The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-04-22
SENTIMENT DIVIDED.
Connecticut Republicans in Favor of
Both Reed and Mckinley.

New HAVEN, April 22.-The first gun OF
the Connecticut campaign was fired last
night. when the Republicans Of the state
assembled in the persons of their dele
gates for the opening OF the Republican
state convention. called for the purpose OF
nominating dclegatesto the st. Louis con-
v'ntion.
1t did not take long for an observer TO
determine that keen interest Is felt in
the wish of this convention. The great
question which prevails Is ms to the prob
ability OF Reed or Mckinley delegation
from Connecticut The supporters OF the
Ohio statesman were on hand in largo
numbers, and their arrival was followed
by the extensive distribution of large red
badges bearing a portrait OF the major and
inscribed: 1.-The Nations Choice"
The convention hail. in the Hyperion
theatre. is located di folly opposite Yale
university, and the students aided and
betted the delegates in making noise and
wearing Mckinley badges, which were
peddled by BOYS gratis 10 all who cared to
accept. No Reed badges or emblems were
In evidence, but the Reed men claim that
10 will be unanimous Reed delegation
that will proceed from Connecticut 10
Missouri.
After the delegates had assembled the
two chief booms became largely evil
dent. Reed booms ana Mckinley booms
cavortod all over the hall, with now and
thena hintat a Harrison boom. All In all,
however, Ia was case OF Maine VS.. Ohio,
and IL now lookf ns II there is to be fight
before the convention is over
Hon. Herbert Il. Benton, chairman OF
che Republican state central committee,
called the convention TO order amid cheers.
His opening remarks took the form OF
welcome TO the delegates. He said that
the conditions surrounding this conven-
ton are the most auspicious In his
memory. In closing Mr. Benton stated
that the Republicans OF Connecticut are
In favor OF protection and honest money.
and predicted overwhelming majorities
for the Republican candidates In the No
yember elections lie then announced
that Hon. Edgar Nj. Warner of Putnam
had been alTointed temporary chairman
and az that gentloman advanced to the
front platform he was greeted with great
cheers.
The convention did not really wake mp
until Judge Warner reached that point in
his address, In which he referred in order
TO Allison, Morton, Reed and Mckinley
with cordial ohoer, but when the speaker
In climax, reached ths name OF Thomas
B. Reed pandomoniun broke loose. For
nearly minute tile delegates were on
their feet cheering anil the speaker con-
tinued NJ n di7ndvantage for some time.
When Judge warner rounded up his list
NJ candidates with aeulogy OF Major Mo
Kinley the convention went wild. The
Ohio statesman had the better of the
cheering and his adherents seemed un-
willing 10 dcsst.
At the close of the address OF Judge
Warner, the convention proceeded to or
ganize. Andrew IT, Gates OF Hartford was
chosen as secretary, after which commit
tees on credentials, on permanent organi-
Sation and on the platform were chosen
and the convention was organized ~
Congressman Russell entered the hall,
and in an instant he was hurried TO tho
platform, where he indulged in an anath-
ema on the Democratic administration
and urged the necessity OF the insertion In
the Connecticut platform OF n gold plank.
He was followed by cx.Spcaker Sam
Fessendcn. who by brilliant wit and great
eloquence moved the delegates To point
OF great enthusiasm. Right here IL was
that Reed got his first real boom, when
Genial sam fairly took the breath away
from the McKineyites by lauding to the
skies tho son OF Maine.
After the convention adjourned the
district caucuses were held and nc 945 the
trst session OF the convention ended.