New Britain herald., 1928-06-29


and they are counted on to help.
Some of the convention managers
were predicting that Robinson's
nomination would be a first ballot
affair as one sided as the presiden-
tial poll by which Smith himself
was named last night,
Bratton Chosen
Senator Bratton OF New Mexico
was chosen to make the nominating
speech FOR Senator Robinson. For
that purpose Arizona. high on the
alphabetical roll of states, con-
scented to yield to her neighhor. Civ
New Mexico and Bratton right of
way on the program close to the
beginning of the roll call
Despite the manifest pickup of
the Robinson movement supporters
Of other candidates. notably Senator
Barkley Of Kentucky, remained ac-
tive. A Barllley band paraded
through the aislcs OF the hall before
the session opened and was checred
by the assembling delegates.
We're Confcrring
As the 10 o'clock converting hour
came and passed with the conven-
ton officials comforting on the
platform and making no move TO
call for order. Senator Robinson
who for some time had been in the
group that had put their heads TO-
gether on the speakers stand, left
the convention hall for his hotel. He
was retiring from the physical pres
ence of the honor the convention
seemed about to pay him. He turn
ed the gavel over to Franklin D.
Roosevelt, the Smith floor marshal,
who was designated to open the
session. After the opening itself. the
savel honors fell to Senator Harri-
son of Mississippi.
1t was 1915 o'clock when Roose-
Welt pounded for order. The dele
gates mostly were late arriving and
there was much confusion on the
floor and among the spectators. The
new chairman could not get them
quiet for several minutes.
Band Plays
Roosevelt finally got the conven-
ton to attention by ordering the
band to play the Star Spangled Ban
ner. When the anthem was conf
pleted the opening prayer was Of
fered by Rabbi Nathan Blechman,
of Temple BETHEL Houston.
After some routine announce
monts, Miss Melvina passmorc of
Houston sang Dixie" to a cheering
convention, and then the roll call
for vice presidential nominating
platform Judge Michael Sollie OF
Ozark. who made nominating
speech for Major General Henry Z.
Allen. commander or the American
army Of occupation on the Rhine.
Rides Donkey
While the Alabaman was speak
ing. a neighbor Of his, Homer Cas-
teel, chairman of the Mississippi
delegation, created lot of amuse-
mcnt and some excitement by rid
ing dawn the crowded center aisle
astride a donkey so small that its
ears We're just barely visible as it
poked its nose through the crowd
Casteel had an escort Of two other
burro riders. small boys. whose
mounts trudged along single file
behind the leader.
The delegation chairman. upon
arriving at the Mississippi section
near the front of the hall did not
dismount until he had salutcd with
rison of Mississippi. then presiding.
Harrison smiled but made no effort
to quiet the runpus caused by Cas-
teelS unconventional arrival.
Finally Dismounts
When he had finished his saluta-
tons to those Of his friends he was
able to recognize close about him
or far away in other delegations,
the Missssippian got off his mount
and allowed it to be led away in
the new company.
Robinson Hailed
When the roll call was resumed
Arizona yielded to New Mexico and
Senator Bratton placed the name
OF Senator Robinson before the con-
vention. A crash of applause that
seemed TO sweep nine out of ten
delegations greeted the name Of the
Arkansan.
Bratton reviewed Senator Robin
sons career at great length, prais-
ing him for his rugged honesty"
for his sagacity and for the record
OF his legislative accomplishments
Bratton declared there was not one
objection that could be urged
against Robinson.
Az the close of tho speech the
Arkansas delegates started a pro-