The San Francisco call., 1904-06-21

I tors ana Representatives. III SOnBIeSS
were as thick on the streets and in the
hotel lobbies as in the national capitol
when a particularly uneventful or dry
debate is in progress in Congress. Fig
ures prominent in the political strife
Of former national conventions were
everywhere. They mingled with dele
gates and others not on the inside,
talking of anything which promised
even momentary interest.
When the leaders reached Chicago a
few days ago they found nothing for
them to do. The programme for the
convention was mapped out weeks ago
and there was a full realization that it
was unalterable.
7. The principal diversions were offered
by the caucuses of the Iowa, Illinois
and Washington delegations. Governor
Cummins presented 10 the Hawkeye
delegation the Iowa idea" in an en-
tirely new dress. 1t was in the form of
a set plank setting forth the idea of
the declaration for reciprocity and the
reduction of tariff schedules 1t was
rejected by the delegation and this
sounded its death knell so far as the
present convention is concerned.
In the Illinois caucus the contest was
for@he Craftsmanship of the delegation.
Senator Cullom was opposed by the
Yates faction, but won out handily. 1t
is conceded that his defeat would have
prevented his reelection to the Senate.
In the Washington caucus Senator
Ankeny was elected national commit
teeman against the combined opposi-
tion of former Committeeman James
NJ. Ashton and J. S. McMillin, both of
whom were candidates for the position.
What has been popularity termed the
Indiana puzzle was one of the fea-
lures Of the day. The members of the
delegation from the Hoosier State met
TO determine their course in regard to
the boom for Senator Fairbanks for the
Vice Presidency. Senator Fairbanks at
tended the meeting and addressed the
delegates. He talked for fifteen min
utes, the meeting adjourned and the
delegation was no wiser concerning his
wishes beyond a reiteration of his
statement that he did not desire his
State 10 present his name for the Vice
Presidency.
Expressions Of genuine regret at the
absence of two faces familiar at similar
gatherings four, eight and twelve years
ago are heard on every side Men who
have played leading roles in the art of
making tickets and platforms. men
whose personality, shrewdness of quali-
hcations and persuasiveness have
changed entire States or sections of
lobbies and various headquarters. Some
OF these have figured in Republican
conventions for a quarter of a century.
notably the late Senator NJ S QUAY
Of Pennsylvania and the late William
Sewell Of New Jersey
One whose absence is felt more, per-
haps, than that of any other man. is
the late Senator Hanna. though his
debut on the political stage was of more
recent date Numerous pictures of the
late Senator attest to his popularity.
But the absence of the great men
mentioned does not indicate that the
caste of the play which opens at the
Coliseum tomorrow has been weak
ened. In the shoes of the men who
have passed away are politicians
equally astute, who have had their
training at master hands. They may
not be so well known in national af-
fairs and their names not so effective
TO conjure with, but they are ready
and competent to perform any task
that offers The only difficulty is that
the task is not there. Contests worthy
OF the name are utterly lacking.
The fight between the La Toilette
and 'stalwart" factions in Wisconsin.
the contest between the Addicks and
the anti-Addicks faction in Delaware,
the lilly white and the "black and
tan factions Of Southern. States were
disposed of with so much dispatch that
they failed to furnish the eossip
necessary TO an interesting convention
About all that was left to feed the
craving delegates for excitement and
to furnish a topic of conversation was
the question of how long Senator Fair
banks inscrutable silence would con-
tinue.