Evening Republican, Volume 20, Number 140, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 June 1916 — THE CONVENTIONS. [ARTICLE]

THE CONVENTIONS.

Chicago Tribune. The republican convention of 1916 was, to put it mildly, not a dramatic affair. Inevitably at such a time there are moments of tension, and there were even moments of enthusiasm. But these were few and brief. But there was a groundwork of definite purpose and unwavering determination which, while they did not surge up in great waves of feeling, produced quietly and promptly the essential result sought, namely, the: choice of the candidate believed on the while to be the strongest. Harmony and victory were the objects of the convention of 1916, and these objects were loyally pursued to a gratifying conclusion. Selfish ambition and wounding recriminations were suppressed and the campaign therefore should begin under encouraging conditions. For this not only the spirit of the rank and file of the delegates but also and chiefly the spirit of the rival candidates was responsible. The case of our own favorite son, Senator Sherman, was a conspicuous example. It was clear from the beginning of the convention that, however, available he was and how’ever well founded his hopes and claims were he and his supporters loyally placed duty to the party and the nation above his private cause and stood ready at the first clear opportunity to waive his own personal interest and throw his strength for the candidate who seemed after fair deliberation the best choice. It was Senator Sherman and his supporters who first among the rival candidates determined upon Justice Hughes, and with ‘this news the nomination became virtually assured. The other candidates were advanced in much the same spirit of devotion to the common purpose to select the best and strongest man and the promise is for a campaign of harmony and confidence. The progressive convention was surcharged with feeling and was more seriously divided. One wing, led by the or radicals, was, however, kept in check by the cooler and more farsighted leaders, and an attempt to bring about a common nomination and essential reunion was carried through two days. Unfortunately at the end the more impatient element prevailed and the convention nominated Roosevelt when the certainty of Hughes’ choice by the republicans became known. - The progressive nomination, however, has not been perfected by the acceptance of Col. Roosevelt, and only the extremists.can refuse support to a candidate of Justice Hughes’ mental and moral caliber and distinguished record as one of the first and most formidable leaders of progressivism.