The Somerset reporter., 1908-06-18
Republican National Convention

Oioh1 ioi DhS uOHlludllOH, VI caHuI-
dates for President and Vice Presi-
dent, asse mbled in the big Coliseum
in Chicago on Tuesday. The full
delegation was present, either by the
delegates themselves or alternates
Ten solid days had been consumed on
hearing the cases of the contested
delegates, the most of whom come
from the Southern States. On every
hand, and on the evening before, in
the corridors of the hotels and on the
streets, it seemed, to be conceded
that Secretary Taft would be nomi-
mated on the first ballot, although the
other candidates, about whose only
support comes from their respective
States, were still maintaining their
headquarte RS.
On Monday evening the city was q
scene of splendor, with political clubs
marching, bands playing, banners
and flags flying, and fireworks let off
Who will be named as candidate
for Vice President cannot be told
Guild of Massachusetts, Dolliver OF
Iowa, and Sherman of New York,
are all looked upon with favor.
There is great inter est about the
platform to be adopted, what it will
says and whether it will reflect Presi-
dent RoOsevelt's extreme or conser
vative views. Undoubtedly it will be
trimmed down to milder degree
than the Presidents extreme views
are supposed to represent.
The Maine delegation consisting of
% persons, in charge of Byron Boyd,
Secretary of the State committee,
arrived at Chicago, Tuesday after
noon. Elk Gov. Hill was already
there. The delegation had canvassed
on the train, and reelected Elk Gov.
John F. Hill of Augusta, Names
member of the national committee.
A great honor was also awarded Gov.
Hill by putting him at the head of the
committee on permanent organiza-
tion. Charles j. Dunn of Maine was
put on the committee on resolutions,
and Boyd of Maine has place on the
committee on credentials.
The convention opened at high
noon on Tuesday, amid scenes of
the most stirring enthusiasm. Some
$4,000 people were gathered within
the walls of the huge Coliseum. Por-
traits of Taft and other candidates
were on silk banners and hanging
upon the walls.
Just as the opening hour arrived
the Ohio delegation swung down the
middle aisle bearing aloft the blue
silken banner with the portrait of
Ohio's candidate. "Taft, Taft" went
up from a thousand throats, as the
well-known face of the secretary
candidate was borne to the front.
Cheer after cheer echoed from floor
to gallery and back again, and for a
time Chairman New was unable to
proceed with the opening formalities.
F.. Mr.. New then introduced the tenn
porary presiding officer, the veteran
Senatorial orator, Julius Caesar Bur-
rows, of Michigan. His long speech
dealt mainly with the party's record
and achievements. When he men
toned Roosevelt" the words seemed
to start the assemblage RS by magic
thrill. For a moment it seemed as
though one of those record breaking
roars of the days of Blaine would
sweep the convention from its moor
ings.
By the side of the chairman was
A. G. Kinds, a native of Maine, of
parliamentary fame, to guide him in
his rulings.
The most of the work of the day
was routine, the appointment of com
mittees, etc. Considerable work has
been done upon the platform. In
brief, as it now stands, it will recite
the record of the party; praise the
President and emphatically endorse
his policies; endorse the wholesome
acts passed by the last Congress;
approves of financial legislation, of a
sound currency, based upon rea
values, of the Sherman antitru law
of the railroad rate law, the enact
ment in constitutional form of the
employers liability law, and the
enactment of all laws that stand fol-
the needs and wants of every Amer
lean citizen. 1t stands for the farmer
the artisan, the women and children
of toll, and especially for the rights
of the American negro, demanding
equal Justice for all men, without re-
gard to race or color. AS present
outlined, it also declares for tariff
reform.
Wednesday,, the second day, was to
be given over to parades of visiting
delegations and marching clubs.
Probably the nominations for Presi'
dent and Vice President will be
made today.
Strong influences are at work foI
the denomination of President Roose-
veit.
Gov. Hill of Maine was taken sici
at the convention, and was obliged tt
hpEtap home