Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1912-08-06
Beveridge Temporary Chairman--About 100 Dele
gates. Friction Over CoIoTed Delegates and Con-
tests Quickly Settled BeVeTidge's Speech
Real Business Of the Convention, Today.
BULL MOOSE" CONVENTION.


Chicago, Aug. 5.--The first session
of the first convention of the new Ma
tional Progressive party, of which Col.
| Theodore Roosevelt is sponsor, was
held in the Coliseum, today, and while
the setting was attended by all of the
usual ceremony and paraphernalia of
national political gathering, the act.
| ual proceedings were suggestive of a
love feast.
Not 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 fight on the floor
of the convention. The delegates were
at times explosive in their enthusiasm
Many of the state delegations came
into the hall singing and shouting and
three hours later left the building in
the same happy frame of mind.
Although green hands were sup
posed to be at the helm. the machinery
of the convention worked smoothly
and efficiently. There was no roll call
OF delegates but the delegates section
OF the floor. arranged in the same
manner as at the Republican National
convention a few weeks ago and ac-
commodating nearly 100 people, was
entirely filed. The alternate section
also had its full quota. There was not
the crush of spectators, today, as at
the Republican gathering, but when
the proceedings began the galleries had
lew empty seats. The convention lead
ers were enthusiastic, today, over the
showing made in the Coliseum. todaN
work Of the National COMMITTEES on
contested delegate cases caused a de-
lay of nearly three-quarters of an hour
IN the assembling of the convention.
During the wait the delegates amused
themselves with songs and yeIls com
posed for the occasion, while n band
up near the flag draped steel rafters.
and Grand Army fife and drum corps
on The stage We'd with each other in
playing patriotic airs.
There was great cheer as Senator
Joseph NJ, Dixon, 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 Former
Senator Albert j. Beveridge of Indiana
was presented as the choice of the Ma
tlonal committee for temporary chair
man. The formality of electing Sena-
tor Beveridge was not necessary and.
amid renewed acclaim he was escort
ed TO place on the stage. decorated
with gold badge and handed the con-
vention gavcl
Senator Beveridge then delivered his
keynote speech. He spoke more than an
hour and a half. expressing some of the
advanced ideas of government ADOPT
| ed by the new party, and paving the
way for the even more Progressive pro-
| posals to be made to the convention by
Col. Roosevelt. tomorrow.
The temporary chairman was given
! the closest attention throughout. once
| he mentioned President Taft in con-
neetion with his approval of the Payne
tariff law, and instantly there came a
| STERN of jeers and groans. FREQUENTLY
Senator Beveridge was interrupted by
| applause and cheering.
The former senator from indiana
made a most courteous presiding Off
| Ger and once, when a premature mo-
| ton to adjourn was made. he begged
pardon of the delegate for not recognize
| ing him at the time. promising atten-
ton little later in the session.
Standing committees were appointed
ms 49, p $500 cue mrs. uay proceed
r,e.s,.,1, n,S,s 'l ~ CLOSE James t.
CARRIED of Ohio moved the appointment
of a committee of ~ ~ invite 81 -
welt to appear before tho co,,.a,tio,,
noon. tomorrow The ,,o,io,, 49,. -.
ried with whoon. ana tonight r,,tt a.
ceremony. the eoloneI fornoallv $1,000,
Colonel Roosevelt not heino a.,
gate. did not attend the ona,in,. sass.,l,,