U.S. PRESIDENCY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 19048, 27 June 1924, Page 5

U.S. PRESIDENCY

DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION FURTHER NOMINATIONS Received June 26, 10.30 p.m. NEW YORK, June 25. The Democratic Convention’s perfected organisation to-day gave a rousing reception to the permanent chairman, Senator Walsh, the prosecutor in the oil fraud investigation. It then moved swiftly to the first stage of the fight over Presidential nomination. So far the names of Senator Underwood. Governor Brough (of Arkansas), and William McAdoo have been placed in nomination. Voting on the nominee will not begin until the Convention receives and adopts the platform, which is taking shape in subcommittee. The determination of the party's attitude towards the Ku Klux Klan is being grappled with. A prolonged demonstration grcetc I a reference to the positive stand against the Klan taken by Senator Underwood. The names of Alfred Smitn and Sena*tors Ralston, Robinson, Carter, and Glass, and Mr Davis (formerly Ambassador to Britain), were also placed into nomination. Other nominations are expected, BUILDING THE PLATFORM Received June 26. 11 p.m. (Reuter). NEW YORK, June 25. A platform which the Democratic Convention has agreed to so far provides for law enforcement (omitting mention of Prohibition); Federal regulation and control of the anthracite industry and corporations and combinations controlling necessities of life; immediate independence of the Philippines, enactment of legislation to prohibit the ‘watering’ of stock; agricultural relief. Senator King submitted a plank for the creation of a great national marketing organisation.

KU KLUX KLAN IN EVIDENCE INDESCBIBABLE CHAOS. Received June 26, 8 p.m. NEW YORK, June 25. Fordney Johnson (Alabama), in puttiiig •Senator Underwood in nomination, aroused feeling when he announced unalterable opposition to the Ku Klux Klan, denouncing the intrusion of a .secret order for the purpose of intimidating either party into actions at variance with the fundamental constitutional provisions guaranteeing equality to all races and religious. Fifteen minutes of indescribable chaos ensued. The delegations began a procession through the aisles and endeavoured to persuade others to join them. The demonstration, when it concluded, had enlisted fully two-thirds of the State delegations. Many others seemed torn by internal disagreement regarding their attitude towards the Klan. Colorado’s delegation developed into an open physical battle for control of the State standard, which was destroyed, and, despite a number of casualties, remainde in the possesion of Colorado’s pro-Klan delegations. EXTRAORDINARY SCENES Received June 26, 10.30 p.m. NEW YORK. June 25. The second day of the Convention Opened in oppressive heat. Enthu uasm. however, seemed inexhaustible. Senator Walsh, the oil scandals investigator, upon being named permanent chairman, received fifteen minutes' ovation. Delpgares. snatching State standards r.om the floor, greeted Senator Walsh, while yells, catcalls, shrieks, whistles and brass bands uttered chaotic approval. A cluster of two dozen radio amplifiers seemed to multiply the noise as their brazen throats trumpeted Senator Walsh’s charges against the conveniently tolerant Republican administration. The conclusion of the speech wsa a signal for a typically unrestrained American political Convention demonstration. It seemed without end. spectators participating heartily. The United States’ delegates were not deterred by the practically unbearable temperature. It was a holiday for the emotions, punctuated by reports of various minor committees. Routine business was quickly accomplished, and the Convention stood ready to adjourn for resumption of the non-public struggle over the platform.

Ex-Senator Phelan, in a speech, r putting Mr McAdoo in nomination, emphasised his executive achievements. notably in war service, as secretary of the Treasury, and Direc-tor-General of Railroads. He cited his friendships towards Labour associations. This aligned financial railroads against Mr McAdoo. Senator Phelan, referring to the Ku Klux Klan said: “If there are those who would make political capital out of internal dissensions they are welcome thereto.” As was natural western enthusiasm for Mr McAdoo was augmented . oy adroit stage management characteristic of California, the so-called film State. The latter boldly employed the principles of scenic pageantry in a demonstration lasting an hour. It sought to express approval of Mr McAdoo. A total of 18 delegations joined in a parade. The marchers, at a signal produced State flags, ribands and other decorations and insignia, singing pre-arranged songs and shouting prepared war cries. Meantime jealous adherents of Governor Smith raised the rival cry of Smith, which temporarily drowned the McAdoo supporters’ cries. These ultimately regained the ascendancy by reason of an ecstatic dance by a maiden wearing the California colours. The delegates, exhausted by the vigorous demonstration, quickly adjourned.