The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1904-06-24
Convention Aroused to High Pitch by
Popular Congressman.
PARTY PLATFORM IS ADOPTED
One Plank Proposes Reduction Of
Representation of Certain Southern
States-Contest Over Number Of
Delegates From Hawaii.

"
Chicago, June 23.-Because Speaker
Joseph G. Cannon was the central fig
ure, the proceedings of the Republican
national convention took on pictur-
sequences and deminstrakiveness We'd
nesday which the day before was
looked for in vain. From the moment
he was escorted to the platform to
WELD the gavel as the permanent
chairman, the entire atmosphere of
the convention changed. Enthusiasm,
which had lain dormant, burst forth
and applause rang true and hearty.
He made a speech and the audience
cheered, whether he spoke jocularly or
in serious vein. He was the enter
tainer; in fact, he was the convention.
From the standpoint Of political i'm
portance the adoption of the party
platform was the event Of the day. 1t
contained declarations OF party policy
that are to form the basis of much of
the oratory in the coming campaign.
But the permanent chairman's person
atty almost overshadowed the plat
form.
The second day of the convention
might have been the close had 1t been
the desire of the assembled delegates.
Early in the day movement was in
augurated to proceed with thesnomina-
tions, but the original program, which
was prepared to extend over three
days, prevailed and the standard
bearers for the 1904 Republican cam
paign will be named formally today.
Live party enthusiasm aroused by
the hearty reception given Uncle Joe"
Cannon, as he is known from coast to
coast, spread even 10 routine business
and eliminated In a contest over the
number Of delegates TO which Hawaii
was entitled. The conflict was the
first and will doubtless be the last on
the floor Of the convention.
Tho Platform.
One Of the remarkable features con-
corning the adoption of the platform
was the fact that It has.behn the sub
ject Of administrative scrutiny and ma
tional interest for many weeks and
was accepted without q dissenting
vote.
In addition 60 the fsriff plank and
other resolutions which always have
had O prominent position in Republi-
can platforms, there were Incorporated
several clauses Of striking interest.
One Of these is a. plank looking to the
reduction of the represent of GER
tain southern states in the electoral
college and in congress. It Is built
upon what is known as the Payne res
olution offered eight years ago and the
Quay resolution OF forty Years ago, but
goes further than either. The plank
directs an investigation to ascertain
whether there have been unconstitu-
tional acknowledgements of voters in
any state, and If so demands a reduc-
ton of the representation of such
states In congress, with the conse-
quent reduction in the electoral col
lege and in national conventions. The
full significance of pledges for the con-
tinuance Of the provisions of the
Chinese exclusion act and for the fur
therance Of all legitimate efforts TO OBJ
tain for American citizens abroad,
without discrimination, the rights Of
sojourn and travel, was not appreci.
ated. when read in the convention.
Visitors were not so early about con-
vention hall Wednesday, but when Mr..
Root called the convention 20 order,
shortly after noon, the Coliseum pre-
sented a more inspiring appearance
than on the preceding day.
While delegations interchanged
ideas on the floor or sought their
seats the convention was called to or.
der abruptly by the temporary chair
man, Mr.. Root. After prayer by the
Rev. Thomas u. Cox the business of
the day began.
The announcement of the perma-
nent organization for the convention
started the continuous demonstration
which followed the introduction of
Speaker Cannon as permanent chair
man. He was escorted to the platform
by committee consisting OF Hon.
John d. Long, Senator Cullom and
Representative Burton Of Ohio The
temporary and permanent chairman
met in the center Of the stage, where
they clasped hands in cordial greet
Ing. At this moment the applause was
deafening. the convention rising to it's
feet
Speaker Cannone oratory was de.
cidedly TO the liking of the convention.
He established cordial relations even
before he had uttered word He
stood IN silence for a moment on a
tongue-like projection IN the center Of
the platform. He was pausing to
think how 20 begin. The speaker had
written his nrst speech and had tried
TO memorize a. But he did not have
the slightest intention Of following Il.
He knew the inspiration that would
oome-that had come--end he Just
wanted free land TO cut loose.
80 let us ramble awhile" That Is
what he said. And then he abandoned
himself to his 1imitless store OF pro-