davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
El Paso daily herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1881-1901, 1900-06-02

/ These are the things upon which par
tisan spirit feeds.
. The machinery of n great political
convention is very simple in theory
/ and very complex i'll practice.
In theory you have the nine hundred
and odd delegates who meet, organize
into Il body. prepare a platform i'll
which they set forth the political prin-
ciples of the party and proceed to bal
lot for candidates. The man who gets
the most votes is chosen as the stand
ard bearer.
Why, schoolboy could understand
that.
But actually a national convention
is something very different. 1t is
much more subtle. The influence
which one strong mind has over 9th
ers, the evolution of an intangible and
unSpoken sentiment into n well defined
movement, the struggle of concentrat-
ed mental energy against Il mass of
unstable individuality-all these things
enter into the doings of political con-
vention.
Sometimes the deep laid, well matur-
ed plans of strong leaders-pIans
Which have been months in the mold
ing, which have been perfected secret
ly at midnight-are forced upon the
surprised delegates and driven through
by sheer strength.
Then, again, it is a half hysterical wo-
man who only jumps on a chair and
shouts and waves her parasol while
several thousand usually calm, self
possessed men are hypnotized into fol-
lowing her lead.
Probably the most unSubstantial h0n-
or and yet one highly priced is that be-
slowed on the chairman of a national
convention. In the first place, the hon.
or is brief. The permanent chairman
is not selected until the convention is
organized. Then for few brief hours
he is much observed. His name is on
all tongues. But then come the NOM
mating orators with their pyrotechnics
of eloquence, the fever interest of the
balloting, and before the chairman real
ICES it the great body which has set
him for moment before the country
has done its work and dispersed.
The really important officer of the
convention is the sergeant-at-arms He
begins his work long before the con-
yention meets, and he is n figure of
prominence every moment it is in SEES
sion. The chairman has almost no
patronage at his command, but this
other functionary gives it out in
El Paso daily herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1881-1901, 1900-06-02
PAGtS 9 AND 10.

Even before Seward made his an
nouncement of the coming conflict Lin
coin had declared in speech that this
nation could not exist half slave, half
free.
81 do not expect to see the Union dis
solved" said he, "but I do expect that
it will become in the end either all
slave or all free"
And in this hOmely sentence he had
conveyed to his party in the west more
forcibly perhaps than Seward had the
same truth which was in the mind of
each.
Strange and uncouth looked this man
of the prairieS to the cultured people
of New York, but they listened to his
inspired words and We're won over.
When the convention met in Chicago,
May 16, 1860, the delegates were very
much split up, with Seward in the lead.
AS the balloting progressed, however,
the states swung into line for Lincoln.
Occasionally a political convention
furnishes stirring and dramatic scene
which is long remembered. 1t is not
often that they are entirely dull. The
coming gathering in Philadelphia prom
El Paso daily herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1881-1901, 1900-06-02


mated. Philadelphia has not had a
Republican national convention since
1872, when Grant was unanimously re-
nominated.
Like the convention of 1872, it is eX-
rpected that tie coming one Will be sim
ply a grand ratification meeting at
which the Mckinley administration
will be Endorsed and the present chief
executive named as candidate to sue
coed himself.
Philadelphia wanted this convention
so much that she paid 100000 in cash
and is to spend nearly as much more
in entertainment. One of the chief
items of expense is the provision of
the convention hall. You may count
on the fingers of one hand the build
ings large enough and at the same
time suitable for accommodating n ma
tional political convention. Chicago
has one and New York has another,
but both these cities have come to the
conclusion that political conventions
are expensive luXurieS. They do not
pay.
Generally it has been found neces-
sary to put up building especially for
El Paso daily herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1881-1901, 1900-06-02

