Rensselaer Republican, Volume 27, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 June 1896 — BUSINESS IS BEGUN. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

BUSINESS IS BEGUN.

Republican National Convention in St. Louis. ■ • . , PARTY HOSTS THERE. Perfect Sea of Faces Confronts the Speaker. C. W. Fairbanks, of Indiana, the Temporary Chairman —permanent Organization Quickly Made with Senator Thurston, of Nebraska, aa Presiding Officer —The Great Auditorium Tilled to the Roof—Early Sessions Are Short—Contention Scenes and Incidents. On Tuesday at noon the biggest national convention that has been held by the ■Republican party since its organization in ’866, when Fremont was nominated, was ■ died to order in the flag-festooned hall \<Wch the people of St Louis erected for »w accommodation. It was a great profession that toiled up to the convention hall under the noonday sun. Nine hun-

dred and nine delegates, a like number of alternates and thousands of spectators were admitted to the auditorium. Tickets were in high demand, and all St. Louis—•hat is, all St. Louis which bad a pull on •he big sergeant-at-arms—straineu a point •» be present. The following table shows the number of delegates each State and territory sent to the convention: Alabama ........ 22 Montana ......... 6 Alaska 2 Nebraska Id Arizona ......... 2 Nevada 6 Arkansas 16 New Hampshire... 8 California ....... 18 New Jersey 20 Colorado 8 New Mexico 6 Connectict 12 New York 72 Delaware ”6 North Carolina.... 22 Diet, of Columbia. 2 North Dakota 6 Florida 8 Ohio 46 Georgia 26 Oklahoma 4 Idaho 6 Oregon .... 8 I 30 Rhode 151 and....; 8 Territory.. 4 South Carolina.... 18 i- 20 Tennessee 24 ky 26 Texas 30 na 16 Utah 8 Maryland ... 16 Virginia 24

Behusetts ... 30 Washington 8 ;an 28 West Virginia 12 sot* 18 Wisconsin 24 Mississippi 18 Wyoming ........ 8 Missouri 34 Total. 909. Necessary for a choice, 455. Of this total there were no less than 138 contested seats, distributed as follows: Alabama 20, California 4, Delaware 6, Florida 8, Georgia 10, Kentucky 2, Louisiana 12, Mississippi 18, New York 12, North Carolina 2, Pennsylvania 2, South Carolina 18, Tennessee 4, Texas 30, Virginia 4 and Arizona 6. In order to facilitate the distribution of the tickets Col Byrnea had them tied in bundles —one for each member of the national committee, one for Col Byrnea* chief assistant, one containing thirteen •ckets'for the members of the National Republican League, one for the Woman's League, one for Cob Byrnes' personal usa, •ne for the Woman’s Republican Association, one for the College League and individual tickets- for the distinguished guests. The fiftjfrpne members of the national Republirißi committee adopted their own methods of distributing the tickets given to them. Most of them tended them out to their friends and potical allies from their rooms or their State headquarters in the various hotels. Arrangement of Seats. • There were 500 seats on the platform, all of which were taken up by the distinguished guests. The fifty-one members ■ ■ the national committee sat immediately tn the rear of the speaker’s stand, while b> either side of it were the 550 representatives of the press, including the Associated and United Press. The delegates were seated by States directly In front of the speaker's stand in the very center of

the hall, while the alternates were seated. •n either aide, Surrounding these were the thousands of seats for the spectators, with as many more in the gallery that completely encircled the big hall. There was no lack of conveniences In the great hall. Half a dozen long-distance telephones connected it with every important city east of the Mississippi river, and ■st less than 200 telegraph wires placed •an Francisco, Winnipeg, Montreal, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Baltimore, Jacksonville, New OrLawa, Galveston and all . intermediate to#n* and cities in direct communication <fth the convention. For the especial use

