The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1904-06-21
TAMENESS MARKS
EVE OF CONVENTION

CHICAGO, June 20.-With the time
occupied in caucuses of state delega-
lions which, with a few exceptions
were mere ratification meetings held
to approve state convention pro-
grammeS the day preceding the open
ing of the Republican national conVen-
tiOn has been the quietest ever known
as the forerunner of similar gatherings
Senators and representatives in con-
gresS were as thick in the streets and
In the hotel lobbies as they are in the
national capital when a particularly
uneventful or dry debate is in progress
In congress. Figures prominent in the
political strife of former national con-
Yentfons were everywhere mingled with
delegates and others not on the inside,
talking of anything which promised
even momentary interest.
When the leaders reached Chicago
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.
Death KneII of "Iowa Idea"
The principal diversions were offered
by the caucuses of the Iowa, Illinois
and Washington delegations Gov.
Cummins presented to the Hawkeye
delegation the iowa idea" in an en-
tirely new dress. 1t was in the form
Of a plank setting forth the idea" as
a declaration for reciprocity and reduc-
ton of tariff schedules. 1t was rejected
by the delegation and this sounded its
death knell SO far as the present con-
Vention is concerned
In the Illinois caucus the contest was
for the Craftsmanship of the delegation
Senator Cullom was opposed by the
Gov. Yates faction, but won out hand
lily. 1t is conceded that his defeat
would have prevented his reelection
to the senate.
In the Washington caucus Senator
Ankeney was elected national commit
teeman against the combined opposi-
ton of former Committeeman James
M. Ashton and J. S. McMillin, both of
whom were candidates for the posi-
ton.
Real Puzzle for Hoosiers
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
attended the meeting and addressed
the degates. He talked for fifteen min
utes, the meeting adjourned, and the
delegation was no wiser concerning his
wishes, beyond a reiteration of his
state to present his name for the vice
presidency
Expressions of genuine regret at the
absence of 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 or quail
1fications of responsiveness, have
changed entire states or sections of the
country are missed in the hotel Hobbies
and various headquarters. Some of
these have figured in Republican con-
Ventions for quarter of a century,
notably the late Senator Quay, of
Pennsylvania, and the late William J.
Sewell, of New Jersey. One whose alb
sence is felt more perhaps than that of
any other man is the late Senator
Hanna, though his debut on the DO
htical stage is Of more recent date.
Numerous pictures of the late senator
attest his popularity
Workers Without Work
But the absence of the great men
mentioned does not Indicate that the
last play which opens at the Coliseum
tomorrow has been weakened In the
shoes of the men who have passed
away are politicians equally as astute,
VINO have had their training at master
hands. They may not be so well known
in national affairs and their names not
SO effective to conjure with, but they
are ready and competent to perform
any task that offers. The only diff
Guilty is that the task is not there
Contests worthy of the name are utterly
lacking. The fight between the La Fol
iette and "stalwart" factions in Wis
consin, the contest between Addicks
and the anti-Addicks faction in Della
ware, the oily white" and BLACK and
tam factions of Southern states were
disposed of with SO much dispatch that
they fate%d to furnish gossip necessary
TO an interesting convention.
About all that was left to feed the
craving OF delegates for excitement and