The Wisconsin tobacco reporter. (Edgerton, Wis.) 1877-1950, 1900-06-22
Photo by Bell.

lie
space, there were not more than 1000
persons in the great auditorium. But
it was astonishing how 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 woman, looking fresh and sweet
in their summer gowns. The sergeants-
alarms and the ushers had their hands
full attending to the crowds. In the
seats back of the stage were many
distinguished personages.
Enthusiasm Breaks Loose.
The leaders were slow in arriving,
and it was not until Senator Hanna
put in an appearance at 11:45 that the
enthusiasm of the thousands was un-
corked. 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 vet
eran, was Immediately recognized, an6
he, too, got cheer. Cornelius n. Bliss
of New York got a scattering of APP
plause AS he came and took his seat
with the New York delegation, and
Senator Plat of New York got pop
ular greeting. AS the hour of noon ap-
preached the delegates entered in a
solid stream and spread out over the
seats reserved for them. 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 few moments, comforting
with Secretary Dick, Senator Walcott
and others.
Ovation to Roosevelt.
At 1907 the first pronounced dem
onstration of the convention occurred.
Governor Roosevelt came in through
the main entrance and moved down the
center aisle. He wore his Rough Rider
hat and was instantly recognized. A
deep reverberating cheer greeted him.
Men jumped to their chairs to cheer
him and women fiuttered their hand
kerchiefs. 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 a cOnQuering hero. He took his
seat Immediately in the rear of Sena-
tor Platt and in front of Senator De-
pew. 'Our Chauncey." who has
aroused the admiration of many a Re-
publican convention, came in at the
same time that Roosevelt did, but the
multitude had eyes only for the hero
of San Juan.
Notable Groups.
Many notable groups could be seen
among the delegates. Immediately in
front sat Senator Fairbanks of In
diana, 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 flying Across the aisle Sena.
tor Plat, with his pearl hat tipped
back. reflected and waited. while Cor
nelius n. Bliss was earnestly assuring
Serene Payne as to some controverted
point Mr.. Odell sat with Mr.. Ouigg.
and all the New Workers kept turning
their heads to see when the broad
brimmed sombrero made it's appear
ance Governor Taylor of Kentucky
came in with Governor Bradley of that
state, the former smiling and unruf-
fled after all his turmoil. Just across
was Senator Foraker. with his hair
tossed, looking as though he had been
having hard conferences. while Cen
eral Grosvenor, looking like a, patri-
arch, paced the aisle and grasped
hands.
Convention Called to Order
w lieu tue Uduu play gu Inc Star
Spangled Banner the entire conven-
ton rose to it's feet. Chairman Han
ma then. at 1886, called the conyen-
ton to order. The prayer was then of
fered by Rev. DR.. Levy. who acted in
a similar capacity at the Republican
national convention of 1856.
AS the prayer closed, Senator Hanna
was again on his feet. and adjusting
his eye glasses, said in a resonant
voice:
1.-THE secretary of the national com
mittee will now read the call for the
convention"
AS Colonel Dick stepped forward,
call in hand, he was given a ripple of
applause. He read the formal call,
while the vast assemblage fretted for
the more vital proceedings. Senator