New-York tribune., 1908-06-17
national committee had placed serious and un
necessary obstacles.

VISITORS AHEAD OF DELEGATES
the floor, but the balcony crowds were slow in
recognizing the more prominent men among the
stream of arrivals, although now and then q
bit Of spontaneous handclapping denoted the
enthusiasm Of some appreciative spectator.
Fifteen minutes before the hour set for call
ing the convention to order the delegate sec
tons were not half filed, but the music Of
marching bands IN the street poured into the
hall and the parading hosts were at hand.
Fairly overwhelming the large and efficient
corps Of doorkeepers and ushers, the delegates
from score Of states crowded into their places.
The notable guests on the speakers platform
were slow in arriving The first to appear were
the French Ambassador and Nine. Jusserand.
who soon were followed by other members of
the diplomatic corps, to whom President Roose-
vnlt had allotted twenty five seats. Mrs. Nicho-
! las Longworth and Mrs. Timothy l.. Woodruff
also occupied conspicuous places the plat
form.
1t was nearly II O'clock when the British Am
bassador, with Mrs. Bryce. reached the hall.
Both he and the French Ambassador and their
wives were the recipients Of much attention.
Conspicuous among the diplomats Minister
WI Ting-fang of China
Among the other distinguished persons on the
platform Mr.. and Mrs E II. Gary, of New
York: Dan Ransdell. sergeant-at-arms Of the
Senate. Mrs. Frank O. Lowden, the Right Rev.
?. J. Mudoon, auxiliary Bishop Of Chicago;
Mrs. Julius c. Burrows. Mrs. Medill McCor-
3 mick Of Chicago; the Rev. DR. and Mrs. John
Wesley Hill. of Chicago; DR.. Albert Shaw,
Leslie NJ. Shaw, formerly Secretary of the
Treasury; Mr.. and Mrs. Donald McLane of
New York and Or. Benjamin Ide Wheeler, of
California.
A gold banner of California, heavy with gilt
! fringe and tassels, was carried at the head of
the delegation and was greeted with applause as
the delegation arrived, just before the hour.
! II was the finest banner on display at the con
vention.
! The ever ready band in it's lofty balcony. and
all but hidden behind the outstretched wings of
an immense bronze eagle. played vigorously
throughout the preliminaries and when at 4
loss for new selection simply repeated THE
/ Star Spangled Banner to an appreciattve audi
ence The patriotic anthem was always sure Of
4 demonstrative welcome. barytone singer
with powerful voice sang "Tipperary." to the
delight Of the assembled crowd.
/ The exchange of badges had been So general
during the last two days that some of the mem
hers Of the convention seemed decorated with
the ribbons and medals Of nearly every state in
the Union.
DELAY IN OPENING CONVENTION.
AT l. o'clock the hour set for the opening Of
the convention. there was no indication that It
would he called order for some time. Chair
man New was not on the PLATFORM and sew
eral Of the leading delegations were represented
only in meagre fashion.
At 1905 O'Clock Sergeant at Arms Stone gave
vent for the first time to the cry often heard
in all conventions He came to the front OF the
sneakers. rostrum. calling out: Clear the sises,
The sergeants at arms will clear the aisles" And
as the case has always been in ali conventions
the aises were not cleared aud the sergeants-
alarms did nothing
Chairman News first utterance was, The
secretary will make an announcement" In
stsntIv John Malloy, Of Ohio, who has a mar
,-eIlouel- strong voice. stepped 10 the front and
informed the convention that = fashsht wan