campaign.
TWO PRETTY PROUD MEN.
Thomas P. Kennard was called for. He said he had been nominated twice for a state office and stood upon a platform of republicanism. But, he said, the honor and trust that had just been confided to him he esteemed more highly. He hoped to return from St. Louis and announce the nomination of William McKinley.
Peter Jansen was called for from several quarters of the hall at once. Mounting the stage, he said he wouldn't trade places even with the czar of Russia. He felt prouder at the honor given him by the sovereign people of the state of Nebraska than at any honor all the crowned heads of Europe could confer upon him. He said the foreign element in the republican ranks loved the nation of its adoption and would always rally around its flag. He believed under the administration of William McKinley the republican party would again bring commercial prosperity to the nation.
A double quartet from Beatrice was then announced and rendered a timely parody on a familiar college air, picturing the distress of the democratic party in strong words. The boys were rewarded by a hearty encore and responded with a parody on "In the Sweet Bye and Bye." It told of the failure of the populist party and predicted that it, too, would be laid on the shelf along with the democratic party.
A Douglas county representative moved to count the old soldiers in the convention in order to refute the charge that there were but few old soldiers present. The rising vote showed a large number of Grand Army men present. As they arose to be counted they were cheered to the echo.
OPENED THE ONLY DISPUTE.
Representative W. H. Harrison of Hall nominated George H. Thummel of his county for the fourth delegate-at-large.
The delegation of Webster counted seconded the nomination.
A Stanton county representative seconded the nomination also. This was the signal for representatives from a large number of counties to fall into line, and they kept the chairman busy recognizing them in order that they might second Mr. Thummel's nomination.
Representative Sullivan of Custer county placed in nomination Matthew Daugherty. Sheridan county, Banner county, Buffalo county and Valley county seconded the nomination of Daugherty.
As the roll call proceeded it became evident that Thummel was not in for a walk away. Not until the call was nearly over was it sure that he was elected, but the final result was: Thummel, 554; Daugherty, 498. And Mr. Thummel was declared the unanimous nominee of the convention for the fourth place on the delegation at large.
He briefly returned his thanks for the honor conferred and Matt Daugherty took the platform to say that he was highly pleased with the selection of his opponent. He expressed his thanks to those who had stood by him in what he characterized as the "most unholy war ever waged on a man." He declared that like the Saviour he had suffered for the sins of others and had been handicapped by the name of Daugherty.
Someone nominated Mr. Daugherty for alternate, but he declined in favor of O. G. Smith of Buffalo county, who was nominated by John T. Mallalieu and elected by acclamation. C. B. Dempster of Gage county, L. P. Judd of Boone county and A. C. Wight of Cass county were then placed in nomination. A motion to elect Mr. Judd and Mr. Dempster by acclamation prevailed, and another motion included Mr. Wright in the program. They were declared elected at the moment when the committee on resolutions appeared with their report.
RESOLUTIONS REPORTED.
In behalf of the committee, Senator Thurston read the following:
The republicans of Nebraska in convention assembled congratulate the country upon the certain return of the republican party to power, and rejoice that our land is to be speedily redeemed from the disasters and sufferings of democratic incompetence, error and misrule.
This is the year of the people, and the people demand that their great champion, William McKinley, shall be nominated and elected president of the United States.
We reaffirm our loyalty to the declared principles of the republican party and to those great American policies for which our party always stands.
We pledge ourselves in advance to the platform of the forthcoming republican national convention, believing that it will declare against the free and unlimited coinage of silver and for a currency of gold, silver and paper "as sound as the government and as untarnished as its honor," and for that American system of protection and reciprocity of which William McKinley is the best living exponent and under which out people attained the greatest national and individual prosperity.
We assert that the republican party stands for the supremacy of the constitution of the United States; the maintenance of law and order; the protection of every American citizen in his right to live, to labor and to vote; a vigorous foreign policy; the enforcement of the Monroe doctrine; the restoration of our merchant marine; American markets for American products; the governmental supervision and control of transportation lines and rates; the protection of the people from all unlawful combination and unjust exaction of aggregated capital and corporate power; a pension policy just and generous to our living heroes and the widows and orphans of their dead comrades; coast defenses against foreign navies, pauper immigration and the products of cheap foreign labor; a rigid observance of our naturalization laws; the expenditure of all moneys collected from the people for public uses and under direction of public officials.
We extend our sympathies to the struggling patriots of Cuba in their heroic efforts to establish a government of the people, and we demand the recognition of their rights as belligerents by the national administration.
We remit all presentation of state issues to the convention called for the nomination of state officers, pledging ourselves to support its nominees, and assuring the country that Nebraska is a republican state.
HAD A FREE SILVER PLANK.
W. J. Connell of Omaha offered the following substitute for the money plank as recommended by the committee:
We declare that both gold and silver should be primary money and recognized as such by the government of the United States, and should be a full legal tender for all debts, both public and private; that the governments should not discriminate in favor of gold as against silver, and that the mints should be opened upon equal terms to both gold and silver at the ratio now established by law. We oppose the issuing of government bonds in times of peace.
In support of his substitute Mr. Connell spoke at some length and submitted a petition signed by 450 republicans.
Delegate Corbin of Johnson county moved to lay the substitute on the table, and after some further debate the motion prevailed.
