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THE TWO B’S.
BOYNTON AS» B ACOX RUNNING NECK
A- I> NECK.
The Adherent* of tbe Two Stick Clone-
Jy to Their Slightly
Ahead—Seventeen Ballot* Taken and
No Nomination Yet
(Special to Chronicle and Conetit it: on iliet.)
Atlanta, Ga., April 11.—To-day openel
beautiful and bright. There is just enough
of the chill from yesterday’s nhowtr in the
air to temper the clear April sun, and a
keen spring breeze from the edge of
Kennesaw keeps down the excitement
about the State House. The convention
met in excellent good-humor. The Bacon
men were buoyed by the bulge of yes ter
day’s closing ballot, and predicted the
nomination of their favorite before mid
day. They counted upon his prestige as
the continued leader of the ballot, and
banked upon tbe floating vote, which always
aggregates to the larger mass, and hoped
for enough of the strength of McDaniel,
Simmons and Cook to give the ex-Speaker
a clear majority. The Boynton forces did
not come up smiling, but were hopeful
and determined. They seemed to be con
fident of holding their own and believed
that in the event of Bacon’s nearing the
nomination, enough of McDaniel’s men
would flock to Boynton to prevent the tri
umph of the Macon favorite. On the other
band Mej. McDaniel’s friends held that
their champion’s chances were admirable.
They had at this time no idea of break
ing * the deadlock by going to either
candidate, for upon a continuance of
the convention depended their beet
chances. Meanwhile Muscogee continu
ed solidly in Bacon’s interests, although
it was known thatthey meant Crawford
and wanted him badly. There is a world
of wily wonderment in politics. It is a
species of Chinese language used to con
ceal real thought and to blind genuine
purpose. It is a game at which two can
play, and at which one man can play
twice at the same time.
There was a little tift this morning over
the effort of a member to g‘t rid nf the
fractional votes in the convention. These
orpinatei from the appointment in the
different counties of twice, three, four and
five times the number of delegates as the
counties have votes. This caused halves,
thirds, quarters and as in the case of
Jones county, fifths of votes, which are
ridiculous and at times confusing. There
was an effort made to prohibit the appoint
ment by counties of a greater number of
delegates than there are votes. The idea
of such restriction however, did not take
and the motion was tabled. So candidates
will continue to have two-thirds of the
county of Hall and one-fifth of the S ate
of Jones cast solidly for them, and the
secretaries in aggregating the vote will
wrestle with vulgar fractions as before.
The first ballot to-day developed but little
change. During the call of the roll there
was an unusual episode. A delegate dis
puted the right of the chairman of the
Crawford county delegation to cast his
vote under the unit rule. The chairman
insisted upon his right and in the
midst of the ballot the recalcitrant
member in the middle of the aisle
engaged in an impromptu argument for his
rights which brought down the house. The
fractions and factions could not agree, and
before the result of the vote could be an
nounced. the Credentials Committee had to
retire with the divided house and put the
matter to rights by awarding each man one
vote. Burnett, the newly seated member,
enjoved the privilege like a new toy and
cast his vote consistently for Boynton.
The result of the first ballot showed that
Major Bacon had not preserved his advan
tage of last evening. The vote was very
near a tie, Boynton holding his own and
Bacon losing seven votes. The sixth ballot,
which was the first this morning, gave Ba
con a lead of but two votes. The seventh
ballot disclosed a clear lead for Boynton,
which brought cheers from that side and
dampened the Bacon column considerably
On the eighth ballot both leading candi
dates increased their number, although tbe
choice was as far off as before.
At this juncture Judge Gibson, of War
ren, who had been casting the vote of the
county for a little of everybody, arcse and
suggested a recess. The object of this was
supposed to be in tbe interests of har
mony; indeed the judge went on to
say that some sort of committee should be
appointed to report a compromise. Re
cesses and compromises, however, were
not popular at this juncture and the
judge aid not succeed in changing the
complexion of tbe convention. Things
did not alter until the eleventh ballot,
when three votes from Houston, one from
Irwin, two from Lee, one from Lump
kin, two back from Rabun, one from
Morgan went to Bicon, Simmons’
withdrawal causing this spurt. Bacon’s
vote ran up to 15(5 4-5, while Col. Bovn
ton also gained five votes, reaching 151.
There was a general hubbub after the an
nouncement of this vote, Bacon, Boyn
ton and McDaniel being the only names
voted for. An ineffectual effort to adjourn
was made, and after considerable button
holing the twelfth roll call was made. On
this turn the smaller candidates again
came to the surface, and both votes fell off
to some extent, although Maj. Bacon main
tained the lead and Col. Boynton held up
remarkably well. At 12:30 the conven
tion adjourned until three o’clock to give
the delegates a chance to talk the matter
over and the eaucusses an hour to act. Be
low I send a tabulated schedule of to-day’s
balk ting:
Sixth ballot—Bacon, 144 4-5; Bovnton,
144 2-5; McDaniel, 35 3-5; C00k,'19%;
Simmons, 4.
Seventh ballot—Bacon, 142 3-10; Boyn
ton, 146 25: McDaniel, 34 3-10: Cook,
15: SiMmons, 4; Crawford, 4; Bleckley, 2.
Eighth ballot—Bacon, 147 4-5; Boyn
ton, 149 2-5; McDaniel, 32 4 5; Cook, *ls;
Simmons, 5.
Ninth ballot—Bacon. 141 4-5: Boynton.
147%; McDaniel. 34 7-10; Cook, 17;
Simmons, 5: McCutcheon, 4.
Tenth ballot—Bacon, 147 3-10; Bovn
ton, 146%: McDaniel, 36 1-5; Cook, 15;
Simmons, 5.
Eleventh ballot—Bacon, 156 4-5; Boyn
ton, 151; McDaniel, 42 1-5.
