Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1900-06-21
REPUBLICANS MEET
NATIONAL CONVENTION HOLDS ITS
FIRST SESSION AT PHILADELPHIA.


Settled Into Contest Between Long
and Dolliver, With Chances F,voring
the Eastern Man.
PHILADELPHIA, June 19.-at 1885 to-
day the Republican national conven-
tion of 1900 was called to order. After
prayer by Rev. j. Gray Bolton, Chair
man Hanna left the presiding officers
table and, stepping to the front of the
platform, surveyed the sea of faces, and
in clear voice began his speech of well
come,
AS Mr.. Hanna closed his speech with
tribute to his colleagues on the ma
tional committee and a 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 Wolcott' saddress was key
note speech, covering the legislation
which had been placed on the statute
books, and its deepest note was the
prosperity of this country and the legis-
lation which had made its continuation
possible if the present administration
was continued in power
The Indiana delegation led the ap-
plause when Senator Wolcott announced
that the thieving postoffice officials in
Cuba would be hunted down. Probably
the greatest demonstration occurred
when he said that we would establish
law and order in the Philippines and
the last thing to be considered was to
give up the islands.
The convention. after having been in
session two and half hours, adjourned
until noon tomorrow.
Although the work of the convention
could be compassed within two days,
the national committee has arranged a
three-days' program with one session
of the convention each day. The nights
will be filled in with receptions, smok-
open air meetings.
Roosevelt Issues Statement.
Governor Roosevelt issued the follow
ing statement:
I'm view of the revival of the talk of
myself as the vice presidential candi-
date have this to say: 1t is impossible
to deeply eytress how touched am at
the attitude of those delegates who have
wished me to take this nomination.
Moreover it is not necessary to say how
thoroughly understand the high honor
and dignity of the office, an office so
high and SO honorable that it is well
worth the ambition of any man in the
United States. But while I appreciate
all this to the fullest feel most deeply
that the field Of my best usefulness to
the public and to the party is in New
York state, and if the party should see
fit to renominate me for governor 1 can
in that position help the national ticket
as in no other way. very earnestly
ask that every friend of mine in the
convention respect my wish and my
judgment in this NATTER
Though it thrust aside the crown in
words, it is regarded as virtual sur
render to the will Of the convention.
The inside history of the struggle which
preceded Roosevelt's announcements.
the secret conference of Hanna and his
friends, the joint conferences with
Roosevelt, the persuasion, appeals, en-
treaties, and even threats that were said
to have been used, will make chapter
forever memorable in convention an.
nails.
Every sort OF story was af1oat. It
was said that Hanna served notice that
Roosevelt's candidacy, although it
would have been eminently acceptable
at first, put forward as it was by the
enemies of the administration, did not
meet now with approval and that the
fight would be carried to the last ditch.
Roosevelts Boom Is Dropped.
This tip did not circulate until quite
late in the evening. but the effect was
soon apparent. There were real friends
Of Roosevelt who accepted his decision
as absolutely yoicing his wish. 1t
changed the current of talk and men
who were confident yesterday that
Roosevelt's nomination was a foregone
conclusion, began asking, "Well, who
will it be?'
The answer was generally, John D.
Lung VI 0hdSSiC1llSettS, secretary OF the
navy. OF course, there was talk of
other men. The friends of Dolliyer re-
newed their efforts for the young Iowa
orator. There was some talk about
Fairbanks, but the prevailing feeling
was that only men who were willing to
accept the place should be considered.
1t was urged that an unwilling candi-
date was not advisable, and, therefore.
the men most talked of were Long and
Dolliver, but with the general impression
that Long would be the ultimate selec-
ton, and so the stampede for Roosevelt
was checked and turned and that which
seemed so certain "a hours ago now
seems well nigh impossible, and the
men most interested believe that the
Roosevelt boom has finally been laid to
rest.
All day the delegates and the crowd
were abandoning themselves to the JOYS
OF the hour. Thirty thousand organ
lied Republicans marched through the
streets amid great enthusiasm. The
crowds oyerfiowed the sidewalks tiu