Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1900-06-21

But it was astonishing now rapidly
| the crowds began to arrive after that
hour. They poured in in steady streams
until they blackened the acres of seats.
An unusually large number were women,
looking fresh and sweet in their summer
gowns. The sergeants-at-arms and the
ushers had their hands full attending to
the crowds. In the seats back of the
stage were many distinguished person
ages.
The leaders were slow in arriving, and
1t was not until Senator Hanna put in an
appearance at :45 that the enthusiasm
of the thousands was uncorked. He got
a cheer as he moved up the center aisle
the full length of the hall to the platform
General Grosvenor, the white bearded
old veteran, was Immediately recognized,
and he, too, got cheer.
Cornelius n. Bliss of New York got a
scattering of applause as he came in and
took his seat with the New York delega-
ton, and Senator Platt of New York
got popular greeting. AS the hour of
noon approached the delegates entered
in Il solid stream and spread out over the
seats reserved for them.
Senator Allison of Iowa, the famous
leader of his party in the senate. was
among the early arrivals. Among the
other members of the senate on the stage
were Hawley of Connecticut, Burrows of
Michigan. Deboe of Kentucky, Culom of
Illinois and Shoup of Idaho.
The crowds We're so absorbed picking
out the men of national reputation that
they forgot to cheer, and men like Henry
Cabot Lodge of Massachusetts, Senator
Davis of Minnesota, Senator Foraker of
Ohio did not get hand as they took
their places. Meantime the band was
playing popular airs, and the scene WIS
impressive and animated. AT noon Sen
ator Hanna took his seat at The chair
mans table; but, although this was The
hour set for calling the convention, he
waited a few moments, comforting with
Secretary Dick Senator Wolcott and
others.
OVATION FOR ROOSEVELT.
At 1907 the first pronounced demon
stration of the convention occurred.
Governor Roosevelt came in through the
main entrance and moved down the cen
ter aisle. He wore his rough rider hat
and was instantly recognized. y deep
reverberating cheer greeted him. Men
jumped to their chairs to cheer him. and
women huttered their handkerchiefs.
Delegates crowded forward to greet him
as he moved through the press. and his
entrance. theatrical though it may have
been, was like that of conquering
hero. He took his seat Immediately in
the rear of Senator Platt and in front
OF Senator Depew.
.Our Chauncey," who has aroused the
admiration of many Republican con-
yention. came in ut the same time that
Roosevelt did, but the multitude had
eyes only for the hero of San Juan.
Many notable groups could be seen
among the delegates. Immediately in
front sat Senator Fairbanks of Indiana,
with Governor Mount of that state just
behind him. Governor Shaw of Iowa
ran over to greet his executive colleague
and say that Delivers flag was still fly
ing. Across the aisle Senator Platt. with
his pearl hat tipped back, reflected and
waited while Cornelius y. Bliss was
earnestly assuring Serene Il. Payne us To
some controverted point. Mr.. Odell sat
with Mr.. Quigg, and all the New York
ers kept turning their heads to see when
that broad trimmed sombrero made its
appearance. Governor Taylor of Ken
tucky came in with Governor Bradley of
rufiied after all his turmoil. Just across
was Senator Foraker, with his hair toss
ed, looking as though he had been hav-
ing hard conferences. while General Gros-
venor, looking like patriarch, paced the
nislc and grasped hands.
|. Senator Lodge and Judge Mccall came
in at the head of the Massachusetts dele
CATION and were greeted by General Iar-
ry Bingham.
rs it all over!' said Bingham.
Yes" said Lodge. For l.ong-that's
the ticket. certainty. Mckinley and
Long"
Senator Quay smiled grimly from across
the aisle. He wore ii suit of miler's
gray and had apparently contracted the
sombrero habit, for his hat was of ex-
pansve brim and of the Santiago cut.
He greeted Senator Davis. and the two
hugged and whispered. Then Senator
Thurston broke up the hugging.
DIPLOMATS PRESENT.
Sitting together on the platform was
group of distinguished guests from the
diplomatic corps at Washington, includ-
ing the first secretary of the British
embassy. Mr.. Gerald Lowther. and first
secretary of the Spanish legation. Senor
Kansas had seats Immediately across
the aisle from New York to the left. and
when Roosevelt came in the Kansas dele
gates gave him a special reception, and
one enthusiastic Kansan grabbed the
governor by the arm and pulled him
across the aisle.
The long gallery was now packed with
humanity. and the floor from wall to
wall was II living sea of people. During
the intervals when the band was not
playing the hall was filled with that in
describablc hum of myriads of voices
which is only heard at the gathering of
thousands of people. Before Chairman
Hanna on the desk was a heavy plank
about Il foot square. and on this lay his
gavel. The gavel was unique. 1t con
sisted of heavy square oak piece filed
with handle and looked more like
maui than Il gavel for presiding officer.
CALLED TO ORDER BY HANNA
Senator Hanna seemed in no hurry TO
call the convention tn order. Attired in