The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-06-21

gent system of criminal law against % N peonage. . Chicago, June 20.-With the time occu- pied in caucuses of state delegations with few exceptions were mere ratification meetings held to approve state conven- lion programmes, the day preceding the opening of the republican national con vention has been the quietest ever known as the forerunner of similar gatherings Senators and representatives in congress were as thick on the streets and in the hotel Hobbies as they are in the national capital when a particularly uneventful or dry debate is in progress in congress. Figures prominent in political strife of former national conventions were every where. They mingled with delegates and others not on the inside. talking of any thing which promised even momentary interest.
 When the leaders reached Chicago a few days ago, they found nothing for them to do The programme for the con- vention was mapped out weeks ago. and there was a full realization that it was unalterable.
 The principal diversions were offered by the caucuses of the Illinois, Iowa and Washington delegates. Governor Cum mings presented to the Hawk Eye dele gation the Iowa idea in an entirely new dress. It was in the form of a plank setting forth the idea" as declaration for reciprocity and reduction of tariff schedules. It was rejected by the delega- tlon, and this sounded its death knell so far as the present convention is concern ed
 Senator CuIlom Wins Out.
 In the Illinois caucus, the contest was for craftsmanship of the delegation. Sena- tor Cullom was opposed by the Governor Yates faction, but won out handily. It Is conceded that his defeat would have prevented his reelection to the senate.
 In the Washington caucus Senator A. N. Kenny was elected national commit teeman against the combined opposition of former Committeeman James A. Ash ton and J. s. McMillan, both of whom were candidates for the position.
 What has been popularly termed the Indiana puzzle was one of the features of the day. The members of the delegation from the Hooser state met to determine their course In regard to the boom for Senator Fairbanks for the vice presi- dency. Senator Fairbanks attended the meeting and addressed the delegates. He talked for fifteen minutes, the meeting adjourning, and the delegation was no wiser concerning his wishes beyond a reiteration of his statement that he did not desire his state to present his name for the vice presidency.
 Contests Quickly Settled.
 Contests worthy of the name are utterly lacking The fight between the Lafollett and .'stalwart factions" in Wisconsin, the contest between Addicks and the anti Addicks faction in Delaware, the lilly white and the black and tan" factions of the southern states, were disposed of with so much dispatch that they failed to furnish the gossip necessary to an in- teresting convention.
 About all that was left to feed the cray ing of delegates for excitement and fur nish topic of conversation was the ques- ton of how long Senator Fairbanks in- scrutible silence would continue.
 Emphatic for Protection.
 The men who are to examine the plat form which has been in the possession of Senator Lodge for several days have been selected by the various state dele gations, and there is practically no doubt that the declaration for protection will
 
 little comfort for the tariff reyisionists. A pledge to make changes in schedules when such changes are necessary is the only concession that will be made by the stand patters." Possibly the wording of the platform may be changed and those who have been talking revision will use the word revised to express the idea that is to be conveyed, but even this ia considered doubtful. The majority are against having anything like a general revision of the tariff suggested and will contend for the words changes in tarfff schedules" when conditions make it nec- essary' as ample to cover all that is in- tended by the republican party.
 Senator Hansbrough. who intends to offer a provision for a revision declara- ton. has not received much support Only Oregon seems to have approved the re- vision idea. his own state delegation re- fusfng to give him support. Oregon also declared against a ship subsidy. but 1t is not intended to make the declaration for the improvement of the merchant marine endorse any particular plan. Various plans are now being considered by the joint congressional commission, and the platform will not attempt to anticipate the committees work
 Anti-PoIygamy Resolution.
 Some interest was displayed during the day in the effort that is being made to secure the incorporation of an anti-po- lveamy resolution in the platform. It Is heinz urged especially by the various women's organizations that have been so serious in their fight to unseat Senator ernoot One prominent man who Is a