Twelfth ballot—Bacon, 153 3-10; Boyn
ton, 147 2-5; McDaniel, 33 3-10; Cook,
15; Crawford, 1.
This looks somewhat more favorable to
Bacon than to Boynton even in case of
McDaniels withdrawal. The latter, how
ever, seems to be serene and the dead-lock
at dinner time is uncompromising. The
nominee may not yet have been named.
“Is the gentleman anonymous; is he the
great unknown ?”
Afternoon Session.
Mr. Dupont of Sumter, arose
and made an eloquent and graceful speech,
formally presenting Phil Cook, of Sumter,
and was seconded by David E. Butler, of
Morgan. The name was well received but
created no special sensation, as Cook’s
name had been brought into most every
ballot. He received thirty votes on the
next. On the 13th ballot Bacon received
142; Boynton, 148. On the 16th ballot
Hall and Heard changed to Boynton, mak
ing his total 150. Judge Gibson, of War
ren, then arose and urged the appoint
ment of a conference committee. Judge
Hood, of Randolph, thought this the
proper idea. The convention had worn
itself out. He fe’t he had discharged his
duty to his friends. If the delegates had
no further interest in the ballot than
tb» cairns of their friends they had better
adjourn and go home. Finally this motion
was withdrawn. The 17th ballot resulted
Bacon, 155; Boynton, 148; McDanie’, ,
31; Cook, 15. The convention then ad
journed till tc-morrow at nine o’clock.
To night full and long eaucusses are being
hell. It is rumored that the McDaniel
and Boynton m'n are bolding a conference
and that an understanding will result be
tween the friends of these candidates. It !
is believed that the McDaniel men or a
majority will go to Boynton to-morrow
aftt r a few ballots and Boynton’s friends
predict his assured nomination early in
tbe day. The chances seem better in his
fivorthan last evening by far. It is also ■
rumored many of the Bacon counties are !
anxious to produce Crawford and that '
cons derable division prevailed in the ■
Bacon caucus to-night over this evident
de-lire. Bacon’s friends still claim that as
yet his column is intact. Several of bis
counties are known to be impatient for this
move, which may be precipitated when
Boynton’s accessions begin to show them
selves to-morrow. It is now believed cer
tain that the Boynton and McDaniel forces
hava command of the field, and, if the
present Governor is not nominated, they
will name their own man and elect him
over the Bacon combination. Boynton’s
side has visibly strengthened to-day, and
at midnight Lis position seems most ad
vantageous. P. A. S.
AN EXTRAORDINARY STRI’GGLE.
An Earnest, Steady Fight—The Battle
of the Ballots—A Desperate Assault
Gallantly Met.
(Special to Chronicle and Constitutionalist.)
Atlanta, April 11.—The struggle in the
convention this morning between the
Boonton and Bacon forces has been a most
ext’aordinary one. It has been like a bat
tle between two strong, equal armies, or a
bout of two powerful wrestlers. It was an
earnest, steady fight, each side straining
every nerve to hold its own, and so serious
that there was no room for tbe ordinary
coquetting, of what has been felicitously
dubbed the “frolicsome fractions.” As in
a race of two equal horses, running shoul
der to shoulder, the slightest change of
position has stirred the spectators and
brought yells of applause from the respect
ive sides. The gain of a quarter of a vote
has evoked for the side a ringing volley of
cheers. In a considerable experience of
conventions I have never seen a more stub
born struggle. It has had little flash about
it, but it has been a grim, determined test
of endurance and pluck.
Yesterday’s work was rather favorable to
Bacon. It showed his strength larger
than his opponents had estimated, and it
showed more gains for him than for Boyn
ton. Tbe adjournment with Bacon some
9 votes ahead gave the Bacon men a boom,
and left them in excellent spirits, with the
Boynton followers unflinching, but reflec
tive and quiet. The caucus meetings last
night and the working of the political
minagers effected nothing to speak cf
Tbe inexperienced cohorts c f Boynton be
came well amalgamated, however, and
began to understand the ways of a conve i
tion. For raw recruits, there never was a
gamer or quicker set.
To day opened m j
on the part of the Bacon men that Bacon
would be nominated immediately. They
had the statistics easy at hand to show it,
and claimed a third of Boynton’s men.
The Boynton outsiders showed perceptible
symptoms of depression. The convention
assembled under this state of feeling. But
the first ballot made a revolution in tbe
sentiment. Bacon fell and Bovnton rose
The vote stood Boynton 144 2-5 and
Bacon 144 4 5, thus Bacon’s 9 majority
bad fallen at one slip to 2-5. Then be
gan such a tussle as one does not often
see. The Baconites were chi'led.but fought
gamely. The quiet cohorts of Boynton
took new spirit. Ballot after ballot was
taken, Boynton steadily rising and Bacon
falling, though in small changes. Every
inch was contested and shouted over.
Boynton went up to 149% and Bacon fell
to 141. The voting went along in its close
current except when some frisky fraction
changed front when the overpowering yell
that went up would bring the crowds in
the passages swarming in to see what the
fuss was about.
On the eleventh ballot the Bacon men
made a desperate assault. They had been
fixing up for several ballots for an on
slaught. Neither Cook nor Simmons re
ceived a vote on this ballot, and the count
rolled out 156 4-5 for Bacon, 151 for
Boynton and 42 1-5 for McDaniel, all get
ting tbe highest they had received. The
Bacon men bad been somewhat backed by
steady gains of Boynton, and this ballot
put them in spirits. Tbe Cook men, as
was expected, went mostly to Bacon, but
on the twelfth ballot the fact was shown
that the eleventh ballot had been a coquet
ing manoeuvre. The convention adjourned
after the twelfth ballot, which left Boynton
147 2-5, Bacon 153 3-10. McDaniel 33
3-10, Cook 15 and Crawford 1. Cook was
prtback. It was rumored last night that
Simmons had been appealed to by the Ba
con men to refuse to let his name be pre
sented. and that he had requested tbe
delegates voting for him to withhold him.
but that they had declared they were gov
erned by no one and should use their own
pleasure. The introduction of Crawford’s
name was regarded as the significant fea
ture of this ballot, betokening an unfavor
able omen for Bacon. It seems to be pretty
well believed that Governor Smith, of the
Muscogee delegation, has, in the Bocon
cnucns, declared that Crawford’s name
should not be put in; and equally believed
that the Bacon managers are afraid of
the contingency of the presentation of
Crawford before the convention.
