K. C. Chronology

Following is the sequence of outstanding events preceding and during the 19th quadrennial national convention of the Republican Party at Kansas City, Mo.:

Monday. A. M.--New York caucused to elect officers. The Hooverites of the delegation got snubbed. Leader Hilles, still holding for Coolidge, said he felt ill, took to bed.

Vermont's delegation announced that it had relinquished hope of drafting President Coolidge and would support Hoover.

P. M.--Pennsylvania delegation (79) arrived. Chairman Mellon, flustered, said he would meet newsmen at 8 o'clock. Another Pennsylvanian said: "See Vare." Newsgatherers rushed to Senator-suspect Vare, boss of Philadelphia. Boss Vare said he would "use influence" to give the whole delegation to Hoover, who was Pennsylvania's choice, he said. The newsmen rushed to Mr. Mellon. After much confusion Senator Reed of Pennsylvania received them and said no statement would be made until Pennsylvania caucused next day. Everett Sanders, the Coolidge secretary, talked with the Pennsylvanians, related conversations he had had with President Coolidge. Some say there was a telephone call between Secretary Mellon's hotel and the White House. Long before midnight newsmen were satisfied that President Coolidge had eliminated himself finally, either through Secretary Sanders or by direct word over the telephone and that Pennsylvania was thoroughly Hooverized.

Tuesday. A. M.--Pennsylvania caucused. Mr. Mellon read a 107-word statement "suggesting" that Pennsylvania vote for Hoover on the first ballot. Boss Vare seconded this motion. "I believe the ayes have it," said Mr. Mellon.

National Chairman William Morgan Butler soon echoed Mr. Mellon, assuring Hooverism the Masschusetts vote (39).

At the New York headquarters, Mr. Hilles stayed abed. His Coolidge-anyway lieutenants talked quietly in corners. "Well, we're licked," said one of them. Delegate George K. Morris, second-in-command to Leader Hilles, said nothing, looked sour.

The convention proper began with prayer and song. Ohio's dry little Senator Fess made a "Keynote" speech in which he called Calvin Coolidge "the greatest personal and political force in the world to-day."

P. M.--From Manhattan it was reported that securities had dropped 10 to 20 points on the N. Y. Stock Exchange, coincident with news from Kansas City that the nomination was surely Hoover's.

Candidate Curtis announced: "I will be nominated for President, not for Vice President."

Speculation about the Vice-Presidency began to overshadow all other subjects. Boomlets and delegate-grabbing were started around the hotels.

Some 300 farmers paraded. Their signs said: "30,000 farmers can't all be wrong. . . . We won't vote for Hoover."

The G. 0. P. resolutions committee stayed in session long after midnight disputing the farm plank of the party platform.

Wednesday. A. M.--The New York delegation caucused. Delegate (Mrs.) Sabin read a message from Chairman Hilles still abed, saying he was now for Hoover. Polled, the delegation stood 77 for Hoover, Dawes 5, Hughes 4, Lowden i, absent 3. Delegate Wadsworth, who had voted for Dawes, said: "Oh, let's make it unanimous." They did.

The convention proper continued. Temporary Chairman Fess read a paragraph lauding Theodore Roosevelt, inadvertently omitted from the "Keynote" speech.

An anti-Hoover minority report on the findings of the credentials committee was voted down, 6765 to 395^-.

The 300 farmers marched to the convention hall; were refused admittance.

Senator Moses of New Hampshire, installed as permanent chairman, made a bellicose speech. He referred to the Democratic convention of 1924 as "the Madison Bear Garden," and of the Democrats this year said: "Bring them,on!"

From Manhattan it was reported that Wall Street prices had recovered.

P. M.--A newsman penetrated the Lowden suite with the latest Hoover news to get some Lowden news, if any. Grumpy, Candidate Lowden roared: "Here, put this man out!"

Thursday. A.M.--Vice-Presidential boomlets continued amid confusion.

Bandits robbed a Kansas City Bank; much shooting in the streets; five wounded, one fatally.

The convention's morning session received the platform from the resolutions committee. Senator Smoot read the long document.

Senator La Follette presented the minority platform. It was voted down, viva voce.

Several Farmers' Friends proposed amending the farm plank of the majority platform. Senator Borah rebutted and the Farmers' Friends were voted down, 817 to 267 (see p. 15).

The majority platform was adopted, viva voce.

President Nicholas Murray Butler of Columbia University made an anti-Prohibition speech. Few listened.

P. M.--Herbert Hoover was nominated for President of the U. S. on the first ballot, with 837 votes.

Friday. A. M.--Charles Curtis was nominated for Vice President of the U. S. on the first ballot with 1,052 votes.