The Triumphant Life of Theodore Roosevelt edited by J. Martin Miller

248 THE SECOND DAY
committee as permanent chairman, and tlie remaining officers
were those holding their positions under the temporary
organization. The committee recommended for vice-presi-
dents from each State the men elected by the delegations.
The report was approved, and Temporary Chairman Root
appointed John D. Long of Massachusetts, Senator Cullom of
Illinois, and Congressman Burton of Ohio to escort the per-
manent chairman to his place at the desk.
LOUD CHEERING FOR OANNON
As the committee was escorting Speaker Cannon to the
platform the band started to play "Columbia, the Gem of the
Ocean," and his appearance was the signal for prolonged
applause. As the speaker advanced to the front of the stage
the delegates rose and cheered wildly, and flags were waved.
When quiet was restored Mr. Root said:
Gentlemen of the Convention; I present to you as your permanent chairman
the man who holds the gavel of the great popular legislative body of America with a
grip so firm, directs it with a brain so clear and a heart so sound and fair, that he
will wield it for many and many a year to come.
This introduction was followed by another outburst of
applause, in the midst of which some one handed Speaker
Cannon a gavel.
THE PERMANENT CHAIRMAN'S ADDRESS
After ten minutes of continual cheering, and when the
convention finally came to order. Speaker Cannon said:
Gentlemen of the Convention; For the first time in my life I put in black and
white enough sentences to contain twenty-five hundred words to say to you. I have
tried to memorize it, but I cannot. I have given it out through the usual channels to
the great audience, and now I must either beg to be excused entirely, or I must do
like we do down in the house of representatives under the five-minute rule and make
a few feeble remarks. But that no man shall say that I have not made a great
speech I will set that matter at rest by saying that from beginning t;i end I