Litchfield enquirer., 1860-05-24
The National Republican COnven-
TIE W1owAM-AprEARANcE- OF THE DELE
 GATES, &c., &c.


 TIE W1owAM-AprEARANcE- OF THE DELE GATES, &c., &c.
 From our own Correspondent CHICAGO, May 16, 1860.
 M-. Editor :-I have just returned from the opening exercises of the great Republican Con- vention in this City. The organization is not yet completed and it is not essential this letter should contain the name of the permanent Chairman, nor even, perhaps, of the nominees, as the telegraph will communicate them to the whole land before this letter reaches you. The nomination of Mir. Wimot of Pennsylvania, as temporary Chairman, was hailed by storm of applause, indicating the interest felt in him by the lovers of Freedom. He is only passabls presiding officer but the position hc holds is a difficult one, the delegates being crowded upon long platform, in the center of which the Speakers Chair is placed so that while direct ing his attention to one portion of the house." he almost turns his back upon the other. He has also to control all sorts of spirits, black, white. blue and gray and while dozen men arc claiming his attention at once. with floor and gal cry crowded with spectators, rolling their voices into the confusion, a cool head and a heavy nln- let are decidedly at a premium at the Chair mans desk.
 The building where the meetings of the Con venton are held, is, on the whole, admirably con- trived for the purpose. It was erected by tho citizens of Chicago at cost of between SJ,G0O and $G,OOO. It is Il very large structure, with deep galleries, and capable of accommodating an audience of about 10000 It's length is ls0, it's width 100 feet. The galleries are re- served for ladies, and for gentleman accompa- nying them. The centre of the house is reserv- ed for the alternates,' and for members of tho Press. The stage is occupied by the delegates and invited guests. At each end of the stage arc Committee rooms communicating both with the platform and with the street. The roof of the building is arched in curve something like a paraboa, springing from just above the head of the Chairman, and sweeping over to the op- posite side of the ediicc 50 that the voice is carried in an unbroken wave directly to the ears i Ol tHc dutlcUCc HC dCUustlC ellctI IS uulnIu- ble. It is no more difficult for the Speaker to make himself heard by the entire audience, than in any large church or hall. There is large ar- my of reporters present, and ;elegraphic wires are brought into the reporters. gallery, so that when Greeley makes motion, Seward hears it in Washington. Q Greeley, by the way, and Eli Thayer, are here as representatives of Ore qou The "Wigwam," as it is called, has beon handsomely decorated by the ladies, with ever greens, with flags, and with paintings of various ernblematic devices. Of course Madam 1iber- ty holds up her cap and leans on her shield. Madam Justice holds up her scales, and holds down her sword. Agriculture, Mechanics and Commerce have their representatives, and the heraldic devices of all the States, not excluding South Carolina, are displayed along the gallery fronts. We will not praise the paintings too highly lest the artists should protest. The building however, as a whole, is very credit able affair, and speaks well fer the patriotism and the public spirit of the party in Chicago. Chicago is wonderful example in itself of what may be done by the energy of the quick, strong race to which we belong Nothing seems to daunt or check her citizens. They dig out their streets to facilitate drainage and then ascertain ;uo their mistake, they fill them up and raise the crade to point as much above the general lev ell as before it was sunk below. This leaves the massive blocks of brick and stone that were built on the old grade far below the new one. Thus it becomes necessary to raise the buildings, which the mechanics do, without causing frac. ture or seam in the heavy walls, and without in- terruptng the business conducted in the build ings thus elevated. A whole block extending from one street to another, was lately raised in this manner by the help of the resistless screw, Chicago has many stores which would do honor to New York-many dwellings which would adorn the Fifth Avenue-and some churches, which would be deemed sufficiently attractive for an uptown" congregation. One particu. larly, is very beautiful. It will be many years, however, before Chicago will be so nearly fn- ished" as to be free from discomfort. Yet d. most every stranger is surprised at the extent and solid structure of city along whose streets the Indian lounged at ease, among soldiers and traders, not twenty years ago.
 The hotels are at present crowded to over. flowing, and the hospitality of private citizens is largely drawn upon, by the thousands of stran- gers who have come hither the last few days.
 At present, Seward leads all others in votes. It is thought by many, however, that he cannot be nominated. Lincoln is thought to have Q fair prospect of nomination. Chase, Bates and others are said to be out of sight,"
 Perhaps will send you another letter as the Convention advances We have had some fair speaking in the Wigwam during the evenings of this week; but no one will be satisfied until tho Wagon Boy of Ohio opens his eloquent lips. Rev. H. c. Guinness spent the last Sabbath here, and preached to large assemblies. Those who expected to hear good preaching as judged of by the American standard, were disappointed in him. Yours, F'