The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-10-27
BARRED FROM
 THE MEETING Fealty to Roosevelt the
 Test Applied. TWO CONVENTIONS HELD Allegations That Railroads Tried to "Pack" Body. Adherents to Presidents Plan Meet h stainway Hall, While the "Antis''
 Have Convention in
 studebaker Hall.

Chicago, Oct. 26.-Refuslng 10 stand for President Roosevelt's policy for the regulation rates, large number or delegates to the Interstate Commerce law convention were barred from the convention of that organization today and thereupon held separate meeting to give expression to their ideas on the subject The original convention was held in Steinway Hall. while the 'antf' convention met in Music or Studebaker Hall. several blocks distant.
 Aware of alleged attempts to thwart the purpose of the convention. the dele gates at Steinway Hall resolved not to admit delegates. although properly ac- credited, unless they would agree to support the Presidents rate plan. These deelKatss subjected to the procedure demanding they be given the right of free speech while the opposition charg- ed they were sent by the railroads and other alleged unfair interests to pack the convention. A number Of ex- citing scenes before the meetings were called to order in the conventions on both sides. The number of delegates at each convention was about equal. ranging between four and five hundred.
 Speeches. organization and resolu- tions took up the time of the nrst meet ings of the conventions.
 The conventions will continue in ses- sion tomorrow. when resolutions will be adopted by the steinway convention in favor of the Presidents policy.
 Ready for ssERump'' Convention.
 Preparations were made early today by the advocates of free speech to demand entrance to the 1nterst1f Com" merce law convention which was sched- uled to be called in Steinway Hall at 10 a. m. Facing the possibility of be- ing denied admittance arrangements were made to hold trump" convention if necessary to protest against what the free speech rsrtisans term gag rule" Matters were apparently in cha- os among the regulars early in the day.
 The so-oailed railroad" faction of the delegates met in the green room of the auditorium annex this morning to pre- pare for the expected conflict with the sfegusafs Prior to the meeting at the Auditorium annex, coal dealers who arc identified with the railroad" e1e- ment met at the Great Northern Hotel and after satisfying themselves that thni- credentials were satisfactory pro- ceeded in body to the annex where D. NJ. Parry president of the National Man ufacturers' Association and other so- called delegates were assembled. MT. Parry acted IS chairman
 We are advocates of free speech" said Mir Parry, we demand our right te be heard. I understand that we are to be deprived of our right. to he heard in the convention unless we sign pledge. What is your pleasure"
 A motion that the delegates so as in- dividUals vas made and carried after some debate.
 Parry Heads Deiesates.
 Wearing badges consplcue usly, all the delegates at the meeting headed by D. NJ. Parry and Robert Lake of Michi- gan .navofei In body to Steinway Hall where the so-called "Bacon.'' or "ragrlsr" delegates were assembled with the doors guarded by uniformed police to prevent the admission of del- egates Of the railroads.
 Following the plan decided upon by an executive committee to svoid a clash with the dIss, nting or Parry faction no delegates had been admitted to the con vent on except those who subscribed to what the officers of the organization called the creed and articles of faith" which endorsed President Roosevelt's message askiI E enabling legislation by Congress eElerging the powers of the interstate commerce commission SD that 1t may regulate freights subject to iu- dicial review.
 In addition to the police, half a dozen regular" delegates guarded every door leading to the hall, and all W WltD hCt SihHuu tne tHQOT8ement of President Roosevelt's message were denied admission. Mayor Dunn was an early arrival and he congratulated the officers on their decision to bar dele gates charged with being in sympathy with the railroads.
 T will see that you have all the pro- tection needed to hold your convention without interference from the railroad lobbyists" said Mayor Dunne as he was greeted by s. H. Cowan of Texas, one of the leaders of the convention.
 Among later arrivals were Governor Cummins of Iowa and former Governor Laramie of Wyoming. Judge s. H. Cowan received the following telegram from Washington just before the con vention was called to order:
 Telegram from Chandler.
 Judge S. H. Cowan, Steinway Hall
 Conventions:
 q hope that the convention will re- sist to the utmost the admittance of any delegate who will not sign the nroposed pledge Let the railroad hired men exhibit their free passes and go home. If they outnumber you by vio- fence. go elsewhere and hold Roose- welt convention.
 w. F. Chandler. "Former United States Senator from
 New Hampshire"
 In the absence of E. c. Bacon. chair man of the Executive Committee. who ia i'll Judge S. Fl. Cowan of Texas call cd inc convention to order.
 "I knew that the delegates who. are here this morning will abide by The action of the executive committee and endorse the railroad rate regula- lion advocated by our great President, Theodore Roosevelt" said Judge Cow an. we might have had more dele aatas had we the means to bring them Sere' We paid our own expenses and we have a thoroughly representative hodv present. l hope the convention UtIi be peaceful and that its deliber- alton will result In much good"
 The mention of President Roosevelt's name was greeted with long continued applause. :, >, v,-
 chosen Chairman of the convention.
 Meanwhile the Parry" procession of delegates approached but all were re- Sused edmittance. When the last man had been turned back by the doorkeep- or the Parry party went in a body to studebaker hall
 F. J. Bradley of Haverhill. Mass, was elected temporary chairman of the studebaker hall convention. Tn ac-