The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-06-09

In accordance with the traditions OF
their parapatetic profession. the travel,
ing man yesterday came to Richmond
promptly and in style. All day long
sumptuous special trains were rolling
In to the Main Street Station, where
reception committee of fifty mem
bers awaited the delegates, and at 9:aO
o'clock last night, the travelling saIes-
manship OF nearly every State In the
Union was represented. at Richmond
hotels The prospects are that the
twenty fourth annual convention OF the
Travellers ProtectiSe SSsociatfon. %
America will opeftfsthie InorninE with
moro than 1000 delegates and guests
In attendance.
The only exception TO the prompt ar
rivals we're tho Missouri and Texas
delegations, who came In All eleven-
coach all-steel train. bearing some ESQ
individuals. When these cowboys and
farmers. accustomed only to fiatness
and mud, found themselves in the midst
OF the beautiful Virginia mountains
they insisted upon a two-hour stop
that they might frisk in the sylvan
glades and have their pictures takcn
sitting on real mountain. This di-e
version discombobulated the arrival
schedule somewhat, but the Western.
ers are well pleased with themselves
Swarm About the Jefferson.
the headquarters of the convention in
the Automobile Club rooms at tho Jef-3
ferson Hotel, where President George
w Rogers OF Post A attempted to get
them all registered and supplied With
badges and other requisites. This Inn
posed such a strain on the executfvaa
that he was forced to post large signs
Don't talk to the big chief except on
business" IN
The big chief was the only busy man
on the Job. however Tho travelling
men. veterans and leaders OF their fra,
ternity from all over the United Statea.
put In the afternoon renewing the In.
Vulnerable acquaintanceshps of tho
road. while that nimble and amusing.
thing that gladdens the smoking car.
tho drummer's yarn, was abroad In ali
Its variety. -
press themselves As greatly pleased to
be In Richmond again. This ctty has
not entertained the association since
the time that the old Jefferson Hotel
burned down. and the proceedings had
to adjourn to Old Point Comfort.
Evidence is already abroad that there
viii be considerable friendly rivalry
and some lobbying In the contest for
the much-coveted honor of national
president of the association. A lead
Ing figure in this political phase OF the
convention is w. r. (alias "Buck")
H.,
been twice president of the associa-
tion, and is still mighty power In
Its councils. Some of his friends say
that Mr. Johnson is the minority lead. !.
or. but when approached on the sub.
Ject' he remarked that it remains to
be seen who is the minority. II Mr..
Johnson was the entire minority it
would not be small one. He is built
on the sN-foot principle, somewhat
more than proportionately broad, and
no wears the largest Panama hat IN
Richmond.
Armstrong a Fayorite.
The ostensibly favorable candidate
Tor the honor OF national president la
George n Armstrong. of Philadelphia.
many of whose supporters may be seen
wearing long blue atrea mers with hia
name upon them. Mr.. Johnson and
putting forward c. T. Tomlnson. of
High Point. n c., who is Chairman OF
the national membership committees.
and has. they state. done much to build
up the association His friends say
that Mr.. Tomlinsou has not come here
as candidate by any means. but they
indicate that If he can possibly be pre- q
vailed upon to run, a any time before
the eleventh hour, he VIII be put for
ward as An exceedingly well-groomed
dark horse 4
Another supporter of Mr., Tomlinson
is G.. a. Weller. OF Tennessee. who ia.S
also former president of the assoctassS
ton. He is niso making casual but
FREQUENT mention, while here. OF the
Conservation Exposition 10 be held in
Tennessee this year and he has draw.
ing OH exhibition In the lobby. shows
ing the handsome building which Wilt
be erected there by tho association. @
To-Day's Bis Parade. g
The big parade viii leave the Jss,s55S; :;
ferson Hotel at s;1s O'Clock this mor
ing. The national officers, to8athsr
with Mayor -Ainslie ara othsr guests.
will form on tho franklin street sid1SS
CONTINUED on Eighth Pasa.S &,