At tbe noon adjournment it seems to be
admitted that tbe Bacon men are disap
pointed and the Bovnton men confident,
while McDaniel and Cook men have gained
no new hope Tbe situation is as mixed
as ever. Outsiders are at sea as to the
result. Both of the large sides “claim ul
timate success.” Richmond.
A I NANIMOUS NOW NATION F3R GOV
ERNOR.
The Convention Settles Down To Work
and Selects the Standard Bear-r—A
Strong Nomination—General Satisfac
tion at the Result.
(Special to Chronicle and Constitutionalist)
Atlanta, Ga,, April 12. —The conven
tion this morning settled down to work in
a quiet, business-like way. There was a
calm, determined look upon the faces of
the delegates, and a mutual suspicion on
the one side or the other. It could not be
denied that the Boynton forces had gained
immeasurable advantage yesterday. They
had been well led and handsomely mar
shalled. Three times they had forged
their forces ahead of the Bacon column and
when the ballot closed they had held their
own with a pertinacity and power which
more than frustrated the well drawn lines
of their antagonists. Once, only once,
Maj. Bacon had barely reached his closing
point of Tuesday evening, and when Wed
nesday’s sun went down.it was evident that
the “bulge” wag all the other way. Late
Wednesday night the caucuses were at work
and when a possible conference between
ho McDaniel and Boynton men was hint
ed, the first ray of compromise and solu
tion appeared upon tha field. Besides
probable accessions from the McDaniel
rank*, tbe Boynton men claimed two or
three Bacon counties, while it was known
that several of Bacon’s best leaders were
chafing to bring Judge Crawford in over
his head. Tbe heal and front of the Bi
can side were known to hold Crawford in
bast estimation, and while giving hearty
support to Bicon while his chances were
best, they were not unwilling to substitute
for him the distinguished jurist from Mus
cogee. At the opening of the convention,
however, a new phase was put upon the
proceedings.
Mr. Wal«b, of Richmond, arose and
off-red the following resolution:
Resolved, That a committee of three be
appointed by the chair to wait on Gov. J
S. Boynton and Hon. A. O. Bacon and re
tjuekt those gentlemen to withdraw their
names from this convention as candidates
for the nomination of Governor in order
that harmony may be promoted and unity
in the Democratic party be secured.
In offering this, Mr. Walsh stated that
he submitted this resolution upon his own
responsibility as a delegate from Rich
mood county, which had sent to this con
vention uuinstructed delegates. He of
fered it in good faith, because he believed
that all personal preferences and individ
ual aspirations should give way to the
good of the party. He believed that party
harmony and party unity were above the
aspirations of any candidate before the
convention. [Applause.] It wis well
known, said he, that the harmony which
ought to exist, does not dwell in the raaks
of tbe party. We were upon the eve of a
great national Democra'ic struggle,
and as Georgia is the back-bone
of the Democratic party in the
South, as in the Republic, it
behoeves us to act wisely and well, so that
our position may inure not only to the
best intercs’ of the Democracy in Georgia,
bnt in tbe Union. “I am here,” said Mr.
Walsh, “to acquiesce in the will of the
convention; but I submit that the names
of neither of the prominent gentlemen be
fore this convention will bring peace and
unity, so absolutely essential to the sue
cess of the narty and the best interests of
the State of Georgia.” (Great applause.)
This view was substantially taken by
Hon. H. P. Bel’, of Forsyth.
Gov. Smith, however, thought the reso
lution was too harsh a one for tbis stage of
tbe proceedings. It wps dealing with the
leading candidates too roughly. It was
not treating with respect the prominent
candidates, and their friends might feel
aggrieved at such action as the resolution
of Mr. Walsh anticipated. He thought
this matter should be approached with
more tenderness, else the very object of
producing harmony might be defeated.
His side favored harmony, but he suggest
ed that a conference committee, represent
ing all of the candidates, first consider the
matter
Mr. Walsh again arose and stated that he
would not be harsh and unjust to either
candidate. This resolution he considered
eminently fair, courteous and just. The
integrity of tbe party in Georgia was
above the aspirations of any man,and in ask
'f*#y r this conventio'n to adopt such a*reso;u
tion there was no disrespect expressed or
implied, to either Governor Boynton or
Major Bacon. “I hope,” continued he,
“that I am unworthy of taking such a po
sition. For many years tbe party in Geor
gia has been split up into factions, pre
senting unseemly spectacles to the people
of this State and to the Democratic party
of the Union. The time had come to bury
all past differences and come together in a
spirit of fraternity and unity, upon some
man conspicuous for his virtues and for
bis ability. I speak not for Governor
Boynton, but for what I believe to the best
interests of the party, and for such I hon
estly intended, this resolution to be.”
[Applause.]
Mr. Revill, of Meriwether, agreed with
the spirit cf Mr. Walsh’s resolutions. The
time had come for the leading candidates
to soy to their State, like Coriolanus did
to his mother, “You have saved Rome,
but have lost your son.” Mr. Glenn, of
Whi’field, in behalf of the young men,
plead for harmony and compromise in
this crisis.
