New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-06-22
STORY OF CONVENTION.
Roots Speech the Feature-Great
Enthusiasm for RoOseTeH.
TRY TELEGRAPH To THE TRIBUxE.I

Try TELEGRAPH THE TRIBUNE.l
Chicago. June 21.-The story OF to-days ses-
sion of the Republican National Convention is
plain and simple one. There was neither fire
works nor frenzy Nothing had occurred to work
up preliminary excitement among the delegates.
and consequently they were sober and un-
hystercaI But it would be doing violence 10
the truth TO say that they were indifferent or
perfunctory in their manner. The contrary was
shown all through Elihu Roots speech. When
he touched on the attitude of the administration
toward the trusts there was an immediate mani
festatioH of interest all over the big hall. and
applause deep. emphatic and significant, followed
his declaration
No investment in lawful business has been
jeCpardized, fair and honest enterprise has
been injured. but il is certain that wherever
the constitutional power of the national gov
ernnent reaches trusts being practically
regulated and curbed within lawful bounds as
they never have been before, and the men OF
small capital are finding in the efficiency and
skill of the National Department of Justice
protection they never had before against the
crushing effect of unlawful combinations
There was more applause when Mr. Root. after
reviewing the Republican record, asked in
solemn and bell voiced tones whether the Amer
lean people proposed TO reverse the policies
which had Injured to the glory and benefit of the
country or transfer their guardianship to un-
known and, perchance, feeble hands.
The mention of the names of Mckinley and
Hanna evoked a spontaneous outburst of cheer
ing from both delegates and spectators. and
there was a magnificent tribute given To both
President Roosevelt and Mr.. Root when the lat
ter closed his eloquent peroraton with these
words:
Come what may here. come what may In No
vember. God grant that those qualities of brave,
true manhood shall have honor throughout
America shall be held for example in every
home, and that the youth OF generations TO
come may grow up to feel that il is better than
wealth or office power 10 have the honesty,
the purity and the courage of Theodore Roose-
welt.
There was only opinion about Mr. Roots
speech Everywhere there was praise FOR it.
and the words of eulogstic comment were un-
stinted
The weather indications this morning were
disturbing There was a suggestion of rain I'm
the air and the sun had a struggle with clouds
banked up over the lake. Fresh breezes from
the northeast cooled the temperature. but in
doors. out of reach of the breeze. the day was
hot.
EARLY SCENES IN THE HALL.
The five acres OF seats under the arches of the
Coliseum began to fill by 1880 O'Clock. Black
dots appeared in the emptiness. the advance
guard Of that huge assemblage which presently
had for two days eddIed around fifty State or
Territorial headquarters centred on those five
steel covered acres. or. rather. that frag
meut of on acre of delegates chairs painted
green in front of a crimson Carpeted rostrum set
with Flemish oak furniture The table was
solid piece fit 10 stand heavy blows
AS thin lines of delegates and other ticket
holders entered through many doors the watch
ers outside grew into a multitude. and some
hearts burned over fruitless plannings for ad-
mission But most of those outside satis-
fed with the mild thrill of being in the neighbor-
hood Of where large things to be done for
the first session Of the national convention was
an imposing fact.
The Coliseum Is not yet historic. 1t has a
place for roller skating, balls and the circus yet
old convention hands thought it the best pro-
portioned and arranged convention hall In the
United States. The outside walls are Of stone.
with castellated turrets, the first impression
was that of a city armOry. Inside. the wide
concaves Of steel if black. would make the place
look like a railway station; but. as they are
white relieved by stands OF flags. the effect was
pleasing The first mental effort after looking
at the immensity of seats TO estimate the
total 1t turned out TO be about $500 numbered
places. including the bank of 800 rising behind
the chairman. Above this terrace of seats hung
the colossal portrait of Senator Hanna on u