The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-06-17
inc Convention Remains Just Long Enough to Perfect Temporary Organization and Start Its Committees to Work,
Mention of Rooseyelt's Name Starts An Uproar in the Hall and Delegates Yell Themselves Hoarse--Fairbanks is Also Cheered by the Faithful.

Chicago, June 16.-Amid scenes Of stirring enthusiasm, the Republican National Convention of 1908 began its deliberations at noon today in the presence of an assemblage estimated at upwards of 14000 people. with the sounds of patriotic airs. alternating with the frenzled shouts for Roose- welt, Taft and the other popular heroes, the first tocslu of the coming struggle from the graceful orator of Michigan, Senator Julius Caesar Burrows, and the Initial formalities which stated this momentous gathering Into motion.
 The opening session lasted less than two hours and was less notable for the business accomplished than for the op- portunity 1t afforded of seeing again this stirring picture of the people as- sembled from every corner of the country to select a candidate for Pres- ldent of the United States. The actual work of the day was quickly accom- plished and tonight the various import ant committees on Credentials, Plat. form, Organization, etc, are preparing for the more important business to come
 Early in the day all roads in Chicago turned toward the huge pile known as the Coliseum. with It's back toward Lake Michigan and it's Gothic turrets fronting rather shabby section of the city. Here centered the convention throngs--State delegations. singly and and bands and banners for their fa- vorites. the Ohio delegation with a huge blue silk standard bearing the portrait of Secretary Taft. At front and rear the great building was -be- seiged by steady streafas Of humaBtty until at noon saiInost every seat In the ssIBqr s 2 ~ pSs Pss1 4nu yatt echoes from within.
 IHnpressive seehes.
 The scene when the vast assemblaEe was called to order, was one of ifn- pressive dignity, Of animation and of color. In the central arena sat the delegations. almost one thousand strong. and back of them their alter mates, another thousand in number with the standards of the States ris- Ing here and there above the turbulent sea of heads, The points of vantage, immediately in front. were held by Ohio. New York, Pennsylvania. Indiana and Wisconsin, each having a candi- date, while further back, rank after rank. were ranged other States and Terrltorles-Hawaii. Porto Rico, the Philippines and Alaaka--appropriate forming the outlying fringe of the of ncial delegation. Around this central mass of delegates and alternates swept the long lines of spectators, in rising tiers and in solid masses with men and women. the latter In gay-hued summer gowns and With huttering fans and waving handkerchiefs. Higher up another gallery made the entire cir cult of the vast enclosure. About this ever-movlng, kaledoseopic scene bent the huge semi circular roof, its steel girders looped with bunting and ablaze with electric devices, while on every side the national colors were woven into sunbursts, shields and patriotic symbols.
 In front of the delegates stretched the mammoth platform, 200 feet square and accommodating 1S00 distinguish ed guests, includingN Ambassadors and Ministers from foreign states. besides the officers of the convention and mem bers of the National Committee. The moment the gavel struck the oppor- tunity to inspect the personnel of the delegates and leaders grouped. In front of the New York delegation were Seth Low and General Stewart l.. woodford. the unyielding supporters of Governor Hughes. and further back, Chauncey NJ. Depew, ex-Governor Odell, Serene E. Payne, Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee; ex- Lieutenant Governor Timothy L. Wood ruff Thanking them were the Knox forces. Governor Stewart of Pennsyl- vsnia at the front. with Senator Bols Penrose, representatives John Dalzell and Burke of Pittsburg. the personal representative of Mir. Knox.
 Just back of them were Senators Lodge and Murray Crane. surrounded by the Massachusetts phalanx; to the right Senators Cullom and Hopkins with Governor Deneen of Illinois, May or Busse of Chicago and the Cannon l I.Nk r.- idge and Hemenway, Governor Hanley. George A. Dean and the Fairbanks s forces. It was truly gathering of the party and every group had its figure conspicuous in national affairs.
 Just as the opening hour arrived, the Ohio delegation swung down the mid dle aisle, bearing aloft the blue sllken banner with the portrait of ohio's can d!ea.e.
 YeIIa for Taft.
 Taft. Taft" went up from a thous- and 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 Again Wisconsin stirred the echoes with a real college yell. which resounded through the building and exploded with final "Rah-rah- rah- Wisconsin closing 1t all with a cry of "La Toilette"
 It was not until 12:1s that Chair man New stilled the tumult and with brief formaiities. introduced the tenn porary presiding officer of the conven- ton, Senator Burrows of Michigan. The venerable senator stepped forward with a ponderous roll of manuscript in his hand Ills first few words were bareIy audible five feet away. Grad ually he warmed to his subject. for he told of the glories of the party he had served so long. and the well-round- ed sentences carried to the remotest cornArs, hammered in here and there by an expressive gesture But 1t was not a speech calculated to set the blood tingiing It dealt with the partys