of the representatives of McKinley, Reed, Allison and other presidential candidates, sound proof boxes containing long-dis-tance telephones were placed at the foot of the stairs in the rear of the speaker’s stand. From these it was possible fCIt the friends of the candidates- to talk directly to them and consult them on every important move that was made or contemplated in the convention hall. Crowd Begins to Gather. At 10 o’clock the band of forty pieces took its place in the gallery above the speaker’s ita’hd, and at 10:20 struck up the rousing air, "Black America.” Soon after the spectators began to stream through the entrances which opened into .the lower gallery. Hundreds of'assistant sergeants-at-arms and ushers were scattered about the hall and- galleries. Just before 11 o’clock the thunder of arriving clubs outside the hall was heard, and the Alabama delegation appeared at the main entrance and marched to their seats in the pit The contesting delegations from the State of Delaware, both in full fprce, the one headed by ex-Senator Higgins and the other by Mr. Addicks, were among the first to arrive. At 11:20 chairman of the national committee, who was to call the convention to order, arrived and gave his final instructions to the secretaries and reading clerks. Within a few minutes the delegations began crowding into their places. The arrival of the notables, however, was not attended by any demonstrations. The most famous of the Republican leaders seemed to be unrecognized from the galleries, but were warmly greeted by their friends on the floor. Senator Lodge, who is at the head of Reed’s New England delegation, and who whs the general of the radical politicians, was besieged on every hand as he walked down the aisle. The venerable “Dick” Thompson, of Indiana, who participated in the Clay-Jackson campaign of 1832 and has been a conspicuous figure at every Republican convention since the organization of the party, attracted much attention. He bears his 87 years sturdily and looked full of vigor. The Ohio delegation, headed by the dashing Forakei; and doughty Hanna, who as McKinley’s manager has made himself famous within a few ninths in the world of politics, passed down to their places, directly in front of the speaker's stand, without a demonstration of any kind. All was confusion on the floor in the final moments preceding the calling of the convention to order. Shoulder to shoulder in a compact square a thousand men sat and faced the speaker’s stand., Backed up in tiers that touched the very girders of the hall roof a sea of faces, eager and expectant, reflected the grim earnestness of the chief actors in the arena below. Overhead a white banner, bearing a design of an eagle carrying a ribbon inscribed “Republican Prosperity,” furnished a standard and battle cry for the assembled warriors. Upon the hearts of the champions, as upon the hearts of thfir alternates, glittering badges bespoke the purpose for which the multitude had assembled, and, as in the tournaments sturdy yeomen prided themselves in disporting the colors of their leaders, so. even to the topmost ring of the surrounding amphitheater of faces, ribbons innumerable peeked out between the shoulders of spectators to bear witness of the enthusiasm that thrilled like a discharge of electricity the entire gathering. When the big-hall was filled with people, when the banners designating the location of the States were set in place, the bands began to play, and the great speakers and statesmen and politicians were assembled there, it was a sight unrivaled by any national gathering of a political party ever held on American soil. The chairman of the convention looked down upon a spectacle not exceeded in human interest by any previous gathering in the political history of the country. The hall formed a fitting environment. The decorations were simple, but as striking as a repetition of flags and portraits could be made. Red, white and blue bunting covered the huge trusses, and the walls were relieved by huge panels bearing pictures of great Americans—Washington, Lincoln, Grant, Sherman, Farragut, Garfield. Interspersed were shields in the national * colors, flags and gaudy lanterns. The hands of the clock were at 12:30 when Chairman Carter of Montana unwaistcoated and with widespreading shirt bosom, stepped forward and with three fierce cracks of "his gavel, by way of preliminary, sought to make his voice pierce the general rustle. The attempt Was a futile one, however. He was exhorting the supernumeraries who crowded the aisles between delegates’ seats to “please retire.” These gentlemen failed to hear him, but his injunction was rapidly carried into effect by hustling badged offi-

cials, who swept down the aisles with more vigor than ceremony. Then there was an interval of comparative quiet, while Mr. Carter announced the prayer by Rabbi Sale. The thousands struggled up to their feet when they caught the significance of the rabbi’s outstretched hands and stood fojzthree minutes with bowed heads. The rabbi prayed with open eyes, and applause followed his prayer. Chairman Fairbanks’ Speech. The first real demonstration of the convention came when. Chairman Carter introduced Charles W. Fairbanks of Indiana as the temporary presiding officer. William H. Sutherland of the New York delegation seconded Mr. Fairbanks' nomination, and his selection was indorsed by the unanimous vote of the delegates. As Mr. Fairbanks stepped forward to deliver his speech a wave of applause ran around the galleries. He spoke from memory, with an occasional reference to a pad he half concealed in his left hand. His allusion to the protective tariff elicited an outburst of McKinley enthusiasm, which was repeated when he reached that portion of his speech enunciating the Republican doctrine of currency, and the demonstration reached its climax when he announced the unalterable opposition of the party to a “50-cent dollar.” As he closed with a declaration that tne issue was protection and honest money, against free trade and free silver, the convention heartily cheered. Mr. Fairbanks then assumed the gavel and the real work of the convention began. William Lamb of Virginia moved the adoption of the rules of the last convention to govern this, pending further action, and for the roll-call of States, in response to which the various State chairmen were to announce their delegates. At the suggestion of Gen. Grosvenor, the lists were handed up to the platform to be read by the clerk. The announeesnent of Henry M. Teller to be Colorado’s man on the resolutions

committee gave the silver men their first chance to make their presence known, and they improved it by shrill cheers which had their center In the Colorado section. There were more-cheers for Senator Du=. bois of Idaho, the young silver leader; for Gen. Lew Wallace, the author-politi-cian and friend of ex-President Harrison; for Henry Cabot Lodge, whose name brought a flutter of flags which the Bay

