The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-08-10
BULL MOOSE CONVENTION.
NEW NATIONAL PROGRESSIVE
PARTY Is BORN.
Although Green Hands Supposed To
bc at Helm Convention Machinery
Works smoothly - Proceedings
Opened by senator Dixon-Scnator
Be,cridge Temporary Chairman.

Chicago. August 5.-The first ses-
sion OF the first Convention of the
new National Progressive party, of
which Col Theo Roosevelt is sponsor.
took place in the Coliseum today, and
while the setting was attended by all
OF the usual ceremonies and para
phernalia OF a national political gath
ering. actual proceedings were sug-
gestive of love feast.
Not a dissenting voice was raised
during the session. The question of
negro representation from the South
had caused friction earlier in the day
In the national committee, but there
was no echo of this light in the Con-
vention. The delegates were at times
explosive In their enthusiasm. Many
or the State delegates came into the
hall singing and shouting i'm their de-
light at the birth of the new party
and three hours later left the build
ing in the same happy frame Of
mind.
Although green hands were sup
posed to be at the helm, the ma
chinery OF the Convention worked
smoothly and efficiently. There was
no roll call of delegates. but the del
egate section of the floor arranged in
the same manner as ut the Repub-
ucation Convention few weeks ago
and accommodating nearly LOO per-
Sons. was filled. The alternate Sec
ton had its full quota also. There
was not the same crush of spectators
today as at the Republican gathering,
but when the proceedings began the
galleries had few empty seats. Con-
vention leaders were enthusiastic to-
night over the showing made in the
Coliseum today and made the claim
that no better looking. more substan-
ual set of delegates ever was seen on
the floor Of national political con-
Tention.
There was a great cheer as Sena-
tor pTxop, national chairman Of the
party. raped for order This was
repeated later. when the call for the
Convention was read. and there was
even greater enthusiasm when for
mer Senator Beveridge was present.
ed as the choice of the national com
mittee for temporary chairman. The
Formally of elocting Senator Rever-
idge was not nece ssary. and amid
renewed acclaim hs was escorted to
a place on the stage decorated with
. gold badge and handed The Conven-
ton gavel.
Senator Beveridge then delivered
his keynote speech. He spoke for
more than an hour and a half, ex-
pressing some of the advanced ideas
OF government adopted Ivy the new
parry and paving the way for the
even more progressive proposals to he
made to the Convention by Col.
Roosevelt tomorrow. The temper
airy chairman was given the closest
attention throughout. Once he raen-
toned President Taft in cnnnection
with his approval of the Payne tar
IN law and instantly there came
storm OF jeers and Rroans from the
crowd. Every few minutes Senator
Beveridge was interrupted by ap-
plause. -
The former Senator from Ind ana
made a most courteous presiding of
hcer. and once when a premature
motion To adjourn was made. he
begged pardon Of the delegate for not
recognizing him at the time. prom
ising attention later i'm the session.