The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-06-24

NIIdltSOS
turbing element to impede opera
ton, the first days programme for
the Republican national convention
was carried off like clock work. Not
q Earring sound was heard, not a
false step AIKEN. 1t was an assem-
bly, of non-combative delegates, which
carried into effect, without n thun-
derous demonstration usually atten-
dsnt upon political conventions, a
purpose tina had been clearly defined.
An organization was perfected pre-
paratory to the adoption of a platform
and the making of nominations in the
succeeding days of the convention.
From the quiet. yet unmistakable
enthusiasm provoked by a
Fairbanks arrival at the Coliseum,
his nomination for vice-president is
but little less assured than the nom-
ination of Theodore Roosevelt for
President.
The key note to the campaign OF
1904 was sounded by Hon. Elihu Root
in his speech as temporary chairman.
His address was a review of the &C
accomplishments of the present admin
istratiol and Il defense of RepubH-
can policies in general. When that
!. had peer delivered. n the various
working committees despatched to
their 1abors. the result Of the first
days session was complete.
Little Enthusiasm Displayed.
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 spec
tators to warm to the spirit Of the
occasion. Mention of President
Roosevelt was responded to with
hearty, though not prolonged, ap-
plause. The lack of contest eIiminat-
ed the necessity for enthusiastic dis
play of feeling, and the mild cheering
and rather ~listless hand-clapping,
TALLY to national figures, was all,
probably, that could be expected un-
der these circumstances.
Great Lack of Public Interest.
The lack of public interest in the
convention was evidenced by the large
number of spectators seats vacant
Seats at former Republican nven
tiOns usually brought a premium. To
day spectators offered them, but
there We're few takers, and as the
hour approached for the convention
to assemble. they sold for a song. a
Wilderness of vacant SeatS was in
the gallery, and on the m~ezzanine
floor, where not more than two-thirdS
of the chairs were occupied, h
first floor was we'll filled. The pic
ture was one of good order, where
Or nfC-af IA N n nd nn1iRaTnan MORO
not needed.
Sixty Pictures of Roosevelt.
From a decorative point of view,
the Coliseum was a success. N
architecture of the imposing struc-
ture is peculiarly adapted to the in
, terror dress given it. Flags and
bunting were used p~rofusely, but in
good taste. Foliage and palms soft
ened the general color scheme and
formed a setting for sixty large en-
cravings of PresideDIRoosevelt, used
in f~estooning the national colors
above the galleries and ranging en-
tirely around the hall The browning
feature of the decorations, is a paint
ing of the late Senator Hanna, which
hangs directly owe the platform, and
occupies the most conspicuous posi-
ton in the Coliseum. Something of
the magnitude Of this painting may
be realized when it is said that its
Surface is as great in square feet as
the combined surface of the sixty
large pictures Of the President. Pres
ident Roosevelt, however, was as
prominently shown to the delegates
in a heroic painting, spectacularly
unveiled on the chairman's platform
at the conclusion of Mr.. Roots speech,
a climax that brought a prolonged
outburst Of enthusiasm.
Today's programme Of the conve1-
ton was not of a nature to attract
more than ordinary interest. The
matter of greatest importance was the
presenting to the convention of the
proposition to admit the delegations
from the Philippine Islands ana Por-
to Rico. Mr.. Root asked for a ruling
on the question of calling the names
Of the new possessions in the roll
for[the naming of members of the
various committees The convention
ordered the seating and recognition
of six delegates from the Philippines,
with two votes, and two delegates
Porto Rico.
One Woman Delegate.
In the convention hall today there