The Grit-advocate., 1904-06-24
REpUBLICANISM
IN THE NATIONAL CONVENTION
First Days Work at Chieaeo.-chair'
man Roots Tribute to Mckinley
and Aanna.-Fairbanks Re-
ceives an Ovation

Chicago June 22-Without a dis
turbing element to impede smooth op
Grafton, the first days program Of the
Republican national convention yes
terday was carried on, like clock
work Not jarring sound was heard,
not q false step was taken.
1t was an assembly Of non-combat-
i've delegates WHICH carried into effect
without the thunderous demonstration
usually attendant upon political con-
ventions. purpose that had been
clearly defined.
An organization was perfected pre-
paratory to the adoption of platform
and the making Of nominations in the
succeeding days of the convention.
From the quiet yet unmistakable
enthusiasm 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 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 lahors-
the business OF the first days session
was completed.
Another picture was presented by the
Cpening day so different from the Gus
tGmary convention scenes as to attract
marked attention. 1t was the failure
of the delegates and the spectators to
IN ha II.
Mention of President Roosevelt was
responded to with hearty, though not
prolonged applause The lack OF con
test. eliminated the necessity OF enthus-
iasm, and the mild character and rather
istless hand clapping which was the
greeting given impartially to national
figures of the party was all, probably ly.
that could be expected under the cir
cumstances.
The lack of public interest in the con-
,ention was evidenced by the large
number of spectators seats vacant.
Seats at former Republican conven-
tions have unusually brought prem
ium. To-day speculators offered them
but there were few takers, and as the
hour approached for the convention 20
assemble they sold them for song
HThe wilderness of, vacant seats was in
the gallery and on the mezzanine fioor
where J.ot more than two-thlrds of the
chairs were occupied. The first floor
was well filed The picture was
one of good order. where sergeants-at-
arms and policemen were not needed.
The crowning feature of the decora-
tions 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 it is
said that its surface is as great IN
square feet as the combined surface OF
the sixty large pictures OF the Presl-
dent. President Roosevelt. however,
was as prominently shown to the dele
gates in heroic painting spectacularly
unveiled on the chairman's platform at
the conclusion of Mr.. Roots speech,
climax that brought prolonged out
burst of enthusiasm.
The incident which is destined to live
long after the spasmodice demonstra-
tions have been forgotten occurred dur
ing Mr.. Roots tribute to President Nc
Kinley. The temporary chairman spoke
of the late Presidents administration
of power, his gentleness of character
and those qualities so beloved by the
Nation and in that connection, said
feelingly:
And with Mckinley we remember
Hanna"
A hush almost oppressive spread over
the 1000 or more persons present. me
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
Aome to the delegates. The applause
Started and in sympathetic wave was
carried to every part of the great hall.
The demonstration was unlike any that
had pre- 2ded it or came after. An in
defnable dignity was attached to the
demonstration, which seemed foreign
to a political gathering.
The Fairbanks boom for the vice
presidency fourished unrestricted dur
ing the convention proceedings. It's
impetus was gained when the Indiana
delegation entered the Coliseum and,
led by the two senators, Mr.. Fair
banks and Mr.. Beveridge. proceeded
down the aisle to their seats near the
stage The ovation given Senator Fair
banks was greater than was received
by any of his distinguished colleagues.