The same controversy was renewed when Hon. John B. Wright of Lancaster county moved that the anti-free coinage clause in the money plank be stricken out. He declared that the convention had no right to instruct the national convention, and the republican party could not afford to declare for the elimination of either gold or silver as a basis of money.
Ex-Governor Crounse declared that the free coinage clause was the only part of the plank that meant anything. The remainder consisted of glittering generalities on which any one might ride.
G. M. Lambertson of Lancaster county made a vigorous appeal for an out and out declaration against free coinage. He said that Connell was standing exactly where Bryan stood. Other republican state conventions had declared for sound money, and Nebraska should not be silent.
A. E. Brown of Lancaster county quoted a resolution offered in the United States senate by McKinley in 1878 as evidence that McKinley was for silver.
Judge Allen W. Field asserted that McKinley had carried Ohio against a party that had declared for the free and unlimited coinage of silver by more than 170,000 majority.
The motion to strike out was lost by an overwhelming vote, and the platform as submitted by the committee was unanimously approved.
ENDORSES THE EXPOSITION.
The following resolutions were presented by the committee and adopted without debate:
Whereas, Delegates representing the twenty-four states and territories lying west of the Mississippi river at the Transmississippi congress of 1895 adopted resolutions providing for the holding of an exposition for the purpose of exhibiting the products, manufactures, arts, industries and capabilities of these states and territories; and,
Whereas, The said congress voted unanimously that said exposition should be held at the city of Omaha in the year 1898; and,
Whereas, The common interest of the states and territories constituting this great region will be greatly promoted and benefited thereby, and the interests of the great state of Nebraska will be especially benefited by such an exposition within her borders; therefore be it
Resolved, by the 1,057 citizens of the state of Nebraska, assembled together as delegates to the Nebraska republican state convention in the Coliseum building. Omaha, April 15, 1896, That the holding of said Transmississippi and International exposition is hereby heartily approved, and that the senators and representatives in congress from Nebraska are requested to fully co-operate with the senators and representatives from the other transmississippi states, and thoroughly and actively endeavor to procure at this session of congress the passage of the bill giving national recognition to said exposition, and providing for an appropriation for national exhibits and the necessary and proper buildings to contain the same; and be it further
Resolved, That a copy of the foregoing resolution be certified by the secretary of the convention and sent to the senators and representatives in congress from Nebraska.
Senator Thurston then presented for approval the resolutions which were adopted by the Douglas county convention as the result of the compromise between the McKinley and Manderson committees some weeks ago.
The senator prefaced the reading of these resolutions by an explanation of the circumstances which had led to their conception. This was largely a repetition of the same ideas which he had expressed on previous occasions, but he included a reference to the resolutions introduced by ex-Governor Crounse earlier in the evening. He denied that his championship of the cause of William McKinley in Nebraska was associated with any personal ambition. He denied that he had any desire or expectation to be vice president, and declared that if Nebraska should be fortunate enough to be offered a cabinet position he would not accept it for himself, but would turn it over to one of the many worthy republicans of the commonwealth.
OUT AND OUT FOR M'KINLEY.
After Senator Thurston had read the resolutions Frank Collins of Lancaster county offered the following substitute:
Whereas, The republican party of Nebraska, in state convention assembled, believes in the rule of the majority and recognizes that the overwhelming sentiment of Nebraska republicans is favorable to the candidacy of William McKinley of Ohio for president of the United States, therefore, be it
Resolved, by this convention, That we heartily commend the candidacy of William McKinley for nomination by the national republican convention to the highest office in the gift of the American people, because of his spotless private life, his sterling honesty, his undoubted political integrity, his high moral courage, his lofty patriotism, his splendid citizenship and his superb statesmanship. We unqualifiedly endorse his candidacy because he is the acknowledged champion of the overshadowing issue: "American markets for American producers, protection to American industries and American labor."
We regard him as the logical and invincible leader of the republican hosts in their victorious campaign of 1896, and triumphal re-entry into power on March 4, 1897. Be it further,
Resolved, by this convention, That the four delegates-at-large and the four alternates-at-large selected by this convention to represent this commonwealth at the national republican convention at St. Louis, be, and each of them, is hereby instructed to use all honorable means to secure the nomination of William McKinley at the hands of said convention, and to this end they, and each of them, are further instructed to vote for William McKinley on the first ballot, and on each succeeding ballot until he is nominated or his name is withdrawn from the contest.
In support of his substitute Mr. Collins asked for whom the delegates for the various counties had been instructed. For McKinley and no one else. He appealed to them to remain true to their instructions.
John L. McPheeley appealed to the convention to stand by Thurston in this matter as he had earned the right to be heeded.
The roll call on Collin's substitute resulted: Ayes, 488; nays, 410.
It was declared carried and C. E. Holland of Seward county offered a balm to Senator Thurston in the following, which was unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That in the person of Senator John M. Thurston we recognize an able statesman whose only ambition is to promote the best interests of his constituents and to stand between any foe, political or otherwise, that endangers their prosperity or attempts to throttle the popular expression of the people on any political question. Undaunted by any political power, he has the courage to voice the sentiments of the sovereign people on any question of moment in the face of any organized opposition.
On motion of Seth Mobley of Grand Island, a vote of thanks was tendered to Chairman McCreary for his services, and the convention adjourned.