Messrs. Washington Dessau, of Bibb
and Dupont Guerry, of Samter, took the
position that the party was stronger than
any personal contest and could easily
stand the shock of their deadlock, that it
was a confession of weakness for tbe whole
Democratic party to fall upon their knees
and entreat these gentlemen to come down
from their candidacy to save them; that
tbe people had spoken in their primaries
for one or the other of these gentlemen
and that the victory should ba given these
men who bad the courage to make the
fight. The convention was not ready for
dark horses.
A substitute was offered for Mr. Walsh’s
resolution and by him accepted. Mr.
Guerry. of Sumter, was the mover of the
substitute, which provided that a commit
tee of conference be selected, to consider
this crisis and report to this convention
some one suitable man as the nominee.
The committee was to be composed of six
friends of Gov. Boynton, six from Major
Bacon’s side; four from Major McDaniel’s
and two from Gen. Cook’s. On the call of
the roll of counties upon the adoption of
this resolution the ayes were 203, and the
noes 140; so the resolution was adopted.
The vote was a party vote, all factions
voting aye except the Bacon column, which
stood up solidly against it until the end,
when they commenced to break for the
affirmative, realizing that tbey had put
themselves in an awkward and unenviable
portion by opposing the fir 4 real, earnest
and intel ligenteff ?rt for unity. The Boyn
ton, McDaniel and Cook men were solid
for the conference, and it was a community
of interest in the spirit of fairness sprung
b°tween them. Finally nearly all the
Bacon counties changed from no to yes,
and the adoption of the substitute
was made almost unanimous The con
vention then dissolved into eaucusses
to consider the situation and select their
committees. The recegs was to last for
one hear, until half-past twelve.
At that time the body was again called
to order and the following names w<.re
submitted: By Gov. Boynton—P M. B.
Young, R. T. Dorsey, Fred Dismuke, C. C.
Jones, A. C. Perham, M. C. Fulton. By
Mej. Bacon—W. Dessau, W. D. Charlton,
C. C. Kibbee, A. H. Grey, T. B. Cabiness,
F. H. Colley. By Maj* McDaniel—A. 8.
Erwin, Sam’l Dunlap, L. F. Livingston
and Wat. B. Wingfield. By Gen. Cook—
W. H. Willis, of Macon and Dupont Guer
ry, of Sumter. At one o’clock the conven
tion adjourned to half-past three to allow
the conferees to meet. This was the first
break in the direction of a solution of the
dead lock. How large is the rift and how
much light will be let in this afternoon,
who will say. At present the course of
harmony seems to be the course of the
convention.
Afternoon Session.
The history of this afternoon’s session
contains the cream of the convention. It
embodied the full spirit of the compro
mise, which is the essence of all politics,
and was luminous with the surrender of
private claims, without the cession of
principle or the infliction of personal in
dignity. The nomination was reached at
a quarter past six o’clock, and was but the
full fruition of the movement inaugurated
S 3 steadfastly this morning by Mr. Walsh,
AUGUSTA, (&, WEDNESDAY APRIL 18, 1883.
and sustained so faithfully by Col. Jones,
of Richmond, on theepnference commit
tee. This morning*#Jwolutionp, looking
for a new departure out of the dead-lock,
struck the whole keynote of the matter,
and elicited a full&cd spirited response
from the c invention. The process was
prolonged and the delay at the time seemed
doubtful, but the conclusion was in
evitable and satisfactory.At the open
ing of the afternoon session the confer
ence committee was not rbady to report, ;
and the convention took a recess to 4:30.
The recess was continued from time to
time, the galleries continuing full of an
excited audience and the floors being
crowded with the mexrhers and the lobby.
At 5:50 o’clock the aisles of the large hali
were cleared and amid bretthless expect
ancy the conference cOmmitUe appeared at
the door. Before they readied the room
various and oonflictihg rumors flew from
the committee resent alive
Hall, and half an hoqjffiffifee a conclusion
was reached the was
whispered about emphasis
In ten minutes it thousand
lips and reports oi tbe ‘ wmb
rife. Finally, amid cheers from the bouse,
the conference committee filedin and Judpe
Alex. S. Erwin, of Clarke, presented the
name of Henry D. McDaniel, of Walton.
The cheering was general and prolonged.
Hats were thrown up, handkerchiefs moved
from every part of the house and the
proceedings give way to enthusiasm rather
than confusion. Motions to adjourn were
voted down and Tom Cabiness, of Monros,
withdrew the name of Major Bacon from
tbe convention. Mr. Guerry, of Sumter,
eulogized Bacon’s gallantry and mag
nacimity and moved the unanimous adop
tion of the conference report. Col. Jones,
of Richmond, then withdrew the name of
Boynton and thanked big friends for their
unanimity of support The mantle of
Governor had not been first sought by him
but had descended by the providence of
God upon his shoulders and the people of
Georgia would unite in saying he had
fulfilled that duty nobly and like a man.
[General applause.] The adoption of the
conference report was then made unani
mous by acclamation amid perfect enthu
siasm.
Mr. McDaniel was brought into the hall
and loudly cheered. Mr. Cabiness, of
Monroe, then offered a resolution com
mending the faithfulness of Gov. Boyn
ton’s administration, which was adopted
unanimously. Mr. McDaniel was escorted
to the s'and and returned thanks for the
great compliment. He knew no reason
why it had been conferred except the fact
that his constituents believed he had al
ways tried to do his duty. He pledged
himself to encourage the policy of paying
up the public debt so fast as the resources
nf the people may permit, and of continu
ing Georgia in the line of material ad
vancement, He would profit, if elected,
by the great and good example of the past.
After the applause had subsided, Col.
Jones, of Richmond;arose and paid an ex
quisite tribute to Chas. J. Jenkins, whose
life is now trembling in the scales
of life and death. Tbe convention order
ed Col. Jones to convey their deepest sym
pathies to the noble ex-Governor in his
illness, with the hope that longer life may
yet be left him. The convention then
adjourned sine die. The nomination gives
general satisfaction and all factions sub
mitted gracefully. The selection is one of
the strosjgeat that uoUxd be made in the
State.
