Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-06-17
THE CONVENTION PROPER.
Temporary Organization-Spcec of
Chairman EuirbanI.s

CONVENTION HALL. ST. LOUIS.
July 16.-The first day Of the convention
opened with unclouded skies, and with
a prospect of extremely hot weather.
Although the convention was not to be
called to order until noon. the streets
IN the vicinity Of the hall were thronged
for two hours before that time with
strangers. who had come to the city to
witness what they could of the grand
spectacle. and VINO, naturally, drifted
around the Auditorium. But the doors
were closed TO all persons. including dele
gates and alternates. until the time should
arrive for their official opening.
The only exception to this rule were
newspaper men. furnished with badges
and tickets OF admission. officials Of the
convention, and several hundred special
and general aids to the sergeant-at-arms.
Conspicuous in the second class was
the secretary Of the convention. Mr..
Charles W. Johnson. Of Minnesota. late
Chief Clerk Of the United States Senate,
who arrived early, and busted himself IN
~
assistants Including Harry Smith. late
Journal Clerk OF the House Of Represen-
tatives), were 10 sit and transact business.
At II o'clock the assignments were com
pleted for all the States. and an hour was
occupied by the assistant sergeant-at-
arms in instructing and locating his depu-
ties, ushers and assistant ushers and
m aantime a band of music in gallery
behind the platform played various airs.
DISTINGUISHED ARRIVALS.
The national chairman, Senator Carter,
was recognized as he took a seat on the
stage. but. owing TO the vast ground
space distinguished delegates were lost In
the throng upon entering. and got TO their
seats without recognition or applause.
Henry Clay Evans. of Tennessee, was
the first distinguished participant TO ar
rive. lie came I'm at II Is. and took a seat
TO the left of the chairmln's seat. Less
than a hundred people were in the hall.
When Platt appeared In the New YORK
seats there was a volley OF cheers from
those I'm the nelghborhood Hon. Frank
Hiscock. Of New York. came in without
recognition. Mr.. Powell Clayton was al
his heels
At 1855 the delegations began to arrive,
those Of California and Maine being the
first TO enter the hall. They did so without
demonstrations other State delegations
poured in rapidly and soon the sections
assigned them began TO fiji up. Outside
the clash Of brass bands, was heard from
time TO time. denoting the coming of dele
cations.
The Massachusetts men. under the lead
ershp OF Senator Lodge, wearing a smile
of satisfaction on his face, and rose
colored dahlia In his button-hole, took
their seats quietly. Prominent among the
Colorado men was Senator Teller. who
chatted pleasantly with those in his
nciehborhood. and saw" Lodges floral
challenge with siver-white rose In his
button-hole
At y NJ all the delegations had arrived
and been seated without any special De-
monstrations. except when Platt. OF New
York. was seen. and then some cheering
and other manifestations OF admiration
took place. -
The spectators in the galleries. iair
sprlnkling Of ladies among them-did not
0ll one tenth OF the gallery space.
while waiting for the convention to
ne called TO order the band performed
some good music. In the interim be-
tween two pieces Chauncey NJ Depew
entered the hall, smiling, as usual, ana
got a hearty reception.
THE CALL TO ORDER.
Al 1900 Senator Carter. chairman of
tho Republican National Committee,
called the convention TO order. by this
time all the seats of the delegates, ana
nearly half Of the gallery-space were
filled.
Rabbi Sale opened with prayer the
whole assemblage standing as the chap
lain invoked the Divine benediction.
Al the close OF the chaplain's prayer
Cba,rman Carter said: This convention
A. assembled in compliance with the
terms sof a call issued by the National
Committee on the l4th of December. 1870
which call the secretary will now pro-
ceed 10 read" The secretary did so. In
a voice which was inaudibie ten Ieet
away. and amid frequent calls OF iouo-
err ,,c.,o
chairman Carter then said: Gentle
men OF the convention. by direction OF
tbe National Committee, ] present Tor
your approval. as your temporary chalf-
man Hon. Charles W. Fairbanks, or IN
Nr southerland, on behalf Of the New
Nork delegation. moved that the selec-
,ion ~ the committee be approved, ana
This was carried without dissenting
Mir Fairbanks. a tall and very slim
.ertlcman with dark, close cropped
beard and moustache. came forward. anu
an clear and distinct tones, and with oniy