The Paducah sun. [volume] (Paducah, Ky.) 1898-1906, 1903-07-15
Republican State Convention
Called to Order Today,
One of the Largest Political Gather.
ings in States His.ory-All the =
Candidates Confidt mt.
THE RESULT UNCERTAIN

publican state convention was called
to order this afternoon in the auditori-
um by O. NJ. Barnett. Of the state cen
trail committee, with an immense
crowd present. II is likely no state
convention ever held in Kentucky
developed as much interest as this
one. II is one OF the largest political
gatherings ever held in Louisville, the
delegates alone numbering 2.26s. The
Auditorium is handsomely decorated
for the occasion.
Both the Belknap and the Wilson
men are busy arranging for the expect
ed contest before the credentials COM
mittee in regard to the Louisville
vote. Afidsvits are being secured
and lists OF witnesses from every ward
prepared.
Former Governor Bradley will prob
ably present the Wilson side before
the credentials committee and the
fight will doubtless be carried TO the
convention. Mr.. Wilson may ask to
be heard himself before the conven.
ton.
The Belknap men will elect Judge
George Durelle as a member of the
credentials committee from this dis
trict. Attorneys Clayton b. BlAkey
and Lafon Allen will represent the
Belknap interests.
Mr.. Wilson has issued the following
statement with reference to his atti.
tutde before the conventions:
II am informed from reliable
sources that the state central commit.
tee did not authorize the county com e.
mittee to take upon itself as much
power AS it did take. am informed
that the call as first issued by the cen
trail committee did not contain GER
tain clauses such as the county com
mittee shall have power to decide the
manner of taking the vote and certi.
flying the returns.
II am very hopeful for my pros
poets, for believe that a large part
Of the counties yet to he he ard from
will support me actively. l have en-
gagged quarters at the Louisville hotel,
where ! will be found with my
friends after noon tomorrow.
Geenral Pratt says that he feels sure
of 700 votes on the first ballot, and be.
lieves he will grow in strength with
every subsequent ballot.
The most important clause of the
platform to be adopted will be with
regard to the national administration.
II is now certain that not.only will the
national administration be indors I'D, but
that the convention will declare speci-
fically for the denomination Of Presi.
dent Roosevelt.
The Belknap leaders state that they
were strongly Of the opinion that Pres
ident Roosevelt should be Endorsed
for the denomination, and that the
Kentucky Republicans should show
how they felt on this matter. Gen.
eral Pratt expressed himself in much
the same way, and the Wilson men are
no less hearty IN their support of this
movement.
Other clauses of the platform will
relate chiefly to an arraiRnment Of
Democratic misrule, and the outlin-
ing of plans for redeeming Breathitt
county. The evil Of q too-free use of
the pardoning power by the governor
will also probably be dwelt upon.
Judge Burnam put an end to the re-
ports Of his probable candidacy by is
suing the following statement:
II am in Louisville in the interest
Of Colonel Belknap, and I will do all
can to further his chances for the
nomination. think he is decidedly
the strongest Of the three candidates
now in the race, and have always
thought so.
~ believe that to myself is due the
credit Of having first suggested to
Colonel Belknap that he become q can
didate for governor. II was at the
Laslia Oomha hanauat Qixan In fhis