Mower County transcript., 1904-06-29
ROOT MAKES AN ADDRESS
PRINCIPAL FEATURE OF FIRST
DAYS SESSION OF THE
CONVENTION.

Chicago, June 22-Without disturb
Ing element to impede smooth opera
tion, the first days programme for the
Republican national convention, the
thirteenth in the party's history, was
carried out like clockwork. Not a
Earring sound was heard, not a false
step taken. 1t was an assembly of non
combative delegates which carried in
to effect, without the thunderous
demonstration usually attendant upon
political conventions, a purpose that
had been clearly defined.
An organization was perfected pre-
paratory to the adoption of platform
and the making nominations on the
succeeding days of the convention.
From the enthusiasm provoked by
Senator Fairbanks arrival at the Coli
scum, his nomination for vice presi-
dent is little less assured than the
nomination of Theodore Roosevelt for
president.
The keynote to the campaign of
1904 was sounded by Elihu Root in his
speech as temporary chairman His
address was review of the accom-
plishments of the present administra-
tion and a defense of Republican
policies in general. When that had
been delivered and the various work
ing committees dispatched to their
labOrs, the business of the first days
session was completed.
Another picture was presented by
the opening day SO different from the
customary convention scene as to at
tract marked attention. 1t was the
failure of the delegates and the specta-
tors to warm up to the spirit of the oc-
casion. Mention of President Roose-
vent was responded to with hearty,
though not prolonged, applause. The
lack of contest eliminated the neces-
sity for enthusiastic display Of feeling
and the mild cheering and rather list
less handclapping, which were the
greeting given 1mpartially TO national
figures Of the party. was all, probably.
that could be- expected under tho eir-
cu1hstances.
LACK Of PUBLIC INTEREST
SHOWN BN VACANT 1EAT0.
The lack OF public interest in the
convention was evidenced BY tho large
number Of vacant seats in the gallery
and On the mezzaine floor, where not
more than two-thirds Of the chairs
were occupied. The first floor was
we'll filed.
At former Republican conventions
seats brought premium, but Monday
spectators sold them for a song.
State pride figured strongly in the
convention. Each state had it's
friends in the galleries, whence shower
ed plaudits on the great men as they
entered the Coliseum. The first "big
man" to arrive was Senator Allison.
The Iowa contingent cheered it's vel
come and this was taken up by sur
rounding visitors, who recognized the
Iowa statesman. Senator Depew, Sena-
tor Cullom, Speaker Cannon, General
Grosvenor, Elihu Root, Chairman
Payne Senator Penrose, Senator
Scott, Frank T. Black and other early
arrivals received their share of ap-
plause. The floor filled with delegates
so rapidly that many prominent fig
ures slipped in unnoticed. Among
these was Senator Lodge, who is ac-
credited with having a more Intimate
knowledge of what the convention is
doing than any other man. "t%
There was some difficulty experience.
ed in seating the delegates and it was
1876 p. m. when Chairman Payne
called the convention to order After
prayer by Rev. j. p: Frost. the Arst
speech at the convention was made
by Senator Scott, who informally nre.
sented to Ghairrpan Payne a beautiful
gavel, the gift Of the Chicago citizens
committee. Mr.. Payne expressed ap-
probation of the. gift and then called
"a Secretary Elmer Dover to read the
call OF the convention. s.$ :$$Es7s 7
NAME OF SENATOR HANNA
EvoKEs GREAT APPLAUSE.
Mr.. Dover delegated Mr.. Malloy Of
Ohio. one OF the reading clerks to do
the reading When he reached the
signature of the call, u M. "a. Hanna z
the convention broke into spontaneous
applause and cheering 81 rs. S;f fEfs