The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1900-08-15
THE STATE CONVENTION.
N Graphic Description of the Proceedings
by Participant.


aical convention has ever been held
in the state of Wisconsin, than the
gathering of Republicans which took
place 10 Milwaukee August 9Th. 1t
has gone on record as one of the
most remarkable political conven-
,tions in the United States. 1t
marked the close of the unusual
spectacle of campaign for nomi-
nation for governor, with but one
candidate. It was the convention
which marked the ascendancy OF
Robert M. LaFollette the little
fighter" from Madison, into promi-
nence, with such rapid,ty as to as
tonish even his most ardent we'll
wishers. The most interesting feat
are was the youth and apparent
good feeling of the delegates; sixty
per cent of the delegates were Sit
ting in their first convention, and
they were fine looking lot of fell
lows. They make one proud to be
a citizen of the Badger state. They
were sincere in their belief that La
Toilette owes his success to the gen
eral expression of the people. and
not through the manipulation OF
cunning politicians. 1t was conceed-
ed that LaFolette and the entire
state ticket below Governor would
oe nominated, and that platform
containing the principles for which
Bob has loved these many years
would be adopted. While the dele
gates were filing into their seats,
Wards Soldiers home band furnish
ed music of an inspiring nature,
thus aiding the delegates to forget
tie intense heat of the sun. The ex-
position hall was delightfully."- cool at
the outset and furnished a pleasing
contrast to the heat of the streets
and crowded hotel lobbies The de-
corations of the hall were magnifi
cent far exceeding, in effect al,
tion hall in this state a place of
beauty. Above and at the back of
the stage was a large crayon por-
trait of President Mckinley, this
was fanked by flags bunting and
other decorations in patriotic colors;
the national colors were carried
around the galleries in graceful folds
and festoons, intersperced at reg
ular intervals with portl ats of
Mckinley and Roosevelt. Project
ing from the center of the stage was
the platform for the speakers.
At 1903 the Oconto comfy dele
cation, (Scodeld's County, appeared
with its banner reading, "OcontO
County solid for Little Bob. ;"
Wisconsin, Majority 100, 900.
The appearance Of this banner was
the signal for a general burst of APP
plause, and the convention which
had heretofore been quiet now be-
came intensely enthusiastic At
1910 Chairman Treat Of the State
Central Committee called the con-
yention to order, and introduced the
Rev Henry Sewell, OF Evansville,
TO deliver the invocation He COM
menced in low tone and at once
there were irreverent demands in
the rear part of the hall of louder,
louder"
Henry G. Adams, of Madison,
State Dairy and Food Commissioner
was introduced by Chairman Treat
as temporary Chairman of the con-
vention. He was received with
applause, and when quiet was re-
stored he addressed the convention.
Mr.. Adams was in fine voice and the
delegates did not have to insist that
1T was necessary for him to speak
louder.
When he declared that the para
mount issue of the campaign was
not as declared by the democrats.
Imperialism, but whether the
national administration has been
wise Or unwise, there was vociferous
applause, when he declared that
there should be a reform in the sys-
tenn of taxation which should be
more equitable, he again topped the
foundation of applause in the con-
vention. The spirit Of the conven-
ton was stirred to it's depths by the
declara ton that the Republicans of
WISCONSIN would stand solidIy bv
the administration OF President
Mckinley, and his reference to the
state Of our foreign affairs called
forth vigorous response:
Gen. George E. Bryant was
brought to the stage amid furror
of applause and presented to the
convention gavel made from the
gate post Of the Andersonville pris- |
on Stockade, by Prof, FL. w. Rood, !
Formerly principal Of our high
schooD but now of Shawno, Wis
The convention was now assembled
IN the afternoon and it was three
o clock before chairman Adams
called for the report on permanent
organization, two or three times but
there was no response, so he sat
doWn'to wait developments. To while
away the time some of the delegates
set up the cry whats the matter
with honest Bah, which they re-
.peated at intervals to show their en-
sthusiasm
The committee finally reported.
2.nco0nopndinO that tho .1nrp,opo,,t |