The Washington times., 1903-12-13
PittSburg and St. Louis
Defeated by Their
Windy City Rival.
SENTIMENT LAID ASIDE
Argument That Pittsburg Is
Birthplace of the Party
AvailS Nothing.
THE PLACE: CHICAGO.
THE TIME: JUNE Al, 1904.

THE TINE: JUNE 2I, 1904
Such was the decision Of the Repub-
lican National Committee yesterday
afternoon with respect to the holding
Of the next national convention Of that
party. The result was by no means
surprise, but II was a source OF as much
qualification to the members of the
Hamilton Club and other boomers from
the city by the lake as II the decision
to meet in Chicago had not been a fore
gone conclusion several days ago.
The vote by which the committee de-
cided to take the big meeting to Chi
cago showed that the sentiment In favor
Of that city was overwhelming. The
surprise was that but a single vote
was cast for st. Louis, and that came
from National Committeeman Kerens of
Missouri. The general belief that the
Mound City will be crowded to its
utmost capacity with visitors to the
Louisiana Purchase Exposition next
year precluded its serious consideration
as convention city despite it's offer
Of bonus Of $40. 900 10 the national COM
mittee.
Chicago came without definite offer
in the form of a sealed proposal" in
writing. as Senator Hanna designated
II. but when St Louis put in it's bid in
the shape Of a guarantee, National
Committeeman Stewart made the YER
bal statement that Chicago would give
f75.0o0, which he would personally guar
antee. At the suggestion Of Senator
Hanna this proposition was placed in
writing. Notwithstanding the fact that
Pittsburg. through Senator Penrose
raised the bid to 100000 in cold cash. the
Smoky City. which claimed the right TO
hold the convention by reason OF the
fact that the Republican party was born
there fifty years ago, failed to capture
the prize.
Result Not Unexpected.
The vote. which was by written ballot.
showed the following result: For Chi
csgo. 43; for Pittsburg. 4; for St Louis.
!. The Chicago crowd accepted the de-
c.sion as a matter OF fact. so confident
had they been from the start, but they
were joyous to a high degree. The
Pittsburgers were disappointed. for they
had labored under the belief that with
their entrance fee" OF 800 900, as Sena-
tor PenrOSe frankly characterized the
guarantee. and $500. 600 as easily IL that
e not enough" would win for them
The St. Louis delegation. which included
ex-Mayor Walbridge. ex-Representative
Nathan Frank. President Francis of the
Louisiana Purchase Exposition. Secre-
tary Walter b. Stevens. and a dozen
others. was deeply chagrined because of
the poor showing made by the exposI-
ton city, particularly as they had inti-
mated that IL the convention went to ST.
Louis there might be some hope Of car
rying Missouri for the Republican ticket
next year.
Once the decision as 20 the convention
10 determine the date. Chicago had won
easily In the matter of selecting a loca-
tion. and her wish TO have the meeting
held on June p was gratifed. Some OF
tho committeeman thought that June Il
was the proper time. but Committeeman
Stewart stated that 1t was Chicago's de-
sire to have the convention meet on
June q. and again Chicago got what
she wanted.
The committee met at 1920 yesterday
morning.
Porto Rican Republicans.
The first business taken up for con-
sideration was the matter Of the ad-
mission of the Porto Rican Republican
party, whatever that may be-" said
Chairman Hannl. to representation il
the committee and in the national con
vention.
Secretary Heath read two cOmmunica
ton One was from Mayor Todd. Of Sal
Juan. p. r.. representing the Republi
can party OF the island. and the othe
from Santiago Palma Of the American
Federal party. both OF which claim L
be the only genuine Simon pure Re
publican article" on the island
I'VE have with us today" said Sena
tor Hanna. two distinguished mel
from Porto Rico. It is my purpose tc
let them put their own case. which f
an application for recognition"
Mayor Todd and Jose Brioso present
ed the claims OF their party. dwelling
particularly on its political supremac.
and it's pro-American tendencies.
Status Uncertain.
I'VE don't want 70 formulate the poll
cies Of the great national party" said
Mayor Todd. but we do want to bs
classed in membership with that party
''Ho are called citizens OF Porto Rico
We c)n't know exactly what we are
but ~e know what we want to be- W.
want to be American citizens Applause
and we want 10 be members Of the Re
publican party" Renewed appiausel
Mayor Todd said that the Republican
party OF Porto Rico cast two-thirds o.
the registered vote at the last election
A Bit Strenuous.
Mr.. Brfoso created a laugh and ar
plause by saying that whether or nc
they were admitted 20 the national con
vention they we're coming anyhow.
decision in regard TO the matter q
the admission Of the Porto Rico Reput