Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-06-22
Opened at Chicago With
Great Enthusiasm.
Sec. Root Makes Ringing Speech
Amid Applause.
The Usual Convention Scenes and
Incidents-Pres. RooseveIt's Name
Calls Out Tremendous Cheers-The
Organization.

turbing element to impede the smooth
operation of the first days program
of the national convention was car
ried out like clock-work. Not a jar
ring sound was heard, not false step
taken. 1t was an assembly of nom
combative delegates which carried into
effect, without the thunderous demon
stration usually attendant upon po-
litical conventions. 4 purpose that had
been clearly defined.
AN organization was perfected pre-
raratOry to the adoption of a platform
and the making of nominations in the
succeeding days of tn convention.
From the quiet. yet unmistakable en-
thusiasm provoked by Senator Fair
banks arrival at the Coliseum, his
little less assured than the nomination
of Theodore Roosevelt for President
The keynote of the campaign of 1904
was sounded by Hon. Elihu Root in
his speech as temporary chairman.
His address was a review OF the ac-
complishmcnts of the present adminis-
tration and a defense Of the Republic
can policies in general. When that
had been delivered and the various
their labors. the business of the first
days session was completed.
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 oc-
Casion. Mention of President Roose-
welt was responded to with hearty
though not prolonged applause. The
lack of contest eliminated the neces-
sity for enthusiastic display of feeling,
and the mild cheering and rather list
less handclappinG which was the greet
ing given impartially to national fig
ures of the party was all. probably,
that could be expected under the cir
The lack Of public interest in the
convention was evidenced by the large
number of spectators seats vacant
Seats ut former Republican conven-
tons usually brought Il premium. To-
day, spectators offered them but there
were few takers and as the hour ap-
preached Tor the convention to assem-
bic they sold them for a song. The
wilderness of vacant seats was in the
gallery and on the meZZanine floor.
where not more than two-thirds of the
chairs were occupied. The first floor
of good ORDER where sergeants-at-
arms and policemen were not needed.
From a decorative point Of view the
Coliseum was success. The architec-
ture of the imposing structure is pc
culiarly adapted to the interior dress
given it. Flags and bunting were used
profusely, but in good taste. Foliage
and palms softened the color scheme
and formed II setting for sixty large
cnS-avingS of President Roosevelt used
In festOOning of the national cOlors
above the galleries and ranging entire
ly around the hall. The GROWING fea-
ture of the decorations is a painting of
the late Senator Hanna which hangs
over the platform and occupies
the most conspicuous position in the
Coliseum. Something of the magnitude
OF this painting may be realized when
1t Is said that it's surface Is as n great
In square feet as the combined surface
Of the GO large pictures Of the Presi-
dent. President Roosevelt, however
was as prominently shown to the dele
gates in heroic painting spectacularly
on the chairman's platform at
the conclusion Of Mr.. Roots speech. n
climax that brought prolonged out
burst Of enthusiasm.
The incidents which are destined to
live long after the spasmodic demon
STATIONS have been forgotten are Mr..
Roots tributes to President Mckinley.
The temporary chairman spoke of the
late Presidents administration of pro-
press, his gentleness Of character and
those qualities so beloved by the ma
ton. and i'm that connection said feel
nely:
a hush almost oppressive spread over
m" 1000 or moro persons present. The
speaker paused expectantly. AS he
started to resume the full force of the
lie stretched between the two greatest
Of recent political heroes went home to
tho delegates. The applause started and
N n sympathetic wave was carried to
very part of the great hall. The de-
was unlike any that had
preceded IT or TINT after. An indefin-
lble dignity was attached TO the de-
which seemed foreign to
4 political gathering.
The Fairbanks boom for the Vice
Presidency nourished unrestricted dur
ing the convention proceedings. It's i'm
petus was gained when the Indiana
delegation entered the Coliseum and
ed by the two senator's. Mr.. Fairbanks
and Mr.. Beveridge. proceeded down the |
aisle to their seats near the stage. The
ovation given Senator Fairbanks was
greater than was received by any OF |
MS distinguished colleagues. Today's
proceedings afforded no opportunity |
Tor the advancement Of other candi-