The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1908-06-17
CONVENTION SANS
ENTHUSIASM
ON OPENING DAY


with the GOODNESS. Weather condi-
lions had forced an actual. physical
GOODNESS. for one thing. Another dis
turbing cause was that few or the
ten thousand or more spectators could
hear aught except a few words OF
Burrows Keynote" speech. His or
atory.I except for those within hun
dred feet or so, was but OF pantomirne.
Most OF those who saw him got his
speech for the first time only as they
read II In the papers. after the con-
yention adjourned --
Then, too. most OF those present
knew that this was but the introduc-
tory pageant, the overture TO the
great political opera. The real work
OF the convention began afterward In
the committee meetings and In the
conferences OF leaders. What they
did will show later.
There was something OF much hui
man interest In the appearance OF
Senator Burrows, thus reaping the
honor OF momentarily marshalling
the hosts OF great party on the eve
Of retirement that seems inevitable.
He stood for the pathetic In the po-
litical life as he turned away after
glory that must pass, the age that
must yield power TO the virility or
youth.
One touch In his carefully penned
address bore a guarded Significance
that was the source OF much comment
after the session. IL was noted how
strongly he commended President
Roosevelt for the strength of will to
renounce place and power. This was
taken as a timely warning TO the sec
ond elective termerI and stampeders
that no interference with the presi.
dents policy of retirement Will be al
lowed
In the Michigan delegation = new
vice presidential boom sprang up and
blossomed for a short time. William
Aldrich Tateum. OF Grand Rapids
Mich. one Of the leading professional
men of western Michigan, was put for
ward by ex-Mayor Palmer Banker G
B. Kelsey, State Senator Andrew Fife
and crowd OF enthusiastic leaders
from western Michigan.
Il thank YOU" said Mr.. Tateum to
his friends. but don't want the job.
That's what nearly every one has
been saying.
One OF the most interesting parties
of all In the convention was thai
which centered about Nicholas Long
worth and his wife. the PRESIDENT
daughter.
They were In the front row, but
over at one side in the distinguished
visitors gallery back OF the speakers
stand. Eyes centered on Princess
Alice" but so long has this been the
case that she minded very little. Mo-
SO her husband for, as batteries and
battalions Of eyeglasses were leveled
his way. he Redeemed clear to the tor
of his shiny bald head
There was much OF the Roosevelt
ism strenuosity In the manner OF the
presidents daughter. She chatted
first with one and then another. turn
ed to listen to the speaker and turned
away to her friends. the Medill Nc
Cormicks again. pressed her hat pins
to her lips and then, as she became
interested In Senator Burrows speech
pulled OF her long white gloves thai
she might applaud the better. Fla
miliar as she has been for five years
with the inner policies Of politics. few
among the women present knew o.
felt as much In regard to the event.
beginning.
And that knowledge Of the ways o
the springs that run the politica
wheels may be discerned In Alice
Roosevelt Longworth's face II one but
look closely. In profile her face II
young; In action Is Is sprightly ant
vivacious. but when she looks at you
full-face. In moments OF thought, there
IL deep touch of world WEAKNESS
and age-experience in the eyes OF thi.
American princess.
There was little Of Formally in the
meetings Of the big committees. Al
one OF our own state conventions
custom has II that the resolutions com