The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-03-03
BLUNDER COST vOTES'
The Indiana Republicans De-
nounce Action.
Judge Crumpacker's Courageous Stand on the
Porto Rico Bill is Universally Endorsed,
and il May Make Him Governor.
washington Post.)

indianapolis, Ind. March 1.-The ac.
ton of the House of Representatives III
passing the bill imposing :arff tax
upon the products of Porto Rico-con-
trary to the recommendation in the Pres.
ident's messages denounced by The Re
publican press OF the State without eX-
cepton. The Journal, News. and Press
of this city have assailed the measure
vigorously.
Representative Iandis is being sharp
ly criticised for his assertion III an ill.,
terview that the people OF the State We're
not interested in the bill. The papers
say that he is out of touch with his con-
stituents on this subject, an does not
understand the feeling in the State.
Judge Cr,mpackcr, the only Indiana
Representative who voted against the
bill, is receiving universal praise and
commentator for his courageous stand.
The change OF front by representative
Watson at the last moment was sore
disappointment to his friends, VITO had
enthusiastically applauded his announced
determination to vote against the BILL
The Porto Rican issue is likely to fig
ure to some extent in the pending guber-
material campaign. Judge Crumpac ker's
availability for the nomination Is now be-
ing favorably discussed, and in case of n
deadlock in the convention, there is more
than a probability of Crumpacker being
selected as compromise candidate. His
vote against the Porto Rican bill has
made him a popular factor in State poll
tics.
Tue Republican leaders unhesitatingiy
dCnounce in interviews, the action OF
al. AL L..
Harrison privately remarked two days
ago that the measure was very unwise,
and his opinion has been generally circu-
lated. Today, when approached, he said:
Il do not feel that | care to say any
thing offhand in a newspaper interview
ON a matter of such grave Importance.
may prepare a careful article for some
magazine ON the subject, but l have not
made up my mind yet"
Sergeant Dan Ransdell, of the
Senate, came in this morning and drop
ped into the Columbia Club. where his
ears were set huzzing with the bitter de-
nunciation of the administration course
At the Marion Club there was the same
high feeling. Postmaster Heuss said the
act was one OF political suicide. He pro-
nounced the Congressional action as out
raRtOVlS. CN-iUloIHtS 1tHtIi1 htSu-
am, Federal Judge Baker ex-Supreme
Justice 3. X. Elliott, and many other
prominent Republicans, in interviews.
showed how unwise was the action of
the Congressman.
State Chairman Hernley set out for
Washington this afternoon 10 protest
against further progress Of the bill. he
was reticent as to his mission. Gov.
Mount wrote Senator Fairbanks letter
a few days ago, pointing out the grave
political danger in passing the bill. Al
most every business man and politician
interviewed condemns the matter In the
strongest terms.
AT tho Republlcan clubs there is much
talk of Roosevelt for President, and FIRE
ouent comments are made that an anti
Mckinley delegation viii be sent TO the
philadelphia convention.