The Nominee Serenaded.
12, p. m.—Mr. McDaniel was serenaded
to-night in the Kimball House corridor
and replied in a telling speech. Governor
Boynton made a noble and manly anpeal
for the choice of the party, and Mr. Bacon
delivered a gallant, ringins? address. Gen.
Young, Mr. Glenn, of Whitfield, Capt.
Harry Jackson, Hon. W. T. Gary, of Rich
mond, and others addressed the crowd.
The best of feeling prevails here.
Gov. Boynton in his remarks, said : “I
bow tc-night, as I have always done, to the
good of the party and the welfare of the
State. Those in this campaign who said
that I was not fit to be trusted because I
had not been true to the Democracy, did
not know me and never understood my
history.” His speech breathed a high,
manly spirit and was an exhibition of real
power. P. A. 8.
The Best Nomination,
(Special to Chronicle and Constitutionalist.)
Atlanta, Ga., April 12.—The nomina
tion of Mr. McDaniel was the best that
could have been made. His nomination
gives universal satisfaction. It will do
away with all dissension and strife, and re
store peace and unity in the Democratic
party. Walsh.
SITUATION IN THE MORNING.
A Wary, Guarded Feeling—Throwing a
Bombshell—A Plea for Harmony.
(Special to Chronicle and Constitutionalist.)
Atlanta, April 12.—This gubernatorial
contest, that in its inception gave promise
of so much quiet, has proven to be excit
ing and full of earnest feeling and lively
surprises. Yesterday and last night the
situation constantly increased in interest
and a stubborn sort of uncertainty. The
adjournment yesterday afternoon was the
conclusion of a hard day’s battle, with lit
tle advantage either side. Bacon men
were the more hopeful iu the morning and
their disappointment proportionate. The
Boynton men were depressed, bat in steady
small gains and better organization not
only recovered elasticity, but ended the
day firm and buoyant. The McDaniel and
Cook men held their grip solidly. Tbe
afternoon’s balloting was marked by sev
eral strategic attempts to boom their re
spective sides. The Bacon men made a
bold effort with their Cook second choice
delegates to carry the convention but the
Boynton end McDaniel supports stood
firm. The eaucusses last night solidified
matters. In the Bacon caucus it was re
solved to stand firm and ballot. The
Boynton caucus determined to have some
maneuvering.
This morning the convention opened
with the wary, guarded feeling that comes
to men who have tested each other’s fight
ing qualities and know that foolishness
will not do. There was no bluster or as
sumption, but quiet watchfulness. No
ballot was taken at all. The Hon. Patrick
Walsh threw a bombshell into the conven
tion with his resolution requesting Boyn
ton and Bacon to withdraw. Mr. Walsh
will be an influential factor in any contest
with which he may be connected. He had
declined the caucus nomination for tem
porary president of the convention. He
put in his resolution and it created an ani
mated discussion.
The Bacon men made a serious blunder
in this matter. The movement of Mr.
Walsh was on the line of harmony, and to
give conservative reasoning men a chance
to settle the difficulty and relieve the dead
lock. The other fractions of the conven
tion gave prompt adhesion to the move,
showing a willingness to adjust. The Ba
con men fought it sturdily and aggres
sively. The speech of Mr. Walsh was in
fine spirit and conclusive and felicitous.
Mr. Dessau, of Macon, in his resistance to
the move, and his reply struck right tart
ly at Mr. Walsh. The opposition was un
availing. The amendment of Mr. Guerry
for 18 committeemen, 6 Boynton, 6 Bacon,
4 McDaniel and 2 Cook men, was accepted
and the measure went through by a large
majority. The Bacon men realized their
impolicy and sought to nullify it by an
after consent changing their votes. What
ever be the result, the movement was in
favor of Boynton and a shock to the Bacon
men. The Bacon men so admitted after
wards.
It is a fact that the dead-lock has been
made by the minority candidates ia their
own interest. They have the solution of
the prob’em in their hands and it remains
to be seen how they will use it. It is im
possible at this noon time to predict the
resul*. ' Richmosd.
HARMONY SUPERIOR TO ANY MAX’S
CLAIMS.
Action of tlie State Convention Thurs
day—The Resolutions and the
Speeches—Patriotic Utterances.
We copy from the Atlanta Constitution
the speeches made in the Democratic con
vention Thursday morning upon Mr.
Walsh’s resolution, also the speeches of
Hon. Henry D. McDaniel and Col. Jones,
ia the afternoon.
Mr. Walsh, of Richmond, arose and
saidr . . ..
TWtte to submit a resolution (pr the
consideration of the convention/
The resolution was sent to the desk
of the sacretary and was read as follows:
Resolved, That a committee of three be
appointed by the chair to wait upon Gov
ernor James S. Boynton and the Hon. A.
O. Bacon, and request those gentlemen to
withdraw their names from this conven
tion as candidates for the nomination of
Governor in order that harmony may be
promoted and the unity of the Democratic
party be secured.
After the resolution was read Mr. Walsh
arose and said:
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen of the
Convention: I submit this resolution upon
my own responsibility, as a delegate from
the county of Richmond, which county
sent its delegates to this convention unin
structed. I offer it this morning in good
faith. I offer it because I teel that all per
sonal preferences and all individual as
pirations and claims of candidates should
submit to the good of the party. I believe
the party harmony and party unity are
above and beyond the aspirations or
claims of any candidate before this con
vention. [Applause ] Mr. Chairman, it is
well known to you, sir, and to all of us,
that that harmony which ought to dwell
does not dwell within the ranks of our
party. We are on the eve of a great na
tional contest, and as the State of Georgia
is the backbone of this great Democratic
party in the South, and I may say in the
Republic, it behooves us upon this occa
sion to act wisely and to act well; to act so
that our decision upon this occasion may
inure not only to the best interests of the
Democracy of Georgia, but to the best in
terests of the Democracy of the Union.