But the building in which Philadel-
phia will house the Republican dele
| gates is said to be well fitted for the
| purpose and far more substantial than
many structures formerly used for such
purposes. 1t was built for the National
Export exposition and not only pos
sesses architectural attra actions, but is
| solidIy built. The Philadelphians in
sist, too, that the big auditorium which
is to be created under it's roof will have
all sorts of desirable qualities.
The auditorium was originally used
| as the main exposition building and
| was divided into several halls. Out of
! these the carpenters have constructed
one mammoth hall with n floor space
of $500 feet and a seating capacity of
$4,000. The floor will be elevated in
| tiers, and there will be numerous large
aisles. There will also be committee
| rooms, press bureaus and telegraph Of
fees. 1t is costing about $4,000 to put
the building in shape.
The acoustics Of the great building,
which are already excellent, will be
further improved by the erection of an
immense sounding board directly over
the stage, and experts claim that the
those of any hall ever used for a SINH
lar purpose. The new stage will be
semicircular and raised in steps, so
that the speaker may be seen from any
point in the building, the speakers
platform being placed well forward.
The committee has also given care
full attention to the matter of handling
the crowds at the hall, and extensive
m hoin0 fn
sure order, to limit admission to the
building to those having credentials
or tickets and to obviate all crowding
or difficulty in reaching seats.
The delegates will be arranged ac-
cording to states, each state having a
separate section, in the center of which
will rise a big placard bearing the
states name, very much as sections
are arranged at stock exchanges.
Provision is made for a small army
of newspaper men and telegraphers, so
that the will of the convention may be
announced to the country the moment
a platform is accepted and candidates
are chosen.
The convention hall is located at
Thirty-third and South streets, within
10 minutes ride of the heart of the
city, and, surrounded by the various
buildings of Philadelphia's most noted
seat of learning. the University of
Pennsylvania. Only half a square
away is the magnificent University
museum, recently opened in memory
of the late DIR. Pepper, and Franklin
field, the scene of many hard fought
intercollegiate contests, is directly
across the street. But a little farther
removed are laboratories, dispensaries,
hospitals and other buildings devoted
to intellectual development.
National conventions are always cost
ly. 1t has been estimated that the
people of the United States spend more
El Paso daily herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1881-1901, 1900-06-02

fSecretary of national Republican committed
ises nothing like the battle royal which
was seen at Cincinnati in 1876, when
Blaine and Conkling faced each other
on the platform as they had often faced
each other on the floor of congress.
Never were more brilliant nominal
ing speeches made. That of Inger-
soil, in which he named the Plumed
Knight of Maine, is counted among the
political classics. 1t was at this con-
vention that the Cameron forces were
held SO strongly together that when
Indiana gave her vote to Hayes at the
fifth ballot the stampede of delegates
followed and the dark horse came I'M
der the wire.
The Republican convention of 1900
will be more apt to reproduce some
thing of the scene at Chicago when in
1868 Grant was first nominated. The
thusiaSm that must inevitably associ-
ate with the name of the victorious
general of great war. There was no
contest, and the spectacle was rather a
mass meeting to celebrate the restora-
ton of the Union and the end of the
term of the almost impeached johnson
than convention of a political party.
For hours the vast assembly did lit
tie but stand on it's feet and cheer and
sing patriotic songs. Old Jesse Grant
father of the general, stood near the
front of the stage, the tears coursing
down his cheeks, witnessing the glori-
El Paso daily herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1881-1901, 1900-06-02

