The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-07-16
CONVENTION IS
 SPECTACULAR Kentucky Republicans Start Up
 Fireworks at Opening ROOSEVELT IS ENDORSED 
Sudden Turn of Affairs Catches Lead CTS Napping-stampede for For mer Gov. Bradley Leaves 6elk-
 nap Forces 6ewildered.

Louisville July 15.-spectacular in the extreme was the opening session of the Kentucky republican state convention. which began at the Auditorium this af- ternoon, and the situation Is full of pos abilities for more pyroteehnics before adjournment is taken The salient feat- ures of the afternoon gathering were an endorsement of President Roosevelts can- didacy in 1904, which upset the calcula- tions of several shrewd leaders, who, it is charged. were figuring on ignoring that point in the platform resolutions, and what amounted almost to a stampede to former Governor w. O. Bradley, who is not an announced candidate. after Col. Morris B. Belnap had on test vote for temporary chairman, apparently shown that he could win hands down on the first ballot.
 The convention was called to order at 225 o'clock this afternoon by State Chair man Barnett who announced the chief business before the convention to be the nomination of a full state ticket.
 There are three candidates for gover- nor-Col Morris B. Bellxnap, a Louisville wholesale merchant; Hon. Augustus E. Wilson, Louisville lawyer, and Attor- ney General Clifton J. Pratt, the only man on the ticket in 1899 to secure his office after a bitter legal contest.
 Owens Made Chairman.
 Chairman Barnett announced that the state central committee would waive it's right to arbitrarily name the temporary chairman and called for nominations Maj. c W. Owens was named by the Bel knap forces, while Charles Blanford re- ceived a large part of the combined strength of the Pratt and Wilson forces The result was vote of 1571 to 675 in favor of Owens This vote cast in the contest for governor would enable Bel knap to win, even should he lose the contested Louisville delegation of 249 votes.
 The committees on credentials, rules and order of businss, permanent organizations and resolutions were then announced.
 Tn announcing the names of committee on resolutions Chairman Owens called att tention to the rule that all resolutions must be offered the committee without be- ing read, unless unanimous consent should be obtained for promulgating them on the floor of the convention.
 Roosevelt Endorsed.
 It had been openly charged during the day that fight would be made against endorsement by the committee of Roose- velt's candidacy. This state of affairs was charged to former Collector of In ternal Revenue Charles E. Sapp, and former United States Senator Deboe. who led the banner and organized the forces. Immediately after the committees were an nounced former Governor Bradley took the floor and offered the following resolu- ton:
 Resolved, That we, the republicans of Kentucky, express our heartfelt approval and admiration of the administration of Theodore Roosevelt and that we heartily endorse him for the republican nomina- ton for president in 1904."
 The resolution was read by Governor Bradley without having first obtained consent. but 1t was unanimously adopted by rising vote every delegate springing to his feet and cheering
 Enthusiasm for Bradley.
 Immediately afterward Mir. Bradley was given a tremendous ovation. After five minutes uninterrupted cheering he con- scented to take the stage and spoke. The pitch of his remarks was an appeal for honest elections and honest convictions. and he referred indirectly to the contest over the Louisville delegation by pleading that the delegates nominate a man whose methods had been fair and honest and one who could command united support. The speech was powerfully delivered and there immediately began what threatened to become stampede to Bradley. Hun drds of delegates gathered around Brad ley and admonished him that he was the IL l- -T-I ture he had himself drawn
 If Bradley had been placed in nomina- ton then he would have received an al- most unanimous vote on the assumption that this nomination would wipe out any bitterness caused by the Louisville con test. MT Bradley has been supporting Hon. A. E. Wilson who is contesting the entire Louisville delegation to whom certificates were given by men at the head of the local party machinery.
 After half an hour of steadily growing excitement the convention was suddenly adjourned until o'clock tonight.
 Night Session.
 At the opening of the night session the committee on rules reported on creden- tials, permanent organization. resolutions and nominations. The proceedings then came to halt while the convention wait ed for the report of the committee on credentials. The delegates called inces- sanity for Bradley, showing that the ef- fects of the outburst of the afternoon had not been dissipated. The Bradley sentiment. so suddenly but strongly de- veloped. unsettled the calculations of the politicians and silenced predictions as to the outcome. Commissioner of Internal Revenue Yerkes made a speech indicat- Ing his preference for Belknap.
 The report of the committee, 1t was an- nounced, would not be ready tonight and adjournment was taken until clock to- morrow. Delay was caused by the con test over the Louisville delegation, the Wilson forces developing strength in the committee. Until this committee reports no business can be transacted and bal lot on the race for governor may not be reached until tomorrow afternoon.
 Former Governor Bradley stated at mid night that he was not a candidate for the governorship of Kentucky and that he was not seeking the nominations He was asked if he was not receptive candi- date and his reply was that he was not.
 It was then suggested that tomorrow's convention might bring repetition of to- days stampede. and the governor was asked If he would not. under pressure. ac- cept the nomination.
 Nonsense" said the governor. There will be no stampede.'