Semi-weekly herald., 1908-06-18
The Republican
National Convention

at hand. The gathering in the BIZ
Coliseum on Wabash avenue is mad,
up Of representatives from every stat'
and territory in the union, as well a:
the more recently acquired island pos
session and will be called to order to
morrow noon by Harry S. New, chair
man of the Republican national com
mittee, when he will introduce Senator
julius Caesar Burrows of Michigan as
temporary chairman. Assuming the
gavel during the temporary period OF
the conventions existence, Senator
assigned to embody the keynote of
the coming campaign TO proclaim prin-
ciples and achievements of the Repub-
lican F&tty during its many years Of
existence. When his speech has been
concluded Senator Burrows will an
nounce important committees, includ-
ing that on credentials, and the con-
vention will adjourn till such time as
the latter committee is ready to report.
There Is considerable discussion as
10 the length of the convention, some
Of the leaders holding TO the original
estimate OF five days in which TO con-
clude all of the work to come before
the delegates. Others are more opti-
mistic, declaring three days should see
the end of all deliberations and the
adeparture of representatives for nome.
1t is thought the allies may not make
fight against Taft.
CHICAGO, June 16.-The Republican
convention opened in at the Chicago
coliseum today at noon, when Julius
Caesar Burrows delivered the keynote
speech Of the campaign. Indications
are that Taft will he nominated Oh the
first ballot unless Roosevelt stam-
p6ie Aevelops. Utah and Colorado are
reported TO be ready to desert Taft in
favor of the president. The contest for
vice president grows more bitter hour
ly. the selection complicated by the
pr,sident's request that either Dolliver
or Cummins OF Iowa be selected. In
diana delegates will demand Fairbanks
and New York will probably support
Sherman.
CHICAO, June l6.-The Republican
national convention is in session.
Promptly al ] O'Clock today Harry s.
New, chairman OF the national commit
Tee, stepped to the front of the speak
blage to order. When thousands of
delegates and spectators had become
quiet, a prayer was offered by Bishop
p. j. Muldoon of Chicago. The con
vention then proceeded to the work
of the first days preliminary session.
TAG opening of the convention finds
..sSisa Situation little cleared up. There
Sfear of Roosevelt stampede, which
will carry away Taft delegates like
logs on the crest of flood, and which
isxe, nightmare that will not leave the
mindsAf the Taft leaders. That the
name of Roosevelt will be suggested
during the court of the convention is
now considered certain. What will be
tae effect upon the delegates is mat
ter for conjecture.
The situation with regard to the
vice presidency is today even more
inuddied than 1t was yesterday. Early
in the day crowds began to move to-
ward the Coliseum although the gavel
did not fall until noon
Delegates from California led a pa
rade from the Auditorium To The con-
vention hall this morning followed by
those of Colorado, Nevada, Washing
ton, Idaho and Hawaii. Marching
clubs, playing bands and steadily in
creasipg crowds made gay and pic
turesque scene as the day wore on and
the hour of the meeting approached.
Those who gained early admission to
The convention hall found the interior
scene of simple beauty and order.
equipped place OF meeting could hard
ly be imagined. Twelve thousand
seatsJc serried ranks fill every avail
able inch of space save for sufficient
aisles and entrances. yet there is no
appearance of crowding and none oi
that suggestion OF temporary make
shift otennsafety that so often marks
the place of great -. ~ntions.
Today's program is essentially pre-
limlnary. but when Chairman Harry
y. New of the national committee drop
ped his gavel at midday 1t was TO ini
tiate plans as nearly perfect as were
ever ready at the outset of a nationa
convention.
- CHICAGO, June 16.-The manner IL
which the name of President Roosevelt
viii be presented to the convention TO
denomination has not been disclosed
but that 1t will be Is not undisputed
Just what will be the outcome of tn
movement is an unfailing topic for cor
lecture today and the explosive poss
bilities of its injection at the psyche
logical moment are fully realized b
all concerned. The close friends @
President Roosevelt and Secretar
Taft who are on the ground declar
!, themselves. .n;epared, however. to mee