Almost An Auction

The Democratic National Committee, 53 males and 53 females, assembled in Washington to dispose of a valuable plum, the Democratic National Convention of 1924. A debt of about $160,000 remaining from the campaign of 1920 hung over the head of 106 members. A profitable disposal of the plum was essential.

The proceedings were almost an auction. Manhattan offered $150,000 St. Louis offered $150,000 and 130 hotel rooms at reduced rates. Chicago offered $165,000 plus the proceeds of the sale of the concessions at the Convention Hall. San Francisco offered $200,000 flat. Manhattan raised the ante $55,000 (see THE PRESS) to $205,000 and promised to bear the expense of preparing the Convention Hall. San Francisco raised her bid $5,000, to $205,000. But Manhattan was pulling stronger. On the third roll call the hammer fell: Sold to Manhattan; delivery on June 24 next.

The Committee was out of the hole, with $45,000 to boot. Besides, National Committeemen had brought about $25,000 to help towards paying off the debt. Out of debt, and $70,000 clear! Quiet, modest Cordell Hull, its Chairman, had brought the Committee out of the rut.

What of the Democratic Presidential aspirants? It was said that the choice of Manhattan favored Governor Smith of New York and embarrassed William G. McAdoo, because it took the Convention to the home of his foes. Yet almost two-thirds of the National Committee were McAdoo adherents and if several of them had not voted for Manhattan, Manhattan could not have won. It was a case of Party finances first, candidates afterward.

"Pitiful" was the phrase of the press in commenting on a figure that strayed about in the vicinity of the meeting room of the Democratic National Committee. W. J. Bryan-pitiful! He was not invited to speak; tie did not gain entrance as a proxy. He was hardly more than a hanger on-while the Committee voted to take its Convention to Manhattan, the place which W. J. B. used to call "the enemy's country."