The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1920-06-09
REPUBLICANS
SESSION TAME
First Meeting of Big Convention
Listless; as Lacking In En-
thusiasm as Possible.
WINNER NOT IN DICATED
Hays Opening Speech Short and
Snappy; Lodges Keynote Was
Long, Heavy and Tiresome.
NOT INDICATED
(By n. N. RIckEY)

Chicago, June 9.-The first session
of the convention was as listless and
as lacking in enthusiasm as possible
Even Chairman Will Hays, who is
probably the most popular chief ex-
ecutive the Republicans have had in
a generation, had to be satisfied with
a cheer or two when he called the dele
gates to order.
1t had been predicted that there
would be a great demonstration for
Hays. There wasn't. although his
greeting was friendly. Hays speech
was short and snappy. Lodges Key
note was long and heavy. Everybody
was bored stiff while he was speaking
and glad when he finished.
Very few heard what he said and
nobody seemed to care. The news
paper men all had advance. copies and
knew that it consisted in most part of
peevish criticism of Mr.. Wilson, and
fulsome eulogy of the republican con-
gress for saving the nation from the
terrible man in the White House.
Nothing happened to give the slight
est clew to who is going to be nomin-
ated.
AS this is the only thing in which
ninety-nine per cent of the delegates
and visitors are interested, the ad-
journment to Wednesday was a relief
to everybody.
There was a rush for the hotels
which are the centers of activity in
the great presidential free for all.
Until midnight the headquarters of
the candidates and the corridors were
filled with people, tobacco smoke and
rumors. The rumors were infinite in
number and variety. They emanated
from the score of candidates head
quarters.
After analyzing and sitting the rum
ors one was forced to this conclusion:
Somebody is going to be nominated,
sometime-maybe.
About 1890 1 net n very important
man who would know what really was
going on behind the scenes if anyone
would.
From past experience I knew had
this mans confidence. Yes, I know
who is going to be nominated he said
in answer to me. l had my first con-
vention, the great scoop was mine. I
steered the important man into near
by side corridor so that the answer to
my next question would reach no ears
but mine.
"who it it? Tell me. swear not
to betray your confidence" My i'm
portant friend put his face close to
mine and whispered Know, Dut L
cannot tell" After the nomination is
made am going to see this man again,
and when he tells me how sorry he is
that he couldn't get me in on the Sc
cret, I'll say: What a liar you are."l
1t is still Lowden against the field
The only organized leader here is
among a group of machine politicians
in the national committee
Lowden is their candidate. In past
years these men have taken orders
from the old guard. The old guard
having disintegrated.. they are now op-
formed an offensive ard defensive al
lance to keep control of the party
in their respective 1ocali-
les. There seems to be ITO doubt that
they have received satisfactory as
surances from lte Lowden people.
The strength of their position lies
n the fact that they are not organ
xed- 1t is scattered among a dozen
NJ 4 ro.<sa..eA o. De- =