State men had tied to their canes, and for Merriam of Minnesota. When New York was reached John Raines was complimented and Edward Lauterbach got a volley. Gen. Grosvenor’s name was applauded, and Foraker received a quick burst of sharp cheering. At 1:50 Grosvenor moved that the convention adjourn until Wednesday morn ing at 10. The motion was carried, and there was a confused rush for the entrances. WEDNESDAY MORNING. Convention Permanently Organized with Thurston as Chairman, The gavel was wielded Wednesday morning by Temporary Chairman Fairbanks, who was obliged to hammer vigorously when, at 11:40 o’clock, he attempted to quell the tumult into working order. On the platform at his left stood the portly form of Mark Hanna, and beside him, with a friendly hand on his shoulder and pouring some confidences into Mr. Hanna's ear, was Thomas Carter of Montana, the retiring chairman of the national committee. For five minutes Mr. Fairbanks rested on his oars while the ushers perspired in futile attempts to persuade or compel compliance with the chairman’s request. The convention was in comparative order upon the introduction of Dr. Wilbur G. Williams, pastor of the Union Methodist Episcopal Church of St. Louis, who made the prayer. As he lifted his head at the conclusion of the prayer the crowd sank back in their seats and the convention was again under way. Senator Lodge, of Massachusetts, rose to ask for the committee on resolutions the privilege of sitting during the progress of the convention, reporting that the sub-committee had completed the platform, and that it was being considered by the full committee. Minor matters were brought to the attention of tue convention by Powell Clayton, of Arkansas, and by a colored delegate from Alabama. The chairman’s call for the report of the committee oh credentials met no response and that committee was passed. The report of the committee on permanent organization was received and adopted 'mid loud protestations from some of the dissenters. When the reading clerk, who intoned the committee’s report to the house, announced the name of John M. Thurston of Nebraska to be permanent chairman there

was an eruption of flags and cheers from the delegates. The other permanent officers elected were: Secretary—Colonel Charles W. Johnson, of Minnesota. Assistant secretaries—W. E. Riley, of Kentucky; EL H. Smith, of Michigan; A. E. Humphrey, of New York; and A. W. Manlor, of Maryland. Official stenographer—Frauds B. Burke, of Pittsburg. -

Sergeant-at-arms—Timothy E. Byrnes, of Minnesota. Assistants to the sergeant-at-arms— W. P. Huxford, of Washington; Charles E. Stone, of Illinois; and G. D. Smith, of Oklahoma. Reading clerks—J. H. Stone, of Michigan; F. TI. Wilson, omrssburiT John R Mallerr of Ohio; J. S. Hatch, of Indiana; and J. R. Bean, of New Jersey. Also one vice president from eaeh StateSenator Sewell, Of Nqw Jersey, and Congressman Sereno Paine, of New York, were designated to escort the "permanent chairman to the platform. They marched down the main aisle, while the delegates- jumped to their * feet fluttering flags and handkerchiefs and cheering shrilly. Mr. Fairbanks met the trio as jt ascended the steps, and grasped the Nebraska Senator by the hand. Thurston faced the arena with his hands clasped behind him and began to speak. He srild: Gentlemen of the Convention: The Happy memory of your kindness and confidence will abide in my grateful heart forever. My sole ambition Is to meet your expectations and I pledge myself to exercise the Important powers of this high office with absolute Justice and impartiality. I bespeak your cordial co-operation and support to the end that our proceedings may be orderly and dignified, as before this have been all the deliberations of the supreme council of the Republican party. Eight years ago I had the distinguished honor to preside over the convention which nominated the last Republican President of the United States. To-day I have the further distinguished honor to preside over the convention which is to nominate the next President of the United States. This generation has had its object lesson, and the doom of the Democratic party is already pronounced. The American people will return the Republican party to power because they know that Its administration will mean: The supremacy of the Constitution of the United States; the maintenance of law and order; the protection of every American citizen in bls right to live, to labor, and to vote; a vigorous foreign policy; the enforcement of the Monroe doctrine; the restoration of our merchant marine; safety under the stars and stripes on every sea. In every port; a revenue for all governmental expenditures and the gradual extinguishment of the national debt; a currency “as sound aS the government and as untarnished as its honor,” whose dollars, whether of gold, sliver or paper, shall have equal purchasing and debt-paying power with the best dollars of

