Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1908-06-15

The Taft headquarters Had the USUAL
| throng of visitors, but the formal opening
was still deferred until the arrival of the
| Ohio delegation tomorrow, when the real
| enthusiasm will take place. The Fair
banks headquarters were radiant with
flowers and filled with ladies who accom-
panied the Indiana party. Conspicuous
| among the Fairbanks workers was George
AIDE, the author-delegate, who a few
years ago was reporting the sensational
gatherings for the local newspapers. The
Knox headquarters had Its full share of
excitement with two bands and two
marching clubs.
Among the interesting groups to visit
the headquarters was a band of Sioux
Indians from the Pine Ridge agency. who
had come on nnder the care of an agent
to see the choice of great father"
But while these scenes were going on be-
fore the eyes of all, the more important
work of preparation on candidates and
platform was being gone over at private
conferences in the upper chambers of the
hotels. where few were admitted and lit
tie was made known. One of the clief
conferences of the day was upon tie plat
form, and while this was rather informal
it brought about the clear understanding
that the document as already drafted in
accordance with the views of the Presi-
dent and Mr.. Taft would go before the
convention in substantially its present
FORM A considerable repetition of the
ways and means committee of the House
of Representatives. is to be on the plat
form, including Chairman Serenoe Payne
of New York and Mr.. Dalzell of Penn
sylvania, and their colleague until he
went to the Senate chamber. Senator
Hopkins. This strong tariff element in
the platform committee will probably
bring about some consideration of the de-
tails OF when the work of tariff revision
will be taken up by Congress, but it is
not likely to vary the plans already ma
tured for conservative revision.
The financial plank is also considered
outside the bounds of serious controversy
and the main provisions subject to revis-
ion are those relating to the anti-miunc-
ton plank urged by Mr. Gompcrs. and
that relating to railroad legislation. 1t is
now generally conceded that Senator
Hopkins will be chairman of the plat
form committee. the only doubt being as
lect him as member Of that committee
But the sentiment in the delegation to-
night was that the choice which will be
made tomorrow will fall anon Mr. Hon
kins.
The Vice Presidential contest continues
to be the most enlivening feature of the
preliminary work and the delegates are
as much in doubt tonight as at any time
since the contest began. The Dolivcr
movement appears to be making the
greatest advance. and this gave rise to-
day to reports that the Dolliver move
ment was now assured of success. The
friends of other candidates We're far from
admitting this and began maturing plans
for decisive action. A. call for u caucus
for the New York delegation was issued
for II o'clock tomorrow morning This is
expected to develop the strength of the
various New York Names Sherman.
Woodruff, Ccrtelyou and possibly Low.
Informal canvasses appear to make
Chairman Woodruff the favnrite numer-
cally in his own division. But the outside
Influences, including that of the Congress
sional element from, many rarts of the
country, is strong upon the New Workers
w lIlttkc Representative sherman tneII
choice
The availability of ex-Mayor Seth Low
appeals 10 the New York delegates At
large. owing to his position as trustee of
the Tuskegee Negro Institute ami his re-
cent work at the head of the civic organ
ization in seeking to reconcile the issues
between labor and capital. But outside
of the Observation-Disclosures, Mr.. Low has
not developed any noticeable strength.
The various other Vice Presidential can
didatos continue to be urged with vary
ing degrees Of enthusiasm and the nm
certainty brings forth list of new
names Which is constantly growing.
Letters urging Secretary Taft to
appoint Frank H. Hitchcock as man
ager of his campaign for election in
the event Of his nomination for the
Presidency by the Republican conven-
ton, were mailed today by more than
half of the members of the present ma
tional committee That there is oppo-
sitlon to the appointment of Mr.
Hitchcock as chairman of the national
committee is conceded by that gen
tlcman's friends.
The name of Senator Crane is heard
frequently in connection with the
Craftsmanship, and there are a few
members of the committee who are
seeking to have Chairman New re-
tanned il the position. The selection,
however, has been thought to rest be-
tween Mr.. Hitchcock and Arthur /
NoryS. who has been identified with
Mr.. Tafts campaign ever since he first
| announced his candidacy. Mr.. Norys
has Il large following in Ohio and ex-
Governor Myron II. Herrick the pres
| ent committeeman from Ohio, and
| Charles p. Taft, the brother Of the
| secretary, were believed to be com
| mitted to the appointment of the Ohio
| manager.
1t was announced at the Taft head
quarters here today that United
| States Senator William Warner o.
| Missouri will be chosen chairman OF
| the convention committee to make no.
| tilication to the Presidential nominee
of his selection by the convention, that
| Former Governor John f. Hill OF
Main is preferred to head the
| committee on permanent OrganiZat ion