The Washington times., 1904-06-18

CHICAGO, June 18Th opening SeS-
sion Of the thirteenth convention of the
Republican party will be called to or
der at noon. June q. in the Coliseum
Building. Wabash Avenue and Eight
zenith Street. by Henry c. Payne. vice
chairman Of the Republican National
Committee. and Postmaster General.
Probably not since the days of Wash
ington and Grant has a body Of men
having to do with the selection of the
governing power Of this nation met un-
der what might be called such unani-
nous conditions as to a proposed ticket
and platform.
Contrary TO many early predictions Of
a lack of general public interest in this
convention because Of the foregone con-
'clusion that President Roosevelt would
be renominated. the crowds of visitors
are expected to literally overrun the
city's hotels. while hundreds are vainly
e~ndeavoring TO secure entrance tickets
10 the Coliseum. Two weeks ago the
price of the convention seats was quoted
at $50. and now Instances are cited where
almost double that figure is offered for
the coveted p~asteboards.
Will Hold $500.
Six thousand seven hundred persons
Wal compose the gathering Of citizens
at the opening ceremonies. Almost
twice that number would listen to the
proceedings had there been room. but
no one viii be admitted to the vast
building who is not provided with a
seat. The standing room only" signs
will not be painted. for the reason that.
since the memorable Iroquois Theater
horror. the municipal laws of Chicago
have been revised so that no public
hall shall exceed its licensed seating
capacity. In the Coliseum tina is $500.
The platforms upon which the officials
of the convention and the representa-
tives of the press will sit brings the
quota to the number first stated.
Nine hundred and ninety-four dele
gates and as many a~lteTnates. 9sS under
the call n two from Porto Rico. two
additional from Alaska. and two from
tho Philippines. which the national com
mittee has just decided 10 admit. will
find their places at an early hour and
withOut confusion. owing to the sysr
tematic work of Sergeant-at-Arms Stone
and the subcommittee on arrangements
Tho doors of the big structure will be
thrown open long before business men
begin to arrive at their downtown Of
fees, so that there viii be NJ congestion
among the delegates and spectators. A
brass band Of fifty pieces will treat the
early arrivals to a n concert.
MI. Root Chairman.
The temporary organization Of the
convention having been effected, former
Secretary OF Wal Elihu Root. of New
York. will take the gavel as temporary
chairman. At the close of Mr.. Roots
speech. the temporary organization of
ltcv convention being In fun swing. an
adjournment viii probably be taken I'M
til 10 o'clock Wednesday.
Before the second session the com
mittee on credentials must dispose OF
thirty contests. Claimants Of the right
10 represent Wisconsin. Texas, Della
ware and Louisiana have submitted
I claims that are being fought with bit
/ terness- If these contests assume seri-
Gus proportions the W0TE of the cOnVen.
tiOn may be delayed. 1t is possible that
some Of the Affected states may lose
! their representation, a condition, how
ever. not believed probable.
Contest in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin's war is the most serious,
In the Badger State Governor LaFoi-
Iette is pitted against what are termed
the "Stalwarts,'' or those supporting the
two United states Senator's. The La
Toilette State convention threw out q
large number of "Stalwart'' delegates
and the latter organized a rumD con
vention, selected the same delegates al
. lEN EE 10 hAAL AaAtgAAAA III EAAAA0AH MAAAA
brought the fight TO the Coliseum.
Governor Lar GILLETTE claims 70 be max
ing a strong fight against corporation
domination in Wisconsin. but the Stal
warts say this Is an imaginary situation
and that LaFOllette simply wants to b
the Poo-Bah of the Commonwealth. Tbs
decision OF the national committee las
night against LaFollette Is likely TO b'
followed by the convention. The k
Of the leaders in political diplomacy
will be heavily taxed. but II is believed
20 be equal to the occasion. so that TIT
work OF the second days session viii
begin promptly at the appointed hour.
The first business of the secOnd session
probably viii be to hear the report o.
the committed on permanent organiZa
ton. which names the permanent chair
man OF the convention. Then will fol
low the reading &C ~resolutions for adop.
ton. The most important Of these vii
be the platform embodying the issuel
upon which the Republican party vii
go to the polls.
Debate on Platform.
Long discussions Of some of the para
graphs OF the platform are unavoidable
but these expressions of differing opin