The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-06-23
Assuming Rsins as Chairman He F0rgets His Set Speech
 and liVsRs Things Up
PLANK IN PLATFORM HITS
 HARD AT SOUTHERN STATES
Proposes to Cut Down Representation On Account of Disfranchisement of the Negro-An lnvestiga-
 tion Is Directed.

Chicago. June 22.-Because Speaker Joseph c. Cannon was the central figure the proceedings of the republican national convention took on a picturesaueness ana denonstrativeness which yesterday was looked for in vain. From the moment he was escorted to the platform to wield the gavel as the permanent chairment the entire atmosphere of the convention changed. Enthusiasm, which had laid dormant burst forth. and the applause rang true and hearty He made speech and the audience cheered, whether he spoke jocularly or in serious vein. He was the entertainer. in fact he was the convention.
 From the standpoint of political inn portance, the adoption of the party pat- form was the event of the day. It con tained declarations of party policy that are to form the. basis of much of the ora tory In the coming campaign. But the permanent chairman's personality almost over-shadowed the platform
 The second day of the convention might have been the close. had it been the de- slre of the assembled delegates. Early In the day movement was inaugurated to proceed with the nominations, but the original programme which was prepared To extend over three days prevailed and the standard bearer for the 1904 republi- san campaign will be named formally to- morrow.
 Uncle Joe Cannon.
 Live party enthusiasm aroused by the hearty reception given Uncle Joe" Cam non as he is known from coast to coast spread even to routine business, and cul- minated in contest over the number of delegates to which Hawaii was entitled. The conflict was the first and doubtless will be the last on the floor of the con- vention.
 The report of the committee on ere 1entials accredited two delegates to Ha- waii Senator Foraker offered an amend ment increasing the number to six dele gates. The occasion came from support ITS of a movement to limit the repre- sentation of territories and other vote less districts. It was disposed of through an amendment to the rules offered by Representative Bingham chairman of the cimmittee. He proposed that the rep resentation hereafter should be two del- egates from Hawaii, but that the six delegates already seated should not be disturbed. It was carried by a vote of 497 to 490.
 The report of the committee on ere dentals interested the convention only so far as it dealt with the Wisconsin situa- tion. Senator McComas of Maryland. chairman of the committee. read report ( took the delegates into the conference of the committee and explained in detail that a thorough canvass was made into the merits of the contest, despite the fact that the contestants had withdrawn their claims on the ground that fair treat mcnt could not be had.
 Inquiry Was Exhaustive.
 He said the imputation was directed at the convention itself and though resented deeply by the committee the inquiry was exhaustive and patent. The report closed with declaration that the ''stalwart faction, led by Senators Spooner and Quarelss Representative Babcock and Judge Emil Baensch, the four delegates at large, is the regular republican party in Wisconsin. This national endorsement of the faction headed by the two United States from that state evoked prolonged applause.
 One of the remarkable features con- cerning the adoption of the platform was the fact that it has been the subject of administrative scrutiny and national in- terest for many weeks, and was accepted without disstenting vote.
 In addition of the tariff plank and other resolutions which always have a prom lnent position in republican platforms there was incorporated several clauses of striking interest. One of these Is plank working to the reduction of the repre- sentation of certain southern states in the electoral college, and in congress- It Is built upon what is known as the Payne resolution" offered eight years ago, and the Quay resolution offered four years ago, but does further than either.
 Demands Reduction.
 The plank directs an investigation to ascertain whether there have been uncon- stitutional disfranchisements of voters in any state. and If so, demands a reduc- ton of the representation of such states in congress. with the consequent reduc tion in the electoral college and in nat ional conventions. The full significanoa of pledges for the continuance of the provisions of the Chinese exclusion act and for the furtherance of all legitimate efforts to obtain for American citizens abroad without discrimination the rights of sojourners and travel was not appre- ciated when read to the convention
  Speaker Cannon, announced that he would wield the gavel in that body for many years to come, the scene that fol- lowed was inspiring. Flags waved, hats were thrown into the afr delegates jumped to their feet and then to their chairs, shouting wildly, loudly and con tnuously
 Cannon Makes Hit.
 Speaker Caanons oratory was decidedly to the liking of the convention. He estab- lished cordial relations even before he had uttered a word. He stood in silence for a moment on tongue-ike projec- ton in the center of the platform. His face fascinated. It expressed abundant humor strangely blended with virile pusnacity. He was pausing to think how to- begin. His thoughts were pictured on his. face They were pleasant. they were inspiring. Instinct, ely he drew himself