The Detroit times., 1912-06-18

CHICAGO. June 1s.-When the
gavel OF Victor Rosewater, chairman
of the Republican national committee
fell at noon today calling to order the
Ififteenth Republican national conven-
tion, the most desperate fight in the
history OF American politics had
reached a crisis. For weeks Presi
dent Taft and Col. Roosevelt had
been battling throughout the country
for delegates. Today, with the entire
representation of every state and ter
ritory on hand for the opening OF the
convention in the massive Coliseum.
the uncertainty was greater than
when the fight opened weeks ago.
The Taft men had fatty refused the
demand OF the Roosevelt forces that
they agree to a proposition that no
vote on the temporary organization be
valid unless il received the affirma-
tive vote of $40 delegates Ga majority
whose right TO seats was unquestion-
ed This was a novel program and
arranged at a session of the Roosevelt
delegates that lasted until nearly day
light today. The Roosevelt men de-
clared 1t was put fortb<in the interest
of harmony and also because IL was
desired that the proceedings OF the
convention be such that they would
reunite the party. The Taft men de-
clared that the presentation, II adopt
ed, would mean simply deadlock.
They insisted that IL would be impos-
slble 10 secure harmony and an af-
firmative vote flrfa the $40 dele
gates. They also claimed that the
real reason back of the suggestion
was the desire OF the Roosevelt men
for further delay. Every hour that
the presidential nomination was de-
ferred. the Taft men said. gave the
Roosevelt followers that much more
time 10 proselyte among wavering
delegates, especially those from the
south.
! The Taft men insisted that their
original program was going through.
They declared they had the delegates.
They also insisted that, after consult
ling with their parliamentary experts,
they had found that there was no way
by which the demand OF the Roosevelt
forces that only the uncontested dele
gates should vote on the preliminary
propositions could be made TO hold.
T. r. Men Appeal to Taft.
Turned down by the TAFT leaders
the Roosevelt men sent protest TO
president Taft and demanded that he
Interfere and compel his representa-
Itives on the ground TO accept the
Roosevelt proposition. The Taft
Headers insisted, however. that the
lpresideut could not interfere. They
said II VAS not a matter for him TO
decide: that il was one for the dele
gates 10 dispose OF.
The crowd started for the Coliseum
early The morning was cool. A
brisk breeze sweeping across the city
lfrom Lake Michigan tempered the
Isummer atmosphere and an overcast
sky made walking comfortable. But
liz was warm in the great hall where
1.-The delegates gathered and II was adj
mitted on all sides before the call TO
order that the proceedings would be
torrid
Great lines OF uniformed policemen
were scattered about the structure
and massed az every entrance.
Grouped with them We're 400 special
deputy sheriffs. especially commits
\ stoned by the sheriff OF Cook county
TO see that there was no disorder.
! Plain clothes men were scattered
Through the crowd OF curiosity seek
ers that had iocked 10 the scene.
hopeful. that the Roosevelt forces
would make good their threat and
storm the entrances. thus making a
way for all without tickets. Nothing
had been overlooked and nothing left
Iundone To preserve order and In ad-
dition 10 the police on the scene. re,
serve squads were held in readiness
near the Coliseum. with automobile
patrol wagons ready TO rush 10 any
spot where they might be needed.
men came early. They wanted to see
The delegates themselves were slow
N gathering The least known party
What was going on and TO be In 20
(Coatinsed on Page Eisht.l