Coeur d'Alene evening press. (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) 1907-1929, 1908-07-28

CHICAGO, July 28.-Amid loud
and enthusiastic cheering and with
members showing every sign of 10y
alty to their new standard of politi-
cal faith, the first national convention
Of the Independence party was open
ed at o'clock last night in Orches-
ira hall.
The main floor of the hall, in which
some of the largest gatherings are
held in this city, was filled by the
delegates. There were no alternates.
The galleries we're crowded.
Tn delegates were slow in arriving
inside the hall and when the hour ar
rived at which the convention was
to be called to order not more than
sprinkling of them were in their
seats. The weather, which was hot
and uncomfortable, doubtless ac-
counted for this.
At a few minutes after o'clock
the delegates came trooping into the
hall. New York headed the column.
The delegates from the Empire state
carried a banner bearing the words
independence party" between them
being an evenly balanced scale, sig
nifying exact justice to all Other
delegations carried the national col
Ors, and they waved them back and
forth in greeting as they found their
allotted position in the hall. New
York cheered every other delegation
and the other delegations cheered
New York. Then they cheered each
other until the hall rang again
and again. The demonstration last
ed about Is minutes and continued
for some time after the delegates
we're in their seats.
Flag and Color Effects.
The red, white and blue of the
American flag was used in almost
every possible combination in the
decoration The effect was brought
out on a large scale in draping the
three balconies-red on the first, blue
on the second and way up under the
ceiling the white. The temporary
chairman, officers of the convention
and official stenographers occupied
a space set off by a barrier of red,
bOrdered by white stars on blue
ground. Back of this rose the tier
upon tier of seats occupied by spec
tally invited guests, many of them
women. Flanking the stage was a
riot of flags, and nesting among them
were pictures of Washington, Lin
coin, Jefferson and Jackson. Two
cameras on 15-foot tripods limited of
1ashlight exposures to come.
The entrance of George w. Mecca
serin, whom the Illinois delegates
are supporting for the gubernatorial
nomination, was a signal for cheers
For the next governor of Illinois. "
Ovation for Hearst.
This outburst had scarcely subsid-
ed when the arrival of w. R. Hearst
started a delirious demonstration.
The editor, clad in frock coat, but
looking cool despite the heat, bowed
right and left as he walked up the
center aisle and assembled the plat
form.
The hall was in an uproar as he
mounted the steps leading to the plat
form. He took no notice of the dem
onstration, but after remaining on
the rostrum for about three minutes
In consultation with the secretary OF
the convention, descended into the
body of the hall, taking a seat with
the New York delegation. His ac'
ton was a signal for renewed cheers
and the delegates, shouting Hearst
Hearst" Immediately started on
parade around the hall, chanting the
name of the New York editor.
1t was 80 minutes past the SEIZED
ule time when the temporary ser
geant-at-arms raped for order and
asked the delegates to Eacate tbs
aisles. Milton w. Howard of Ala
bama took the gavel and introduced
Charles A. Walsh of Iowa, secretary
OF the provisional national commit
tee. who read the call for the conven
ton. This document declared th'
purpose of the gathering to be tbs
foundation of the Independent party
and the nomination of candidates fol
president and vice president. TIT
reading was interrupted by cries o
Hearst" and one man in the bal
cony cried Bryan" A storm o