100 Years Ago Today - 2 July 1912

The World, date 2 July 1912, Tuesday, out of New York had the following headlines one hundred years ago today, as written by Martin Green: Wilson The Nominee, Gov. Wilson, Democratic Nominee for President. It also was accompanied by photos of Gov. Wilson and his wife and three daughters.

New York's move to make the Nomination unanimous was first blocked, but then it was put through by the Missourians. Smith of New Jersey fights Wilson to end. There were wild scenes on the floor and in the galleries as other candidates were withdrawn.

At the convention Hall, in Baltimore, 2 July 1912, Woodrow Wilson of New Jersey was nominated for the presidency by acclamation at the close of the 46th ballot. The nomination was greeted with a riot of applause, in which former Clark men, former Underwood men, former Harmon men and former Marshall men joined. While more than half a hundred Clark delegates, including the 36 from Missouri, stuck to Clark until the close of the last roll call, there was every appearance of harmony in the demonstration that followed Chairman James's announcement of the result. It was generally admitted that the best campaigner had been nominated. Whatever bitterness had been engendered was hidden in the great jubilation in which 15,000 persons took part.

William Jennings Bryan held a reception in his place in the Nebraska delegation. He was swamped with congratulations and men who had been watching him for years never saw him so plainly happy. Bryan had landed his candidate without the ninety votes of New York. He had bossed the proceedings, effectively throughout, and he had the platform, largely written by himself, in his pocket.

Woodrow Wilson's nomination was settled by the withdrawal of oscar Underwood after the close of the 45th ballot.

It was Senator Bankhead, a fine old figure of Southern statesman with a top and rear head like Bryan and a face of the Indian type, made an effective withdrawal of the candidate of his State. He said Mr. Underwood entered the contest because he thought he could win. He had hoped to show that sectional feeling between the NOrth and South was dead and believed he had demonstrated that fact.

Senator Bankhead was quoted as saying, "Mr. Underwood is not in this fight to prevent the nomination of any other candidate. His purpose is to forward the interests of the Democratic party, and he will work for the election of the Democratic nominee of this convention. whoever he mar be."

Others voiced a query that the Underwood be vice-president. But the Bankhead said, "No, no, no. No friend of the Democratic party would dare suggest taking that man from his present post unless it would be to elevate him to the highest office in the land. Anybody can sit in the vice-president's chair. Mr. Underwood will stay where he is and continue his labors for the Democratic party and the people."

Senator STone of Missouri followed Senator Bankhead on the stand. In a brief speech expressing thanks for the support that had been given Clark he withdrew the Missouri candidate front he contest, announcing, however, that Missouri would vote for Clark to the last. The Clark movement was given a final cheer by the crowd and it was nothing but Wilson. View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

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