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

THE CANDIDATES NOMINATED 275
Governor Odell a juvenile one. It was a tremendous spectacle
of dignity on a spree. Their statesman was the man
nominated, and their statesman was the man who had done it.
New York's place was right in the limelight, and New York
occupied it.
"Roosevelt, Roosevelt, Roosevelt of New York." They
sang it lustily, beating time with their flags. And New York
was confined in a small part of a great hall, and everywhere
were yelling spectators.
In the galleries spectators were waving handkerchiefs and
applauding; on the floor delegates were waving flags and yell-
ing; up in the band-stand under the roof the band was play-
ing, but nothing but an occasional note could be heard; on the
platform the "distinguished guests" were yelling; men,
women, and children were yelling. It wasn't hysteria, but it
was a fair example of what nine thousand can do when they
all yell at once and all keep on yelling.
SCENE OF WILD ENTHUSIASM
From his desk Cannon advanced along the gangway. He
carried a torn flag fastened to a pole which had been snapped
in the middle and bound together. He waved this flag over
the New York delegation. Children with flags were raised to
the platform.
From behind the stage two men rushed forward carrying a
gigantic picture of the President. It swayed uncertainly in
their hands as they ran through the crowd on the stage and
out on the gangway. Two other men went to their support
and the four managed to hold it up to view, turning it to all
quarters of the hall. During five minutes the applause and
yelling had been continuous.