The Detroit times., 1908-06-17
CONVENTION SANS
ENTHUSIASM ON
OPENING DAY
EVEN MAGIC NAME OF RoosEz
WELT FAILS TO STIR DELE
GATES GREATLY-lNTERE
GOSSIP FROM MICHIGAN HDoTs
(From a star corresponden,.1

NJ Z II u HEADQUARTERS,
CHICAGO, June 17.-Ginger was GER
tainly lacking In the proceedings OF
the ilrst session OF the Republican
national convention. The concerted
and deafening cheering that is usually
the main feature of such gatherings
Is not yet in evidence. AT times there
were scattering salvos Of handicap
ling and vocal applause, but the big
earnest. altogether roar of a great
audience stirred 10 sound and demon.
etration b. its aroused emotion was
Kissing.
There were times when attempts
were made by leaders or states to
start things, but II was like building
fire OF wet wood The efforts died
in starting. Even the magic name of
Roosevelt failed to bring the people
to their feet as In times of old. Wav-
ing of banners and swinging OF hats
were not effective in arousing the
mass.
Those present were enjoying the
spectacle-nothing more.
Several causes may have had to do
with the GOODNESS. Weather condi-
tons had forced an actual, physical
GOODNESS, for one thing. Another dis
turbing cause was that few of the
ten thousand or more spectators could
hear aught few words Of Senator
Burrows keynote" speech. His or
atory, except for those within a hun
dred feet or so, was but OF pantomime
Most of those who saw him got his
speech for the first time only as they
read II in the papers, after the con-
reHtieH- 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
the peroration of his address. the
glory that must pass, the age that
must yield power to the virility OF
youth.
One touch In his carefully penned
address bore a guarded significance
that was the source of much comment
after the session. 1t 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 termers and stampeders
that no interference with the presi-
dents policy of retirement will be al
lowed
One OF the most interesting parties
of all In the convention was that
which centered about Nicholas Long
worth and his wife. the presidents
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. Not
so her husband for, as batteries and
battalions of eyeglasses were leveled
his way. he Redeemed clear to the top
of his sidney 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
Ell to listen to the speaker and turned
away9to 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 that
she might applaud the better. Fa-
milar as she has been for Ave years
with the inner policies OF politics, few
among the women present knew or
| felt as much In regard to the events
| beginning.
| And that knowledge OF the ways OF
the springs that run the political
wheels may be discerned In Alice
Roosevelt Longworth's face II one but
| look closely. In profile her face Is
young; in action Is is sprightly and
vivacious, but when she looks at you,
I full-face. in moments OF thought. there
| is a deep touch OF world WEAKNESS
and age-experience in the eyes of this
American princess. "
There was little OF formality In the
meetings OF the big committees. AT
one OF our own state conventions,
custom has II that the resolutions com
mittee goes TO an unnumbercd back
room somewhere, posts line Of trusty
guards before the locked door. and
proceeds to elucidate the sentiments
OF the party and put them in writing.
But this big. big national convention
resolutions committee just HE'D itself
TO big. open parlor adjoining the
Auditorium Annex banquet hall and
Proceeded to do business right out in
the open where anyone that would
might come along and listen TO the
debates.
One might almost think that there
was a purpose In having The mem
/ bers do their arguing and cast their
votes where they would be seen and
heard and their action noted by press
and party.
The bacge craze has the convention
visitors as never before. Sunday the
Influential partisan from Hop Corners
got In and reported at his state head