Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1908-06-24
MAINE AT CHICAGO.
Incidents of the Trip of the Maine
Delegation.

S-.>
Maine deiegates.l
A few OF the incidents connected with
the visit OF tile Maine delegation to
Chicago may be interesting to some Of
your readers.
This State, entitled to representation by
twelve delegates and a like number Of
alternates, was fully represented, the
places of the two delegates who were
absence being filled by their alternates,
and their places taken by citizens Of the
State, who joined the party! which left
Boston at Las p. m. on Saturday, June 13,
arriving at Chicago early the next even
ing, making the trip of 1,035 miles in
about twenty-eight hours.
On the way an organization was formed,
and committee appointments were as
signed. A canvass of the delegates quickly
showed that they were unanimous in
their choice for Taft, with natural pref
erence for Gov. Guild for second place.
Soon after leaving Boston each delegate
was presented with silk American flag,
mounted on pole about six feet long, the
gift of a flag manufacturer in Connecti-
cut, and upon arrival at Chicago they
formed in procession and marched from
the Michigan Central station to the audi
forum, each carrying his flag, with Mr..
Moulton, OF Portland, the mascot of the
party, who tips the scales at 443 pounds, in
the lead with the State flag, which had been
brought with the party. This procession
attracted sufficient attention to have a
snapshot taken and printed in the Chi
cago Tribune the next morning, comph-
ment that few delegations were awarded.
AS the convention did not open until
Tuesday, there was an opportunity the
next day, besides making acquaintances,
to suitably prepare the room which had
been engaged for the Maine headquarters,
where not only the delegates might as
semble, but all former residents of the
State who were there, and all who desired
to meet Maine people were welcome.
The portraits of Blaine, Hale and Frye
had been taken from the statehouse and
carried there, and were hung on the walls,
and with the delegates flags, helped to
decorate and make the room attractive.
1t was continually being visited, the sight
Of the State flag and pictures bringing
back to many recollections Of their former
homes, or the homes Of their ancestors.
The portrait Of Blaine attracted much
attention, and permission was given one
Of the leading clubs Of the city to have it
taken out long enough to be photo
graphed. Many expressions of respect
were heard, especially from men along in
years who had known him, which showed
that he still had a warm place in their
hearts, and regrets were often expressed
that he failed to reach the ambition OF his
life through the "Burchard" incident and
the purchase Of votes in New York city.
Among SO many people it is not strange
that some amusing things may happen.
One of these occurred just after the room
had been fixed up and all had expressed
themselves as being satisfied. A lady ap-
peared at the door and inquired IL this
was the Maine headquarters. She was
very calamity informed that this was
the Maine headquarters, W hen she replied
by saying that she was native OF South
emit and wished to meet Sen. Carter, OF
Montana. This is our Sen. Carter, said
some Of the delegates, as they assisted the
genial but somewhat athletic chairman of
the republican state committee to his feet
before her. "But," said the lady, ~ do
not see any whiskers!" sHe has decided
not to wear whiskers any MORE" was the
reply. 81 am pleased 10 hear it," she
answered, ''for l think that q man who
wears whiskers is obsolete" "Send for
Ed. Kicker" was the quick reioinder.
Although there were six candidates for
President, there was never any doubt
among the delegates but that Taft would
be nominated on the first ballot, beca use
it was felt that from his experience and by
the manner in which he had performed the
great tasks that had been assigned him,
that he, better than any other man, was
fitted to continue the work in which the
President is engaged, and with which he
is familiar and in full sympathy.
Although it had been frequently pre-
dicted, there was never for a moment the
slightest danger of the convention being
stampeded for Roosevelt. This became
more apparent on the second day, when
the Roosevelt demonstration, which lasted
for more than three-quarters of an hour,
was in progress. AT first, of course, all
Joined heartily, but when it became obvi-
Gus that it was being continued by the
galleries for purpose, it at once met with
disapproval. Delegates, realizing that all
the large cities in the country were almost
listening to the echoes Of it, felt that it
was giving great anxiety, but their ex-
pressions showed plainly that there need
be no fear.
The third day, when the nomination
was made, was one to try both the pa
thence and endurance of the delegates, but
they stood the test we'll. For seven hours
and half they did not move from their
seats except when they were standing on
them, almost two hours of which were
consumed by the singular ideas and
methods of the delegates from the state OF
WISCONSIN