The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1908-06-24
the REPUBLICAN CONVENTION.
SCENES OF STIRRING ENTHISJ.
ASM AT THE OPENING SEES
SION.

Called to Order-Permanent OH.
GERS Are Already Decided On
The Days Work.
Chicago. June 16.-Amid seems of
stirring enthusiasm the Republican
national convention of 1908 began its
deliberation at noon today in the pres
ence of an assemblage estimated at
upwards of $4,000 people, with the
sounds Of patriotic airs alternating
with the frenzied shouts for Roose-
welt. Taft and the other popular he
roes. the first toscin Of the coming
struggle from the graceful orator of
Michigan. Senator Julius Caesar Bur-
rows, and the initial formauties which
started this momentous gathering in
to meeting. The opening session last.
ed less than two hours and was less
noticeable for the business accomplish
ed than for the opportunity it afford
ed Of seeing again this stirring pic
ture OF the people assembled from ev-
cry corner OF the country to select
candidate for president Of the United
States. The actual work of the day
was quickly accomplished and to-
night the various important commit
tees on credential. platform. organi-
cation, etc.-are preparing for the
more important business to come.
Early in the day all roads In Chica-
go turned toward the huge pile
known as the Coliseum, with its back
towards Lake Michigan and its great
turrels fronting a rather shabby Sec
tion Of the city. Here centered the
convention thrOngs-State delegations,
singly and in groups. some with
marching clubs and bands and ban
ners for their favorites, the Ohio del
egation with huge black silk stan
dard bearing the portrait Of Secretary
Taft. At the front and rear the great
building was beseiged by steady streams
Of humanity, until at noon almost
every seat In the structure was occu-
pied and great crowds stood outside
to catch the echoes from within.
Impressive Scene.
The scene when the vast assem-
blage was called to order was one of
impressive dignity. of animation and
of color. In the central erena sat the
delegations. almost 1000 strong, and
back Of them their alternates, another
thousand in number, with the stand
ards Of the State rising here and there
above the turbulent sea Of heads.
The points Of vantage. Immediately
In front was held by Ohio. New York.
Pennsylvania, Indiana and Wiscon-
sin, each having q candidate. while
further back. rank after rank, were
ranged other States and territories.
Hawaii. Pureto Rico, the Philippines
and Alaska forming the outlying
fringe Of the official delegation.
Around the central mass Of delegates
and alternates swept the long lines
Of spectators. In rising tires and in
solid masses. men and women. the
latter In gay-hued summer gowns and
with huttering fans and waving hand
kerchiefs. Higher up another gallery
made the entire circuit Of the vast
enclosure. Above the ever-moving,
Kaleidoscope scene. bent the huge
semi-circle roof. It's steel girdlers loop.
ed with bunting and ablade with elec-
trio devices. shields and patriotic
symbols. In front Of the delegates
stretched the mammoth platform.
zoo feet square. and accommodates
1900 distinguished guests. including
ambassadors and ministers from for.
eign states. besides the oficers Of the
convention and members Of the ma
tional committee.
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