The 1908 Democratic National Convention In Denver
We are proud to provide this very special feature on the 1908 Democratic National Convention. Swing Vote extends our sincere thanks to Myron H. Vallier and Coi E. Drummond-Gehrig of the Denver Central Public Library for sharing many of the photos and quotes used in this feature. The library had a wonderful display of photos and items from the 1908 Democratic National Convention in Denver. It was part of the Western History and Genealogy Department in the Denver Public Library.
SIDELIGHTS ON MEN, AND THINGS MOLDING THE DENVER CONVENTION. From The Washington Times, Friday July 10, 1908.
Alexander Y. Scott, delegate from Mississippi came out here handsomely gowned in a pale cream suit of flannel, and expected to be melted. "Denver is a mile high," he said. "And, of course, is that much nearer the sun, and therefore the temperature should be warmer -- indeed, I thought it would be nearer the boiling point. And then I went on a trip, to the summit of Mount McClellan, and that is another mile nearer the sun, and I expected to come back roasted to a turn. But -- what do you think? The higher we went the colder it got, and my ice cream trousers had no more warming effect on my stately limbs than mosquito netting. "Now, isn't that queer?
The nearer a red-hot stove you get the colder it is. I suppose the altitude has something to do with my inability to understand," and delegate Scott wrapped a Navajo blanket around his manly form and crouched behind the coal stove.
The 1908 Democratic Party Platform: Preamble
"We, the representatives of the Democracy of the United States, in National Convention assembled, reaffirm our belief in, and pledge to, the principals of the party. We rejoice at the increasing signs of an awakening throughout the country.
The various investigations have traced graft and political corruption to the representatives of predatory wealth, and laid bare the unscrupulous methods by which they have debauched elections and preyed upon a defenseless public through the subservient officials whom they have raised to place and power.
The conscience of the nation is now aroused to free Government from the grip of those who have made it a business asset of the favor-seeking corporations. It must again become a people's government, and be administered in all its departments according to the Jeffersonian maxim, "equal rights to all; special privileges to none."
'Shall the people rule?' is the overshadowing issue which manifests itself in all the questions now under discussion."