$20 A Seat To See Roosevelt Named.

New York Times 100 years ago today, July 18, 1912:
That's the Price for Front Rows at the Progressives' Convention, Chicago, on Aug. 5.
WHY MERRIAM WITHDREW
Found No Intention to Form Third Party In Illinois — Colonel Abandons Speaking Tour.
    CHICAGO, July 17.— Members of the local Committee on Arrangements decided to-day to hold the Progressive Party's National Convention at the Coliseum on Aug. 5 instead of the Auditorium, the place first selected. The change was made in order to provide more seats for spectators.
    The committee also decided that the expenses of the convention would be met by the sale of tickets to spectators. The prices for tickets entitling the holder to attend every session of the convention will be $10, $15, and $20, according to location.
    "It is plain to me that there is no intention on the part of the Roosevelt managers in Illinois to form a new party in this State," said Charles E. Merriam, Republican candidate for Mayor of Chicago in the last municipal election, in a statement issued to-day in explanation of his refusal yesterday to sign the call for a State Convention of the third party. "The call for the National Progressive Convention declared that: 'The power of the crooked political bosses and of the privileged classes behind them is so strong in the two old party organizations that no helpful movement in the real interest of our country can come out of either.'
    "While I was doubtful as to the desirability and possibility of forming a new party at this time, and believed it better to continue the fight to make the Republican Party Progressive, I was assured by the promoters of the 'new party' that their firm purpose was to create an entirely new organization and to place a Progressive ticket in the field in Illinois. On this basis I entered the preliminary conferences, having clearly indicated my position and that of the Progressive Republican League.
    "It appeared at the conference on Tuesday that it was not the intention of those present to form a new party in Illinois, but merely to nominate independent or contesting Republican electors. This intention was frankly stated by some of the participants. Others with equal frankness declared that a third ticket would imperil their jobs. It was shown that as far as the county, legislative, and Congressional situations were concerned each such district must decide for itself. On the motion to induce State officers in the call for the State Convention the vote was announced as 14 to 11.
    "In view of this situation it seemed clear to me that, the terms and spirit of the National call would hot be carried out in Illinois, and therefore declined to sign the call for the State Convention and several who had already signed withdrew their names."