Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1916-02-17

New York. Fob. BIN speech filled
18th caustic criticism Of the Wilson adj
inistration. especially In respect to its
preisn policy, former United states
enatur Elihu Root. as temporary chair
an OF tho republican State convention,
ounded here tonight what was regarded
tho keynote of the republican national
convention. He was introduced by Fred
ick {. Tanner, chairman of the State
omn1ittee and was greeted with an
walton which lasted two and n half
1inutes.
Every seat in the convention hall and
very inch OF standing room was oc-
fupicd long before the convention
$rcncd. The boxes were almost entirely
escrved for women. ono being filled
it'll suffrage leaders.
The first par, of MIR. Roots speech,
hich was devoted to consideration Of
he tariff and economic conditions. was
deceived in compare tive silence. Then
. opened an attack on President WILL
ons Mexican policy and was repeat
IDLY interrupted with applause.
The first prolonged outburst of cheers
anne when Mr. Root. turning to Euro
,can affairs. denounced the President $
bolicv one Of making threats and fall
NJ to make them good.
In tho prepared speech Mr.. Root sent
but in advance he referred to Theodore
Roosevelt as one of the men who had
believed IT the duty of the American
government to protest at the violation
f Belsium's neutrality by Germany
his reference was omitted tonight
he temporary chairman himself de-
ourcod, however. the failure of the
nitcd States government to protest
Against the invasion of Belgium.
III the public opinion of the world
he said was to remain silent on that
Neutral upon that, then all talk about
peace and Justice and international law
nd the rights Of man. the progress o.
humanity and the spread of liberty il
die patter-mcro weak sentimentality.
4 move interpreted by the Whitman
supporters as intended to prevent an!
cht on the convention floor for an Ell
lorsement of the State administration
MAS made 10y Charles =. Sears of Fri
county Immediately after Mr.. Root ende
ns speech. sears moved that all rcso
utions be referred to the committee o.
resolutions without debate. The motion
mas declared adopted by Chairman Root
Spea kcr Sweet of the Assembly move
hat the rules OF the Assembly be adopt
od as the rules of the convention excep
hat the minority in committees be per
nittcd to submit reports. This propose
elso was carried. The committees %
esolutions delegates TO tho national con
rontion and credentials then were nance
pr. Nicholas Murray Butler was al
pointed chairman of the committee o
solutions and Senator George f. Arge'
ringer Of Rochester Of the committee o
delogates.
The convention adjourned at 1o:'
o'clock to meet again at II o'clock tc
morrow morning.
When William Barnes oetered the ha
before the session opened he was aske
what action he intended to take in til
convention.
81 have certain plans which ! will p,
Through" he said, you Will see whf
they are when / carry them out
Tho question of endorsement Of II
Whitman administration was still fl
from settled Tonight. The organizatio
leaders had decided, prior to the openir
Of the convention, that no endorsemei
would he given on the ground that II
convention was called for the sole pm
pose Of considering national affair
This decision met with vigorous protcs
from tho Whitman supporters vi
Threatened to force fight from n
floor. Several conferences were he
without definite decision being reach
Aut many of the organization chi"