badges to be printed, and. though you
might not think it, this is Il job of no
small magnitude. Giving out the con
tract for printing the tickets is one of
the first things attended to. 1t has
already been looked after by the Re-
publican sergeant-at-arms or TINS year ,
convention and probably by the CORE
spending Democratic functionary also.
Arrangements have also to be made
by the Sergeant-at-armS with the ho-
tells as to headquarters for the various
delegations and with the railroads con-
corning rates of fare and the running
of special trains. Cordial relations
must be cultivated with the local police
and fire departments, and there are
almost nUmb9rleSs other matters of
detail that the conventions business
manager must see carried through to
a successful finish.
The appointing of assistant SER
geantS-at-arms is by no means one of
the least of his troubles. There are
generally 80 of these at least, appor-
toned among the various states, and
the demand for places on the staff of
the conventions manager is extremely
lively. Nominally he decides who shall
serve, but actually his decisions are
based upon the recommendations of
the delegates. Each of these is al
most sure to ask for more places than
can be given, and the sergeant-at-arms
sometimes has Il hard time to avoid
making enemies in rejecting those
for whom places cannot be found
Unlike the deputy sergeants.at .a.rrn;s
and the doorLa~pers; the office help.
messengers, watchmen and scrubwom-
en- are paid for their services. but the
Sergeant-at-arms himself receives no
direct pay. His expenses are borne by
the committee, but he goes through all
the work and worry of getting the con-
vention preliminaries into shape and
keeping the crowds in good order dur
ing its sessions for the honor there is
III it and the wide acquaintance it will
give him among the prominent men of
his own party.
Because of these things the place is
in great demand every four years. and
some of the lyeliest fights in the MS
tory of the two national committees
have been waged over the conflicting
titles of various candidates.
The man who will act as sergeant-at
arms for the coming Philadelphia con-
ventiOn is Mr.. George n. WisweIl of
Milwaukee. He has acknowledged
El Paso daily herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1881-1901, 1900-06-02

ability for organization and executive
work. In the handling of political con-
ventions he is already experienced,
having been assistant sergeant-at-arms
of the Republican national conventions
at Chicago in 1888, at Minneapolis in
1892 and at st. Louis in 1896.
Sergeant-at-arms Wiswell will have
the assistance and advice of Colonel
Swords, who has probably had more
experience in the direction of conven-
lions than. any other man in the cOun-
try.
Among other members of the Repub-
lican national committee who will be
very much in evidence in Philadelphia
during the convention is Major Charles
Dick. Major Dick is at all times a
busy man. and he will be very much
so when the delegates are assembled.
Just at present Dick is major gen
eral, commanding the national guard
of Ohio; chairman of the Republican
committee of the state, the representa-
tive from the Nineteenth or Garfield,
Wade and Giddings district, and sec
rotary of the national committee. In
cidentaIly it may be observed that this
active young man is also a member
of law firm and does his share of the
work, so that his two partners have no
cause to complain.
If Senator Hanna's rheumatism puts
a veto on the presidents request
that he manage next years campaign,
it is a moral certainty that Mr.. Nc
Kinley will ask Dick to undertake the
herculean task. Even if the senator
remains at the head of the committee,
the ubiquitous and never ruffied Dick
will be the chief of staff. He will be
the Kitchener of the campaign. Dick
was chief of staff in 1896, although
nominally he was but an assistant. sec
rotary of the national committee. Will
liam Mckinley Osborn, now consul
general at London, held the title.
Another member of the national Re
publican committee who will be in the
forefront of things at Philadelphia in
June is First Assistant Postmaster
General Perry S. Heath, who is chair
man of the committee on organization
and literature. Mr.. Heath is a well
known newspaper man who is slated
for higher honOrs.
Then there will be numerous old war
horses who will be able to recall the
there may be one or two present who
We're actual spectators of the events
which occurred in Philadelphia in
1856 and which resulted in the birth
of the Republican party. The conven
ton which nominated John G.. Ere
mont was much unlike a modern ma
tional convention. In the first place,
there were less than 600 delegates as
sembled, and they by no means repre-
scented the whole country.
The issues which then made politics
so stirring have been so long dead that
they have almost been forgotten.
At the beginning of the year 1856
there were four parties in the eastern
states-the Democrats, the Wings, the
Know Nothings and the Republicans.
The Wings and Democrats inclined to
unite against the Republicans, who
were fast gaining strength. Most of
the Know Nothings Joined the Repub-
licans. In the west, except in Ohio
where the Wings still prevailed, the
parties We're Democratic and Republic
El Paso daily herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1881-1901, 1900-06-02

