Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-10-02
Annual Convention Begins in
Chicago Today.
ABOUT 400 DELEGATES
ABSENCE KEPT
Many OTHERS AWAY.
President Isaac Miller Hamilton Re.
views the Work and Prospects
Of the League.

CHICAGO. October 1.-The annual con-
venticn of the National Republican League
was called to order in the LIST Regiment
armory here today, with about 100 dele
gates present, representing the auxiliary
leagues Of the various states. This number
Is less than half the attendance which had
been expected before the Illness of Presi-
dent Roosevelt, whose presence had been
assured.
The program calls for four business ses-
sions today and tomorrow and mass meet
ings tonight and tomorrow night, the chief
speaker for tonight being Senator Dolliver
Of Iowa, and Senator Beverage of Indiana
will speak at the meeting tomorrow even
ing. Gen. Grosvenor Of Ohio will share the
honors of the Indiana senator at the con-
Guiding meeting.
monty admitted that the nomination Of
President Roosevelt in 1904 would be in
dorsed. In fact, it was only about this
matter that certain predictions were made.
Whether the Iowa delegation would seek
to have its ideas on tariff revision Endorsed: ;
whether the league has the constitutional
right to concern itself with state platforms
and the matter of a successor to the retfr
ing president. Isaac Miller Hamilton, were
questions over which the delegates ex-
pected debate when Mr.. Hamilton raped
for order.
Candidates for League Offices.
Among the candidates for the league pres
idency were mentioned J. H. Moore OF
Pennsylvania; Sid B. Redding Of Little
Rock, Ark; Richard Woods of Sioux Falls,
S. D., and Shirley E. Johnson Of Kentucky.
The feature of the mornings session after
the address of welcome by Roy o. West of
the state central committee was the ad
dress Of President Hamilton.
Mr.. Hamilton said. in part: Composed,
as our organization is. of the younger men
of our party, in large part of business and
professional men, who are not Office hold
ers, 1t exerts very great deal Of influence
In circles not usually reached by the inf1u-
ence Of the average politician. Our organ
ization Is now entirely out of debt. all of
the expenses Of the current administration
have been paid in full and at the close of
the present convention there will remain In
the hands Of the treasurer a substantial
nest egg for the incoming administration.
These results have not been accomplish
ed without great effort, and your officers
have received efficient assistance in this be-
workers. and particularly from ex-Presi-
dent George Stone of California, from the
national republican committee. the con-
gressional republican committee.
Opposed to Salaried Secretary.
MY experience leads me to believe that
our secretary should not be salaried
officer; that he should be a man selected
because Of his ability and standing rather
than one who is ambitious to receive COM
pensation for his services.
Il think our executive committee should
empower our president to appoint such as
slstant secretaries as in his judgment are
necessary, and that the executive commit
tee should authorize the opening Of perma-
nent headquarters at the home of the presi-
-oPk h.
reason why the influence of the league
should increase. There are many men will
ling and anxious to be identified with the
best interests of the republican party, men
who are willing and anxious to keep closely
In touch with the teachings Of our party.
MANY Of them have no present desire to
hold office, but they like to attend the meet
ings OF our committees, our state and ma
tional conventions. to become personally
acquainted with our public men, the men
who are responsible for framing the pol
lcles OF our party and government. and to
take home to their respective localities the
enthusiasm and knowledge which they ac-
quire by attending these various meetings.
The leagues mission Is just beginning in
this respect to be thoroughly understood
and appreciated, and / predict that its in
fuence from this time forth will greatly
and constantly enhance"
Telegram From President.
Mr.. Hamiltons address was applauded
and he was given a vote Of thanks for his
administration of the leagues affairs. The
following message, received from President
Roosevelt, was read by Secretary Weeks:
WHITE HOUSE, WASHINGTON, D. c..
October /, 1902
Isaac Miller Hamilton, President National
Republican League, Chicago:
with the opening of the national conven-
ton please present to those present my cor
dial greetings and hearty best wishes for
successful session.
(Signed3 THEODORE ROOSEVELT"
The Presidents name was cheered heart
lily.
The following was sent by President Ham
ilton in response:
CHICAGO. October 2, 1902.
Hon. Theodore Roosevelt, Washington,
D. c.:
by instruction of the National Republi-
can League, assembled in its thirteenth con-
vention, l thank you profoundly for your
greetings and extend to you the most cor
dial assurance of loyal support and hearth
est wishes for your early return to your &C
customed strength and activity.
ISAAC MILLER HAMILTON,
president"
A committee on credentials, headed by F.
W. F1eitz, was then appointed. A resolu-
ton providing that resolutions be referred
to the resolutions committee without read
ing was passed, after which a recess of f1f-
teen minutes was taken SO the various
states could appoint members to the resolu-