[Applause ] I want the people of Georgia
to submit to and acquiesce in the will of
this convention, but I respectfully submit
to your consideration that tbe nomination
of either of the prominent gentlemen who
are before this convention for the nomi
tion of Governor will not bring that peace
and unity which are so absolutely essen
tial at this time, not only for the success
of the party, but for the best interests of
the State of Georgia. [Applause.]
Mr. H. P. Bell, of Forsyth, arose when
Mr. Walsh had concluded and s id:
I rise for the purpose of seconding that
resrlution. Ido not pretend to speak per
sonally for Govern or Boynton. But I take
it for granted that as Governor Boynton is
a Democrat, he will cheerfully make any
sacrifice which the interests of this Com
monwealth and tbe Democratic party re
quire. [Applause.] I am authorize! to
speak for two thousand voters in this con
vention, and in their name and represent
ing their views as the friends and support
ers of Governor Boyn'on for this nomina
tion, I announce to you for them, that they
are prepared to subordinate to the public
interest and the great Democratic parly of
Georgia any citizen of Georgia. I see, Mr,
President and gentlemen of the conven
tion, no opportunity for harmony unless
the proposition of the gentleman fromßich
raond, or some similar proposition should
be adopted by the members of this conven
tion. Sir, we cannot imperil the interests of
the great national Democratic parly, bear
ingas it does the world’s cherished hope for
a constitutional government and constitu
tional liberty, by the division of that party in
the empire State of the South. I agree with
the distinguished gentleman that harmony
—harmony in this convention, harmony in
the party throughout the State cannot be
secured by the nomination of either of tbe
honorable gentlemen who lead the ballots
in this convention, and I repeat, in the in
terest of the State, in the interest of the
party, that if there ever was a period in
our history when aspirations—personal as
pirations—should come in abeyance, when
the Democratic party and Democrats should
measure tread by tread and respond with
heart throb to heart throb, it is when we
have just emerged from the sorrow that has
fallen upon us in the loss of Georgia’s first
officer and greatest statesman. I therefore
support the resolution of the gentleman
from Richmond, and trust that it may be
unanimously adopted. I reiterate that I
am not authorized to speak personally for
Governor Boynton, but accept his Democ
racy and patriotism as pledges that he will
acquiesce most cheerfully in the proposi
tion if it should be adopted.
Ex-Governor Smith Speaks.
Ex Governor Smith called for the read
ing of the resolution and when that was
done, he obtained the floor and said:
Mr. President: I heard the remarks of
my friend from Richmond, and, of course,
in substance, they must meet with the ap
proval of every right-minded man. There
cannot be any question about that. J?ut it
seems to me tbat it is rather too harsh a reso
tion, too harsh a measure to venture upon
in the present situation of affiirs, that the
convention should say to both these men :
“Now we will kick you out.” That is not
treating the gentlemen who have been vot
ed for with respect, [Applause.] And the
difficulty about it is if the majority of the
convention should conclude to do that and
there should be a large minority opposed
to it, they would feel very seriously aggriev
ed, and instead of producing harmony.
Mr. President, it might have the bad effect
th« gentleman seeks to avoid.
Now, this thing should be approached
very tenderly, if we approach it at all. The
gentleman I represent has friends just as
much in favor of harmony asthe gentleman
from Richmond. But we happen to think
differently from what his friends think as to
what way we must proceed to produce har
mony in the Democratic party. [Applause.]
Still we are ready to meet the gentleman
upon any platform—l do not care what it
is—tbat is fair and respectful to the can
didates and to their respective supporters.
Every man who has been nominated here,
I an entirely inclined myself to treat with
the utmost respect, and I think ought to
be treated so by this convention. Why,
sir, if we adopt "this resolution it will be
saying to these prominent gentlemen who
have received our ballots so often : “Go
out, we do not want you here any longer;”
and instead of honoring them we will stig
matize them. [Applause.] lam not pre
pared for that, and while I have had no
opportunity to consult with the delegates
who are now advocating Mr. Bacon, I will
say now that we cannot give our consent to
it. We would protest against it in justice
to Mr. Boynton and Mr. McDaniel and to
the friends of General Cook. We don’t
want anything of tbat if we are seeking for
harmony. In the name of all fairness let
him present something of this so. t.
I have not conferred with others
and do not know whether that would
meet the approval of the gentlemen
I am speaking for. Let him move that a
committee be appointed representing all
those gentlemen, and let that committee
go out and confer together and agree upon
some course that will bring harmony to
this convention. Let them be trusted men,
representative men—men who have weight
with their respective delegations—but do
not bind the convention to what they may
do. Let them be men who will have' more
at heart the peace, unity and interests of
the State of Georgia and the Democratic
party than the interests of candidates.
Their agreement will have weight with
this convention: but we cannot agree to
kick our candidates out. If you come to
us in a tone of conciliation, we will meet
you in the same spirit We have the weal
of tbe State of Georgia and the success of
our party as much at heart as any gentle
man. Do not-let us try to get the advan
.*
vance the interests of any man; and I
would not lend myself to a proposition
that would take an unfair advantage of the
gentleman I have been contesting for. L
know that the gentleman who made thfli
proposition did not intend it in the spirit
I have referred to—
Mr. Walsh, of Richmond—When yon
have finished I will simply ask the courte
sy of the house to allow me a few words of
reply.
Governor Smith Certainly. I know that
the spirit of the gentleman from Rich
mond is not a harsh one.
Mr. Walsh—Will yon suggests modifi
cation of the resolution ?
