Gilpin observer., 1904-06-23
'REPUBLICANISh
IN THE NATIONAL CONVENTION

First Days Work at chicaqo.-chalr,
man Roots Tribute to Mckinley
and Hanna.-FaIrbanks Re-
ceives an Ovation.
turbing element to impede smooth op-
Grafton. the first days program Of the
Republican national convention yes
terday was carried out like clock
work. Not jarring sound was heard,
not a false step was taken.
It was an assembly of non-combat-
i've delegates which carried into effect
without the thunderous demonstration
usually attendant upon political con-
venttons, 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
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-
tion and a defense of Republican poll
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 GUS
tomary convention scenes as to attract
marked attention. 1t was the failure
of the delegates and the spectators to
warm to the spirit of the occasion.
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
listless hand clapping which was the
greeting given impartially to national
figures of the party was all. probably.
that could be expected under the cir
cumstances.
The lack of public interest in the con-
yention was evidenced by the large
number of spectators seats vacant.
Seats at former Republican conven-
tions have unusually brought prem
ium. To-day spectators offered them
but there were few takers, and as the
hour approached for the convention to
assemble they sold them for song.
The wilderness of vacant seats was in
the gallery and on the mezzanine floor
where not 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 a 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 Presi-
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 a 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, sald
feelingly:
And with Mckinley we remember
Hanna"
A hush almost oppressive 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 and in sympathetic wave was
carried to every part Of the great hall.
The demonstration was unlike any that
had preceded 1t or came after. An in
definable 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. Its
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.