Gilpin observer., 1900-06-21

convention Hall, Philadelphia, June
19.-The crowds We're slow in gather
ing at the convention hall. When,
shortly after II o'clock, the band in
the gallery awoke the echoes in the
vast roof space, there were not more
than 1000 persons in the great audi
torium. But it was astonishing how
rapidly the crowds began to arrive af-
ter that hour. They poured in steady
streams until they blackened the acres
of seats.
In the seats back of the stage We're
many distinguished personages.
The leaders were slow in arriving
and it was not until Senator Hanna
put in an appearance at IL: 40 that the
enthusiasm of the thousands was un-
corked. He got cheer as he moved
up the center aisle the full length of
the hall to the platform
AT 1907 occurred the first pronounc-
ed demonstration of the convention.
Governor Roosevelt came in through
the main entrance and moved down
the aisle. He Wore his Rough Rider
hat and was instantly recognized. A
deep reverberation of the cheer greeted
him. Men jumped to their chairs to
cheer him and women tiuttered their
handkerchefs.
DNNSutCS SIoNucu loIWSIu W SEeet
him as he moved through the press.
and his entrance, theatrical though it
may have been, was like that of n con-
q,ering hero. He took his seat imme-
diately in the rear of Senator Platt and
in front of Senator Depew.
Our Chauncey," who has aroused
the admiration of many Republican
convention, came in at the same time
that Roosevelt did, but the multitude
had eyes only for the hero of San Juan.
Before Chairman Hanna on the desk
was heavy plank about a foot square
and on this lay his gavel. The gavel
consisted of heavy square oak piece
fitted with a handle and looked more
like maui that n gavel for a presid-
ing officer. Senator Hanna seemed in
no hurry to call the convention to Or
der.
AT 1870 the band broke into the
strains of the Star Spangled Banner"
Governor Roosevelt was on his feet in
response to the national anthem. His
Rough Rider hat came off and he stood
with head uncovered. Instantly the
whole convention rose en- masse. Ten
thousand people stood while the stir
ring air was played and applauded it
with cheer as they took their seats.
,h"tiihiuh ItllulIltu
He lifted the ungainly gavel and
brought it down with a resounding
whack. Instantly all eyes were rivet-
ed upon him.
THE convention will come to order"
he shouted, at exactly 1876. 'The
convention will be opened with pray
er," he continued, by the Rev. j. Gray
Bolton of the Hope Presbyterian
church of Philadelphia"
AT the close of the prayer Sena tor
Dick read the call for the convention.
Chairman Hanna then made brief
address of welcome. His mention of
the name of President Mckinley was
the signal for enthusiastic and long
continued applause.
AS Mr.. Hanna closed his speech with
tribute to his colleagues on the ma
tional committee and reference to the
close of his craftsmanship. he spoke of
the sterling service of the senator from
Colorado, Mr.. WOlcott. to his party.
and presented him to the convention as
temporary chairman.
Senator Fairbanks, from the first
row of delegates, arose and moved that
the selection of Mr.. WOlcott as tenn
porary chairman be approved, and
with unanimous voice. the delegates so
voted.
The appearance of the Colorado or
aior.a moment later set the convention
of like rocket. He wore blue suit.
with white vest. There was elasticity
in his step as he bowed low to the con-
vention, and there was something
about him that suggested his mountain
home. With n pleasant nod of ac-
acknowledgements to Chairman Hanna. he
turned and addressed the convention.
senator Wolcott has Il clear reson-
ant voice that penetrates to the fur