On Tuesday, June 10, about 10000
loyal and enthusiastic Republicans will
gather in Philadelphia. They will pro-
coed, in the deliberate manner of all
large bodies, to nominate candidates
for president and vice president.
Only about 900 of those present will
be authorized delegates. As many
more will be alternates. A hundred or
so will serve as officers of the conven-
ton. The other $4,000 will stand
around, talk a great deal, shout when
ever there is opportunity and add to
the general picturesqueness and impor-
lance of the affair.
This will be the twelfth national
convention held by the Republican par
ty. The first one was held in Philadel-
phia, as this one will be. That was in
1856, when John G.. Fremont was NOM
El Paso daily herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1881-1901, 1900-06-02

fication of his son.
Only once in the history of Repub-
ican conventions has that scene been
eQualed, and that was in Minneapolis
in 1892 when more than 10000 people
cheered for a full half hour as they
chanted, with a pretty woman stand
ing 4. n chair beating time, that
familiar slogan Of
Blaine, Blaine,
James G. Blaine!
And the delegates. after thew had
shouted themselves into an exhausted
condition in repeating the name of
Blaine, voted for Harrison when the
time came.
This year there will be more than
unusual interest in the contest for sec
ond place on the ticket. We arc con-
stantly told that the vice president is
a mere figurehead and that the senate
rostrum is the top shelf of political
oblivion. Yet there is never a lack of
aspirants for this discredited post. AS
matter of fact, there are few men
whose political ambitions are SO lofty
that they would scorn the vice presi-
dency, SO we may expect n lively
scramble for the place.
El Paso daily herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1881-1901, 1900-06-02

chunks HIS title would be far more
accurate were he termed the conven-
tion's business manager.
The sergeant-at-arms is appointed by
the conventions subcommittee of the
national committee. All matters of gen.
eral convention policy are discussed and
settled by the subcommittee, but the
carving out of the details is intruSted
to the sergeant-at-arms solely. In short,
the sergeant-at-arms is in the way of
doing either good deal of good or a
good deal of harm, according to his
lights.
Financially his responsibilities are
heavy. since besides the large amounts
he pays out in local expenses he has to
arrange in a measure for the expendi-
ture of several times as much more,
and thus the total expenses Of con-
ventiOn may be greatly increased or
decreased by the Sergeant-at-arms. 1t
certainly may be said with truth that
he must be Il man of exceptional judg-
ment, great capacity and unusual ex-
ecut:ve force.
If the duties Of the convention ser
geant-at-a We've fully indicated by
the foregoing paragraphs, he would
have comparatively an easy time, but
his work would be only partially done
were he to stop with getting the hall
in good order and making the arrange
ments for the press.
Providing for the comfort and con-
venience of the delegates is really the
most important of all his tasks. This
involves arranging the seats in the
body of the hall and the galleries so
that all shall be satisfied and furnish
ing the various subcommittee rooms
and the like. There are tickets and
El Paso daily herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1881-1901, 1900-06-02

than $1O,OOO,OOO once in every four
years merely on the business of nomi-
mating presidential candidates. This
seems almost improbable until you be-
gin to reckon up the various items.
Let us say, for example, that 10000
Republicans will go to Philadelphia.
Each one will spend on an average
$50 in car fare, which, considering the
round trip and the fact that they come
El Paso daily herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1881-1901, 1900-06-02

convention purposes. These Temporal
nv structures have often been barnlike,
ramshackle affairs, lacking ventilation,
acoustic properties and all comfortable
Qualities In them the delegates have
sweltered and anticipated sudden death
from collapsed walls. 1t is almost
wonderful that no serious accidents
have ever marred any Of the big con-
ventiOnS.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1900-10-26

