The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-07-17
ENDORSE ROOSEVELT
FOR 1904,
Ky. Republican Convention
Almost Stampedes to Ex-
Gov. Bradley.
(By the Associated Press.)

Louisville, July 15.-Spectacular in the
extreme was the opening session of the
Kentucky Republican Convention at the
auditorium this afternoon and the situa-
ton is full of possibilities for more in
teresting events. The two salient features
of the afternoon session were first, an en-
dorsement of President Rooseyelt's cam
didacy in 1904, and second, almost STAN
pede to former Governor William O..
Bradley, who is not an announced can
dldate for governor.
Chairman Barnett announced that the
State Central Committee would waive its
right arbitrarily to name a temporary
chairman and called for nominations
Major William c. Owens was named by
the Belknap forcess while Charles Blan-
ford received large part of the combined
strength of the Wilson and Pratt forces
he result was a vote of 1871 to 675 in
favor of Owens. This vote cast in the con
test for governor would enable Belknap
to win, even should he lose the contested
Louisville delegation 249 votes.
1t had been openly charged during the
day that fight would be made against
endorsement by the committee OF Roose-
yelt's candidacy. This state of affairs was
charged to former Collector of Internal
Revenue Charles E. Sapp and former
United States Senator Dehoe, who led the
Belknap forces and organized the conven-
ton. The resolution endorsing President
Roosevelt was read by Governor Bradley
without having first obtained consent, but
it was unanimously adopted by a risiB.;
vote, every delegate springing to his feet
oh tolxy ax,1 Mr..
Bradley was given tremendous ovation.
Governor Bradleys speech following
the presentation of the Roosevelt resolr-
ton was impromptu. His remarks were of
the rough and ready sort best adapted
to the floor of a convention and took the
delegation by storm. He said the Repuh-
lican party was always for the country
and today, it was, In fact, the country
He said the Democracy was merely organ
lied opposition and that IT had been forced
to make an appeal to government by IN
junction in order to govern itself in old
Kentucky He then scored the Democratic
administration for its alleged financial
acknowledgement of the States affairs.
AS Governor Bradley returned to his
seat among the delegates in the Eighth
district the convention rose and cheered
ulIu lOT Iully i've Ill0uLcS- uC
tried in vain to restore order. The former
Governor was finally forced to return to
the stand.
Speaking briefly, he begged for order
and thanked the delegates for their APP
plause.
After an hour Of steadily growing ex
citement the convention suddenly adjourn
ed until o'clock tonight.
The report of the Committee on Gre
dentials. it was announced at the night
session, would not be ready tonight and
adjournment was taken until 8 O'Clock
tomorrow morning. While waiting for
news of what the committee would do
the delegates called necessarily for Brad
ley, showing that the effects of the out
burst of the afternoon had not been dis
sipated.
Commissioner of Internal Revenue
Yerkes made speech during the evening
indicating his preference for Belknap.
A ballot in the race for governor may
not be reached until tomorrow afternoon.
Louisville, KY, July 15.-Former Gov
ernor Bradley stated at midnight that he
was not a candidate for the Governorship
of Kentucky. and that he was not seek
ing the nomination. When asked if he
was not a receptive candidate he re-
piled that he was not.