The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1904-06-21

their rules. Some were anti-Roose.
velt, and in their eyes the president
was a political accident. who had to
be given the nomination by force Of
circumstances. They threw cold water
whenever the Roosevelt sentiment ap-
peared. They ignored the president
in the convention arrangements and
had not thought of him in planning
the decorations. Most important Of
all, they decided that one of their
own selection should be the new
chairman Of the national committee
and the leader of the party. Then
1t was the presidents friends on the
ground made a determined stand by
insisting that Cortelyou should have
their guns until the army of dele
gates began to flock in Sunday night.
Roosevelt the Leader.
Monday the entire force arrived
and the old guard machine was rout-
ed. Talk to one of them today, and
you get a meek statement that Cor
telyou will be chairman. They are
for him. They have heard from the
, little fellows who represent the dis
tricts and who are direct from the
people. They find a mighty senti-
ment among the mass of republicans
In favor of Roosevelt. The last of
the old organization to be displaced
on the national committee by new
men include Kerens of Missouri,
Sheldon of New York, Stewart of
Illinois and Hawley of Texas. The
old machine has been shattered.
Roosevelt is the leader His picture
now hangs in public places and looks
forth from the myriad badges. His
name figures in the conversation of
groups of men and brings cheers
from the crowd.
Hall Decorations.
The convention hall presented a
brilliant scene this morning. Hang
ing as a sort of canopy above the
single gallery was a long festooned
strip of red, white and blue bunt-
ing stretched from end to end and
on each side of the vast amphithe-
ater. From each point where the
bunting was caught up was suspend
ed large hanging basket filled with
graceful ferns. Above every second
one there was a tastefully arranged
group Of five American flags, in the
bosom Of whose folds reposed a pic
ttlre of President Roosevelt. Be-
tween these stands of flags boughs
of trees were placed, the green foli-
age affording a pleasant relief to
the eye.
On the steel girders on their way
to the roof were entwined green foli-
age and each girder bore another por-
trait of the president. In the south
end of the hall on a temporary stand
the First regiment band held forth.
At the north end was strung a large
placard announcing that under this
banner both Harrison and Mckinley
had been twice nominated.
! An immense oil painting of the
late Mark Hanna. lighted from above
by electricity and draped with flags.
was suspended directly over the
SPEAKERS platform. whose furniture
was of dark Flemish oak with the ex-
cepAion Of the chair and desk of the
presiding officer. which was of ma
hogany.
Vice Chairman Payne was supplied
with two gavels, one a great mallet
three inches in diameter and six
inches long. a storm gaveL" The
other was for ordinary conditions and
was a handsome little affair of rose
wood A similar gavel was provided
for Temporary Chairman Root.
Delegates Arrive slowly.
The officers of the convention made
their appearance on the platform at
1890 while very few people were in
the hall. About IL o'clock the Coli
scum began to fill, among the earliest
arrivals being four women alternates
from Idaho, Utah and Colorado. A
half hour later not more than SO
delegates were In their seats.
The first full delegation to appear
was Delaware under Addicks' leader
ship. The Oklahoma men, with SOM
breros, came next. Great applause
from the gallery greeted the advent
of a party of Iowans with Senator
Allison at their head.
Senators Depew and Cullom were
the recipients of great applause.
which was doubled few minutes
later when Uncle Joe Cannon entered
with Cornelius Bliss.
At l1:45 Postma ster General Payne,
presiding officer. made his way to
the platform, accompanied by Tenn
porary Chairman Root. Every one
In the hall Joined in the greeting.
Delegates now came in droves and
IN % minutes nearly all were pres
ent but the galleries were not half
full Few ladies were present as
compared with previous conventions.
The first real enthusiasm came
when Fairbanks with the Indiana
delegation entered the hall. People
A,rrahed and clapped. but IL was all
over in a few seconds and quiet
reigned again.