Governor Smith—Oh, no; for the propo
sition is not mine. If you will modify it
we will then consider it, and will meet you
io as fair a spirit as you can approach us.
| Applause ] We will go just as far. And
I am talking exactly what I mean when I
say that if the gentleman will put it in such
terms as will meet the views I have indi
cated, I would accept the suggestion and
would offer it as my own. That is the
spirit of unity in which I meet the gentle
man. In anything I have said I have not
intended to impute to him anv spirit of
unfairness, nor do I mean to imply that
the gentleman would seek any advantage
I know he is honest and straightforward
in what he is attempting to do, but I speak
candidly and plainly that there may be no
mistake at all. Just modify that resolu
tion, and put it in such a shape that we
may accept it without stigmatizing our
candidate, without appointing a commit
tee to turn our candidate out of doors, as
well as yours. If you so modify it, we
will meet you in a spirit of harmony and
true Democratic unity. [Applause.]
Mr. Walsh Replies.
Mr. Walsh—My friend who has just fin
ished speaking says that he would not im
pute to me any unfairness in the resolu
tion which I have offered. Tbe gentleman
knows me well enough, I presume, to do
me the justice of saying that I would not
be unfair; I would not be harsh. This
resolution, Mr. President, I submit to you
and the gentlemen of the convention, is
eminently fair, eminently courteous in
every respect. 1, sir, feel, and the convic
tion is strong within me, that the integrity
of the party is far above and beyond the
aspirations or claims of any man before the
convention, [Great applause.] I desire
to say, in asking this convention to adopt
such' a resolution, that in it there is
no disrespect, either expressed or im
plied to Governor Boynton or* to
the Hon. A. O. Bacon. I hope, sir,
tbat I am unworthy of occupying
such a position. [Applause.] It is well
known to you, sir, that for many years we
have been wrangling, and have been torn
up into factions which have presented an
unseemly spectacle, not only to the people
of this State but to the Democracy of the
country.
Now I say, sir, that this is the most fa
vorable, the most opportune time to bury
forever all past differences, and to destroy
within our party all bickering, and to
come together in a spirit of harmony, in a
spirit of fraternity, and agree upon some
gentleman, eminent for his virtues, for his
talents and his patriotism, who will unite
with one accord all the Democrats of Geor
gia. [Applause.] That is my proposition,
Mr. President. I speak not for Governor
Boynton. I speak for what I honestly be
lieve to be the best interests of this great
Democratic party; and I offer the resolu
tion ia the utmost good faith, not to trick
anybody, not to work any disadvantage to
any of the prominent gentlemen who are
before this convention, but I offer it for
peace, for harmony, for unity; and I be
lieve that if it is adopted by this conven
tion it will accomplish the desirable pur
poses which I have stated.
Mr. Reville, of Meriwether, spoke on the
question at some length, advocating the
appointment of a conference committee of
three from each congressional district, and
at the conclusion of his remarks Mr. Ken
non, of Clay, arose and sa’d :
I rise for the purpose of replying to the
remarks of the gentlemen that preceded
me upon this resolution. In doing so I
want it distinctly understood that I repre
sent only my own views. I have not con
sulted any of my friends, or even my col
leagues. Therefcre, I simply represent
myself. lam willing to go as far as any
of these gentlemen on the road to harmo
ny. That seems to be a great point
somewhere down the line—this place har
mony. It seems to be very difficult for
some of these gentlemen to reach it. If
there is any trouble in seeing harmony in
this convention, I humbly say to them
there must be something deficient in their
eyes. My own opinion is that more har
mony will be produced by the nomination
of either one of those leading men than by
that of any other man, by that of any dark
horse. [Applause and cries of “right.”]
These men have put their names before
this convention. Mr. Boynton and Mr.
Bacon are both here with their friends.
Their claims have been canvassed by the
primaries of this State. They came here
representing a majority of the people of
Georgia, and if either of these gentlemen
is nominated it will be less apt to produce
discord than if some ether should be se
lected.
I hope the convention will proceed to
ballot. Tbe appointment "of committees
from the congressional districts is not the
true road. The only true way is to ex
press our views by balloting. We have
only been here a day and a half, and what
does that amount to when it comes to se
curing the interests of the Democratic
party of I hope, therefore, that
we will continue to ballot.
Mr. Glenn, of Whitfield—Mr. President
and Gentlemen of the Convention : A num
ber of distinguished gentlemen of mature
1 age have been heard upon this subject. It
, is but just and fitting that some of the
; younger men of this convention-should be
heard. This is the most momentous issue
that has ever been presented to the Demo
cratic party of the State of Georgia. Here
is the combination for good or for evil, in
this convention, of those factional differ
ences which have existed for some time in
the Democratic party in Georgia. Here
is the settlement of the question for
the future. I say that 'within this
new South, among these new men,
the young men of this convention ought
to stand side by side and shoulder to shoul
der in the preservation of the harmony of
the Democratic party. It is unfair to say
that this resolution proposes to kick any
TERMS—S2.OO AYEAR.
gentleman from the convention. They are
asked simply to withdraw. It assumes,
and I believe truthfully, that both Major
Bacon and Mr. Boynton have the patriot
ism, the munhood, and the good of their
own country and the Democratic party so
much at heart that they- will permit no per
sonal feeling, no personal considerations,
to stand in the way of the harmony and
the unity of their puty. I say it is unfair
thus to stats it. Gentlemen, I see before
me my friends from my own immediate
section. They and I have heretefore
stood side by side in the battles of our
party hustings. I appeal to them personally
as Democrats, as friends—let us come to
gether upon this subject. Let us have
unity of action. No man has claims upon
the Democratic party in Georgia sufficient
to cause a disruption in it, and I foresee,
and I put it as my unalterable conviction,
that unless something of this sort is done,
here is a final split which will widen and
go on worse and worse as time advances,
until it may result in no telling how much
harm to the people and to the Democratic
party of the State. I say to the young men
of this State let.us stand by one another in
thtrf“matter.' Let us endeavor to fall into
interests of Georgia. [Applause ]
Mr. Cabaniss and Mr. Dessau.