the civilized world; a protective tariff which protects, coupled with reciprocity which reciprocates, thereby securing the best market for American products and opening American factories to the free coinage of American muscle; a pension policy just and generous to our living heroes and to the widows and orphans of their dead comrades; the governmental supervision and control of transportation lines and rates; the protection of the people from all unlawful combinations and unjust exactions of aggregated capital and corporate power; an American welcome to every God-fearing, liberty-lov-ing, Constitution-respecting, law-abiding, la-bor-seeking, decent man; the exclusion of all whose birth, whose blood, whose condition, whose practices would menace the permanency of free institutions, endanger the safety of American society or lessen the opportunities of American labor; the abolition of sectionalism—every star In the American flag shining for the honor and welfare and happiness of every commonwealth and of ail the people; a deathless loyalty to all that Is true ana American, and a patriotism as eternal as the stars The punctuation of almost every '‘’sentence of the address was a period of yells, rounded off with a fringe of applause and stamping, and the delegate! rose and waved their hats, flags and handkerchiefs with a prolonged cheer when Mr. Thurston finished. As the demonstration ceased a letter was read from J. Henry Fort, chairman of the committee on credentials, announcing that the committee 'would be unable to report until afternoon. Thereupon Gov. Bushnell of Ohio moved that the convention take a recess until 2 o’clock. The motion was carried with a roar, and at 11:23 Chairman Thurston declared the convention in recess. Proceedings in the Afternoon. The people returned to the hall after the recess, hoping that the candidates would be nominated during the day and knowing that at any rate the hostilities would begin. As soon as th% convention came to order, Mr. Fort of New Jersey moved to the fore with the report of the committee on credentials and the war was on. He reported' that the Addicks people were unseated in Delaware and the Ouney people in Texas and as for the other contestants the committee on credentials had accepted the report of the national committee. Congressman Hepburn of lowa was alongside to stand for the minority.

No sooner had he completed reading the minority report, which recommended the seating of the Addicks and Cuney delegations in Delaware and Texas, and the recommittal of all other contests, than Mr. Fort demanded the previous question on the adoption of the majority report. Mr. Hepburn moved to substitute the minority report. There was a general breaking up of

benches and girding up of loins. The Pennsylvania delegation was in an uproar. Platt dodged along the line of the New York delegation jotting down figures On a slip of paper. The leaders from the Southern States wrestled with the negro delegates. In Missouri corner Major Warner apd Chauncey I. Filley glared at each other. The galleries sent down a confused sound of eager voices, and then, as 'the chairman’s gavel fell, the hall became as quiet as if every man and woman of the 12,000 people had ceased breathing, and the roll call proceeded. When tho roll call of States was completed there was a minute of anxiety while the clerks footed up the totals. When Chairman Thurston announced the result, 568% for ordering the previous question and 339% against it, the McKinleyites howled themselves hoarse. The report of the committee was declared adopted, and the convention adjourned, with the crowd still cheering and Issughing, after a day of burning interest THE CONVENTION GAVEL Carved from a Lok Taken from a Cabin Built by Lincoln. Senator Orville F. Berry, Carthage, IIL, presented to the convention, through its chairman, and tor his use, an exquisitely carved gavel. This gavel was carved from a log taken from a cabin built by Abraham Lincoln at Salem, 111., in 1832. Senator Berry, who presented the beautiful souvenir, is a nephew of the Jona-

than Berry who was in partnership with Mr. Lincoln at New Salem. The gentleman who carved the gavel is William Henry Bartells, of Carthage. Both ends of the gavel are gold mounted. One end bears this inscription: “Made by W. H. Bartells, Oarthage, 111., from a log of the cabin built by Abraham Lincoln, 1832,.at New Salem, IlL” Upon the other end the following inscription is carvedt

“National Republican Convention held at St. Louis, June 16, 1896, nominating for President.” The gavel, after having been presented to the nominee, will, It is understood, find a permanent place in the Smithsonian Institution. In an accident near Brest, Litewski, in Russian Poland, a railway passenger train was wrecked and many persons were killed.

THOMAS H. CARTER.

NKWSPAPER CORRESPONDENTS AT WORK.

TEMPORART CHAIRMAN FAIRBANKS.

MARCUS A. HANNA. McKinley’s Manager.

QUAY. PLATT. HOBART.

THE M’KINLEY CLUB OF CANTON.

M’KINLEY PEOPLE AT THE OHIO HEADQUARTERS.

PERMANENT CHAIRMAN THURSTON.

EXTREME TYPES IN DELEGATES. from Florida. From the East.

THE CONVENTION GAVEL.