Mrs. II. q. Kernen was in Ithaca the
first Of the week.
ID. Fleming left ON Wednesday for a
short business trip to Pontiac.
s. Birmingham has sold his store at
Cedar Lake and moved back TO Alma.
w. III. Whitaker, Michigan passenger
agent of the Northern Pacific II. r., was
in Alma Tuesday.
Misses Annie and Lucille Brown of
Ithaca visited their sister, Mrs. n 7.
III afer, over Lunday.
Mrs. VIM. Sturdevant of Riverdale
visited her parents, Mr.. aud MIS-.
* Strayer, over Sunday.
Mrs. Helen L G. Balmer of Mt Pleas
ant, worthy grand matron of the .. L.
S, was the guest of Mrs. w. S. Turck
Tuesday night
Rayner Field of Jackson, representing
L. H. Field of that place, was in Alma
Tuesday and Wednesday of this week
with a line Of cloaks and furs.
A silver medal has been awarded TO
the Columbia Photograph Company by
the National Export Exposition which
was held in Philadelphia last year.
This medal constitutes the highest award
confer~ed and the committee says:
The delay has been caused by rho
desire of the management TO make q
medal that will bear comparison with
the best ever given as an award by any
American Exposition, and that should
be a worthy sample of the progress of
American art in this direction"
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1900-10-26
College Department.
Devoted to the interests OF
Alma College.

The junior class is enjoying the study
of Sponsors Fairy Queen.
Miss Mabel Hawley is out of school
this week on account of illness
Mr.. Herold Kellogg of Mt. Pleasant
attended the football game Saturday.
II. j. Miller went 10 Bay City Monday
night to attend the wedding of his sister.
Miss Anderson of Manistee was the
guest of Misses Brodie and Conant this
week
Miss Zoe Spenser of Linden, formerly
an Alma student, visited college friends
last week
J.W. Robinson of Nestaburg witnessed
the football game Saturday and visited
his SONS at the college.
The young mems meeting was largely
attended sunday afternoon DIR. Brain
erd gave an instructive talk.
A large number of new chairs have
been placed III the chapel and recitation
rooms TO accommodate the increase in
number of students.
The first football team viii play Mich
igan Agricultural college at Lansing
Saturday. and the reserves will play
All-Sagluaw at Saginaw
The pumpkin which the Albion team
brought with them last Saturday, and
intended TO present 10 the Alma team
after the game, grinned It's fiery counte-
nance from a third story window Of the
dormitory Monday night.
a Students Republican Club was CT
gained "Wednesday The following
officers were elected; II. T. Bush,
president; r. +. Tell vice president
Wallace Weber, secretary and Il. $.
Brown, treasurer.
Misses Strange. Whoclor, Butler.
Carl, Nicholson, Hes and Dayton re-
turned Monday night from Albion
whore thcy attended the y. ". {. y.
state convention. They report a large
attendance. cXcellcnt meetings and
royal entertainment.
The following young ladies compose
the new division now in charge of the
kindergarten in connection with the
public schools Misses Brodie. Mor-
riam. Sauderson. Tracey and Wheeler.
with Mis-, Wilson rs pianist. Nhs>e,
Grant and Woodward have charge of
the kindergarten at the college, Miss
Tagget, pianist.
The ladies of the art department
served chocolate and sandwiches in
their studio last Friday night. The
room was made attractive 10y beautiful
decorations. in which the ladies did
themselves great credit. \ large NUM-
Der were present and all had an enjoy
able evening. The occasion Melted the
department @,.i5.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1900-10-26
Our Schools, ]

Three new pupils entered Miss Chase s
room.
Marion Walker entered the second
grade.
Ray Jones has entered the fourth
grade.
Ella Gobel aud Nellie Wheeler entered
the second grade.
Mrs. w. Thompson was visitor at
school last week.
Claude Watson has returned from the
beet fields, to school again.
Miss Marie Grover was compelled 70
leave school on account of illness.
Florence Dearing returned to school
after an absence on account of illness
Miss Wynn and Miss Cliwne took the
teachers examination az Ithaca last
week.
Miss Blanche Walker from Howell
and Miss Carrie Mosher from Rodstone
have entered the eighth grade.
The Alma high school football team
played st. Louis high school team last
Friday. The score standing 81 TO G in
favor of Alma. Had it not been for the
short halves and the interference OF out
siders, the score probably would have
been 40 to 0. st. Louis played one OF
her teachers who enjoyed no better pas.
time than engaging in pugilistic feats
with one of the Alma lightweights.
The high school boys play their second
game in the inter scholastic series with
Saginaw, at Saginaw next Saturday. A
very exciting game is expected.