•Mr. Cabaniss, of Monroe—l must confess
my surprise, sir, at hearing gentlemen say
that there is great discord in the Demo
cratic party of Georgia, and that there is
danger of disruption if these two promi
nent gentlemen are not removed from the
list. [Applause.] Why is this? Where
does it come from ? Why, Mr.
President, if Governor Boynton’s friends
succeed in putting him in nomina
tion, I stand here to pledge myself and the
balance of the supporters of Mejor Bacon
to join Governor Boynton’s friends in ele
vating him to the position to which we
nominate him. We give him the same
merit that we claim for ourselves, and, if
we succeed in the nomination of Major
Bacon, we believe that they will lay aside
all feeling and prejudice upon their minds,
if any there be, and that they will come
forward and aid us in putting him in the
gubernatorial chair. [Cries of “Good!”]
Why shall we ask those two gentlemen to
step aside? Is it right to strike a man
down because he has reached a degree of
eminence? Not at all. Let us go forward
and ballot again, and, if we see to-day that
we cannot reach a conclusion, let commit
tees be appointed representing all the gen
tlemen who have been mentioned. Let
them confer together, and, if we can satis
fy the convention that none of these gen
tlemen now before us can be elected, they,
understanding the position, may volun
tarily come forward themselves and have
their names withdrawn. I say it is not
right -it is not proper—to say to Governor
Boynton or to Major Bacon: “Lei some of
those dark horses whose names are not
mentioned come forward and grasp the
prize and the fruits of the tree you have
shaken.” [Applause].
The people have canvassed the names of
these men. These gentlemen came here
with instructions, and they have no right
to go against them. I say another difficul
ty may arise. Suppose these gentlemen’s
names are withdrawn, and half a dozen
others introduced. There may be a similar
state of affairs to this, and if there is a dead
lock we may have to step aside and invite
some other gentleman to this position. I
say that the fairway is to let every man
that desires enter the list, and I say this in
behalf of peace and harmony.
Mr. Dessau, of Bibb—Mr. President : I
am for harmony, too. lam satisfied that
there is no gentleman on the floor of this
convention who has at heart the interests of
the party more than myself. But in my
judgment, and in the judgment of those
with whom I have co-operated, the time
has not yet come for the surrender of the
principles for which we have heretofore
contended. This is not a personal issue
from my standpoint. I say that gentle
men do injustice to those who have voted
for Major Bacon when they contend that
we are but partisans. We are no partisans.
We are the representatives, if we may be
so allowed to speak, of tbe great princi
ples which underlie the Democratic party
of the State of Georgia. In Major Bacon
we think we find these principles concen
tered. In Major Bacon, who is the candi
date of this side of the convention, we
think we have presented to the people of
Georgia the name of a man who can hold
together, who can harmonize, who can cause
to endure, the principles of the party and
the party itself. To sacrifice him at this
moment, to permit his name to be with
drawn, would be, in my opinion, without
reference to any injustice to him, the
greatest injustice to the Democratic party
of Georgia. [Applause.] The time, in
my judgment, has not yet arrived for the
execution of the plan proposed by the
gentleman from Richmond. The Demo
cratic party has stood a greater shock than
this. [Applause J I remember, Mr. Pres
ident, that I was upon the floor of this
convention three years and more ago. The
gentleman from Richmond was then a dis
tinguished member of this convention.
On the floor of this convention he made
the statement that his candidate would be
nominated or he would stay here till
Christmas. [Applause.] And then, Mr.
Chairman, we were here under the heat of
an August sun. The Democratic party is
net the weak and flimsy structure the gen
tleman would have you believe. It is as
strong and as solid as adamant, and you
cannot destroy it by blowing against it.
[Applause.]
Now, Mr. President, I say that I am here
in the interests of harmony. I have been
since my majotily an humble follower of
the Democratic party. This is the third
convention I have attended which has sat
here to nominate a Governor, and never
before has my voice been raised on the
floor of this convention. But lam glad of
the opportunity this morning of testify
ing in the presence of the Democratic
party of Georgia that the motion that in
order to maintain the harmony of the
party, the withdrawal of these gentlemen
is necessary, is unfair to them and injuri
ous to the party. [Applause.] And for
what reason? The claims of these two
distinguished gentlemen have been can
vassed before the State and the primaries
in many counties have instructed their
delegations. Is it fair to the people that
their respective choice should be elimina
ted from tbe consideration of this conven
tion, and some person selected who has
not been heretofore before the people? We
are opposed to dark horses. It is the dark
horse, in my judgment, that will be the
ruin of tbe party. Tbe man to hold them
together—the nominee to concentrate the
affections of the people is the man who
has won the plaudits of his fellow-citizens
by the courage with which he has met the
fight. [Applause.] For these reasons,
Mr. President, I am opposed heart, body
and soul to the proposition of the gentle
man from Richmond.
Mr. Butler, of Morgan, arose and amid
great confusion in all parts of the house and
repeated cries of “ballot,” “ballot,” pro
ceeded to discuss the resolutions before the
convention. He asked that the resolutions
be amended so as to request the retirement
not only of Messrs. Boynton and Bacon,
but of all other candidates before the con
vention. In referring to Mr. Boynton, he
said: “I believe that the friends of Mr.
Boynton in the city of Atlanta are perfectly
legion. I don’t know, sir, but I think it
would be reasonable to say that there are
thousands of widows in town that want
him nominated. [Laughter.] And I don’t
know but that there are twenty-five hun
[ Continued on Second Page, ]