The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-06-13
Magnificent Spectacle in the Great Hall
in Which the Convention Will Be Held.
The Three Thousand Electric Lights Are
Turned on for the First Time and Scene
Of Unparalleled Beauty Is Revealed.
Honors of the Convention Will Be Dis
tributed Between the East and West.
Gen. Hsrrison's Friends Appear in Force and
Begin Work in Energetic Style-Sher-
mans Supporters Confident of Success


mans Supporters Confident of Success.
THE COMING CONVENTION.
Besutiful Scene In the AudIsorium--Di-
viding the Honors Of the Assemblsge.
CHICAGO. Juno H. Tonight the ZOO electric
lights in the great hall of the Republican national
convention were turned on for the first time
About the same time food OF light was thrown
upon the darkness that has heretofore developed
even the smallest details of what would consti-
tute the programme in the convention. The
lighting up of the auditorium afforded mag
nihcsnt spectacle, the effect of the lights being
to seemingly enlarge the already vast interior.
and bewilder the spectator. Great wheels of
FIRE shone on the Sidewalks . gorgeous tri-color
shield Of light surmouuted the stage. while
the roof was aolaze with hugo stars
made up of clustered burners The long
streamers of red. white and blue bunting not
yet fully in place. gave . picturesque aspect to
tho whole, taking attention away from the
thousands of empty chairs that stretched sky
ward on all siiea Scarcely hundred peo-
pie were within the mammoth amphitheater
to witness the illumination. From the galleries
they seemed like so many pigmies
moving ABOUT the floor. One and
all preserved an awe-struck silence,
and - not = ray of the elsstric lights
penetrated the mazes of rooms and gloomy
businesses Of granite shutting in the Auditori-
um on all sides, thousands of persons passed
along the busy streets surrounding the building
A. - s1A
within. though ineress was perfectly free The
turning on Of the lights was merely an expert
ment By the architects to obtain data for the
best arrangement Of the decorations Not
hammer stroke was heard during the illumina-
ton. there being ample time yet remaining in
daylight to put the hall in apple-pis order for
the convention
The showing up Of the initial proceedings Of
the convention itself was accomplished in a
different way. It was largely brought about by
the arrival Of leading members Of the Republic
an national committee. quite number Of whom
are in the city tonight. Gen. Powell Clayton.
of Arkansas; John q. New. of Indiana, and
Cyrus Leland. jr., Of Kansas, are the latest ar
rivals. Others present are Clarksou. Of Iowa,
and Conger, Of Ohio The point made clear is
the probable selecsions for presiding officers of
the convention. Who would b chosen for
temporary chairman, and who for perma-
nent, has up to this evening
been the deepest sort Of mystery.
1t is now pretty certain. apparently. that one Of
the officers will be Senator Warner Miller, Of
New York; the other. John ii. Tburston. who
heads the delegation from Nebraska. Should
Miller be chosen for the temporary chairman.
ship. Thurston viii be made the permanent
president and vice versa. There 10 some men.
ton of Senator George f. boar. Of Massa-
chusetts, for one of the TWO places, but the talk
Of him appears TO lack deHnitenesA Both Thurs
ton and Miller are described % mon of fine pres
ence, big voice, and able parliamsntarians.
Itis felt that the honors Of the convention will
be equally divided between the East and West
this time In previous conventions the South
has been given . representative. but such will
hardly be tho case in this instance.
Another tendency brought out to-day 10 the
disposition Of States not having bona fids favor
its sons to take the cue from the delegates Of
New York. New Jersey Connecticut and Indi-
ana, but TO act en- masse and NOT Individually.
This seems to be particularly she outlook for
Aouoo8
Cyrus Leland, jr., Kansas member of the
national Republican committee. who was one
Of the arrivals this evening, emphasized
this view kansas ID for Ingalls, said he
'thst il to say, the Kansas delegates will give
him complimentary vote. at least We want
. man who can win, above all things. however,
and will be disposed to let the representatives
of the doubtful States-New York, Indiana or
Connscticut-nams such man IL they can
No, do not think the Kansas men will scatter
after the frst few ballots My opinion is that
they will continue 70 vote together. whyf
Well. for one reason. they have
out in Kansas" added Mr.. Leland sadly. in
reply to . mention of the man from Maine.
"Would I vote for him nowi Certainly, sir, v
firing up, "in . minuts-any time. voted for
him ir 1876 and 1854. and would vote for him
now il it would do particle of good. Would It
do any good, you sayi WE'LL" smiling. IL don't
know. Lets wait and see"
Gen. Powell Clayton, Arkansas member of
the national committee. said: ''The Arkansas
delegates appear to be very much in the attitude
Of Mr.. Mieawbsr Practically they were unani-
nous for Blaine. Now they are in doubt, and
look for light most particularly. perhaps from
New York. II will be impossible to say what
they will probably do until after they arrive AID
have had chance to confer with other dele
gates and what 10 best The men from Tex.
a. are ia much the same FIX. understand. and
throughout the South generally. to . large ex-
tent. though Mr. Sherman viii have many Arm
friends from that section of the country"
The half-dozen booms In the city were eli on
exhibition to-day. Shermsns interests were
being industriously looked after by A. l. Con.
| ger, OF Ohio. member Of the national committee.
I'VE shall have such big vote ~ the very out
| set As to probably dispose Of any attempts ~
| combination That was the way Mr. Conesr
summed up the situation. He continued:
'sWhile the number Of votes polled for Mr..
Sherman on the first ballot will not be al actual
| majority. IL will % over 300-far in advance Of
the aggregate of any other candidate. possibly
| any other two esudidatss Now, the vital fact
| to be considered IL that Sherman rs second
choice 10 also decidedly In the lead. This being
| the case, We think ws are justified Ia hoping to
make such . showing on the sccood or third bal
| lots % to ssttls the matter shectually.S
The Aiger men we're making preparations for
the big influx Of bis soldier friends that are "a
be here. Alison's numerous friends were rein
| forced BY Congrsssmsn Hepburn and Hender-
| sou and C. w. Fairbsuks. Of Iudiapap olia vss