Semi=weekly graphic., 1896-06-17
TIE REPUBLICAN
NATIONAL CONVENTION IN
 SESSION TODAY.
The Greater Part of the Afternoon Occupied iii Temporary
 Organization

ST. LOUIS, Mo-, June 16.-Tht opening session of the Republican National convention today, confined to the work of temporary organiza ton and the appointment of the usual committees, was far from being uninteresting, though it might be called tame by some who may have been impressed by the noisy blare of the preliminary skirmishine the last three days. But to those fully acquainted with the history ol national political gatherings the session was instructive and an in. dex to the temper of the delegates. When the nine hundred and more delegates, together with an equal number of alternates, took their places under the flags and banners pendant from the roof of the big convention hall, a little past noon, men who stand high in the councils of the party were as thick as bees a swarming. The hall itself, with it's arched roof, it's broad galleries admirably suited to the heaccommoda- ton of vast threng, was well filed, though there was room for every one and consequently everyone was good natured us the crowd filled in through the numerous entrances. The convention hall surprised every one who had not seen it before, with it's spaciousness and well arranged decorations. The main idea of the scheme of decoration has been to give prominence to the great men and events of American history. The eight trusses on the main auditorium are covered with red, white and blue bunting. In the center of each panel is q truss twenty feet long, and on each panel is m eagle with ontstretehed wings twelve feet across, mouBted with q large shield and set off with q eroHpe ef flags. The SD ice between the windows is set with bunting. foFty-five of the posts supporting the building are capped with shields each bearing the name of State. Suspended from the trusses there are strips of bunting nine feet long. From the center of the building hangs Presidents flag twenty four feeet square. Above the speakers desk is d large portrait of George Washington in a framework of flags. Over the platform, sup ported by the wings of a brass eagle, is q portrait of Abraham Lincoln. On the south side hangs It portrait of General Grant and in the center of the east end is a picture of General Sheridan.
 Through the many entrances to the big building the crowd pourd in steadily and unvexed and admirably handled by Sergeant-at-Arms Byrnes and his assistants at the doors. By noon many uf tue delegates were in their places. Ohio was an early arrival and it was received with ap- planse, which was shared alike by Mark Hanna, Governor Bushnell, Senator Foraker and General Gros- senor. Another early arrival was che Illinois delegation. Ex-Govern- or Fifer shook hands with old acquaintances and "Uncle Dick
 0glesby peered through his gold
 bowed spectacles, appearantly en- toying the situation. The New York delegation also brought forth loud cheers as it marched up to it's seats platt led the delegation and he shar- ed the honors with ChauRcey NJ
 Depew, Warner Miller, Cornelius Bliss, General McCook and other hie gnns of thes party. Presently II came Arkansas headed by Powel Clayton, West Virginia with J. E Dana in the lead, and Missouri witt channcey |. FilIey and William War nor conspicuous among it's members The Pennsylvania delegation distrl buted itself over the front rows ant allowed it's gaze to wander not iron Senator Quay who wore daint. boutonire and an air of indifference When the triumphant Mississipr