The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-04-10
Reports in Favor of an Unin-
structed Delegation to Chicago
SAW TROUBLE AHEAD
If an Attempt We're Made to
Instruct for Taft.
Report Was Adopted by the
Convention by AcclamatiOn.

t1On mere To-Day, elecIeO TOUR oelS-
gates at large who will go to the ma
tional Republican convention at Chi
cago uninstructed and unpledged for
any particular candidate.
Differences of opinions on the Ques-
ton of instructions among the dele
gates were adjusted previous to the
opening of the convention, the COM
mittee on resolutions having accepted
a plank in which reference was made
to the strong sentiment of many dele
gates in favor of an endorsement of
Secretary Taft as presidential candf-
date but which declared that uncer-
tainty as to whether resolution of
preference could be carried in the
convention would be likely to lead to
contest which would be injurious
to the welfare of the party.
The four delegates at large, who
tors Henry Cabot Lodge and William
Murray Crane, ex-Secretary of the
Navy John D. Long and Sidney o.
Bigney.
The convention was called to order
promptly on time by Chairman Doty
of the state committee. Senators
Lodge and Crane, and Representative
Gardner were loudly applauded when
they took their seats on the platform.
The committee on credentials re-
ported that of the 1850 delegates to
which the convention was entitled,
1,4O7 were present.
On assuming the temporary chair
manship. Postmaster General George
Won L. Meyer. addressed the conven-
ton.
The convention followed Mr..
Meyer.s address with interest and ap-
plause.
The report of the committee on
resolutions followed the close Of Mr..
Meyers speech.
The first mention of the name of
Secretary Taft in the resolutions was
so vociferously cheered that the
reader was forced to go back to the
beginning of the paragraph and re-
peat the words. The committees
statement that it considered it unwise
to incorporate Taft preference
resolution in the platform also was
loudly applauded. t
Before action was taken on the
resolutions committees report, Sena-
tor Lodge in response to many cries
for speech, addressed the delegates.
Senator Lodge referred to the con-
troversy which had developed over the
preference and said that its settle
ment was due to the wisdom and self
control of the party leaders and their
devotion to the party as whole. Sem
ator Lodge said that he would not at
tempt to hide from the convention the
fact that his attitude on the resoiu-
ions had been influenced by motives
of friendship for Senator Crane his
sagacious colleague. In tribute to
President Roosevelt Senator Lodge
said that although millions of dollars
were against him, millions OF people
were with him.
The resolutions were then adopted
by acclamation.
The Platform.
The platform opens with an express
sion of regret over the illness of Gov
ernor Guild and Of hope that he may
be shortly restored to health.
I'VE believe" the resolution says,
"he Is fully qualified for higher hon
ors and his nomination for vice presl-
dent would be gladly endorsed py
Massachusetts,"
After declaring firm belief in the
Republican party principles of the
last SO years, the resolutions contln-
ued:
1--WE stand absolutely by the princf-
pies of protection, but recognize tnaI
rates or schedules must be from time
to time changed and revised. We be-
lieve certain existing schedules nave
become i'll suited to present conditions
and that our able MASSACHUSETTS, dele
cation in congress will take the part
the state demands and assist IN Sc
curing speedily wise revision without
abandoning the protective principle
or destroying our industries or paup-
erizing American laborers.
Continuing the platform says: In
the unexampled period of prosperity
witnessed during the term OF the ma
tional administration great questions
Of the control or regulation Of trans
portation facilities. of capital and trust
com binations and of monopol1es st1-
fling personal enterprise arise for solu-
ton. They were the oIo proDieIns'
hit changed both in kind and in de-
gree by processes of social and po,
iitical evolution. It was demonstrated
that in certain instances some corpora
tions and combinations were giving un-
lawful privileges and that competit!on
and individual enterprise were being
crushed by fraudulent devices seeking
monopoly in trade. Then 1t was that
orr Republican president in messages
to congress and in public speecnes OF
matchiess force, called attention TO
to the evil tendencies which must De
arrested lest the social fabric be de-
stroyed. The wrongdoer crled out anu
the people were aroused. Inc presl-
dent proved himself IN Inis en1elsenuy
alert and watchful. He applied our
old and tried Republican principles TO
the solution of new questions. He an
nounced with voice which earned 70
every part of the republic tnat the
nowerful are not too strong to be con-
froIled and that the weak are not too
insignificant to be protected by laws
enacted to give equal opportunity. he
saw the destiny of our country ana ne
dared to go forward. At the oppor-
tune moment he led in the work OF
constructing an interoceanic canal. The
Completion of this great work will in
sure the safety and peace of our coun-
try and promote the commerce OF a
hemisphere. His administration is
endeared to millions of his countrymen
of all shades of political opinion. The
name of Theodore Roosevelt is already
enrolled with the great leaders who
founded the party and announced its
principles and with those OF their sue