The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1904-06-24
First Days Program of National Con.
vention Moved of.
ROOT SOUNDS THE KEYNOTE
Appointment of Committees Completes
Business of the Day-Mention of
Mckinley and Hanna Brought APP
plause-No Opposition to Fairbanks.

Chicago, June 22.-Without dis
turbing element to impede smooth op-
GRAFTON, the first days program for the
Republican national convention was
carried out like clockwork. Not a Jar
ring sound was heard. not false step
taken. 1t was an assembly OF non
combative delegates, which carried
into effect without the thunderous de-
monstration usually attending political
conventions a purpose that had been
clearly defined
An organization was perfected pre-
paratory to the adoption of a platform
and the making of nominations in the
succeeding days of the convention.
From the quiet, yet unmistakable en-
thusiasm provoked by Senator Fair
banks arrival at the Coliseum, his
nomination for vice-president is but
little less assured than the nomination
of Theodore Roosevelt for president
The keynote to the campaign of 1904
was sounded by Hon. Elihu Root in his
speech as temporary chairman. His
address was a review of the accom-
plishments of the present administra-
ton and defense of Republican poll
cies in general. When that had been
. delivered and the various working
committees dispatched to 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 Roosc-
welt was responded to with hearty
though not prolonged applause. The
lack Of public interest in the conven-
ton was evidenced by the large NUM-
Der of spectators seats vacant
Sixty Pictures Of Teddy.
From decorative point of view the
Coliseum was success. Foliage and
palms softened the general color
scheme and formed a setting for sixty
large engravings of President Roose-
welt used in festooning the national
colors above the galleries and ranging
entirely around the nall.
The browning feature Of the decora,
lions is painting of the late Senator
Hanna, which hangs directly over the
platform and occupies the most con-
Spicuous position in the Coliseum.
Something Of the magnitude of this
painting may be realized when 1t is
said that it's surface is as great in
Il ~ 4 r.. %
the sixty large pictures of the presi-
dent.
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
progress, his gentleness of character
and those qualities so beloved by the
nation, and in that connection said
feelingly, land with Mckinley we re-
member Hanna" a hush almost OBJ
pressive spread over the 1000 or more
persons present. The speaker had
paused eXpectantly. AS he started to
resume the full force of the tie
stretched between the two greatest of
recent political heroes went home to
the delegates. The applause, started
in sympathetic wave, was carried to
every part of the great hall. The de-
'monstration was unlike any that pre-
ceded it or that came after. An in
defnable dignity was attached to the
demonstration, which seemed foreign
to political gathering.
Applause For Fairbanks.
The Fairbanks boom for the vice
presidency flourished during the con-
vention proceedings. It's impetus was
gained when the Indiana delegation
entered the Coliseum and, led by the
two senators. 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
his distinguished colleagues. The pro-
ceedings afforded no opportunity for
the advancement of other candidates..
State pride figured strongly in the
convention. Each state had its friends
in the galleries, who shOwered plaudits
upon their great men as they entered
the Coliseum
Yesterdays program Of the conven-
ton was not of a nature to attract
more than ordinary interest. The mat
ter of greatest Importance was the pre-
senting to the convention of the propo-
sition TO admit the delegations from
the Philippine islands and Porto Rico.
The convention ordered the seating
and recognition Of six delegates from
the. Philippines, with two votes, and
two delegates from Porto Rico
Shortly before the adjournment for
the day Senator Depew was reoDg-
nized TO deliver to the convention an
invitation from President Francis and
the directors N the Louisiana Pur-
chase exposition TO delegates and
members Of the press 70 visit the fair
at st. Louis before returning to their