Evening star., 1901-08-10
Republicans in the State Divided
Into Factions.
HANDICAP ON SP00EER'S PROSPECTS
May Not Have Solid Delegation
Behind Him.
STRONG IN THE NORTHWEST

ACdl StludtlOu III w lSCOnSlQ 1nOlCate tn0C
the republicans Of that state are not in
complete harmony. 1t is contended in some
quarters that a factional fight is likely to
ensue between the followers OF Gov.
LaFollette and those Of Senator Spooner,
which IL not headed off may develop into
serious conflict. Close observers of the
political situation are consequently specu-
iating upon the result of this prospective
contest, and considering what effect it will
have upon the chances of Senator Spooner
Of securing the nomination for the presi-
dency at the next republican national con-
vention.
1t is conceded that If Mr.. Spooner hopes
to corral the nomination he must enter the
convention backed solidly by his state del
egatton- Otherwise, it is claimed, his
chances Of being nominated will be greatly
minimized.
Division Among Republicans.
From what can be learned here Of the
situation the republicans Of the state re-
Gently struck snag in the bill presented
to the state legislature providing for cleo
tion primaries. 1t is said that the enact
ment Of bill pertaining to the holding Of
primaries preparatory to all local elections,
including municipal, county, state, for
members Of the legislature and congress
sional. was urged by Gov. LaFollette. It
Is claimed that this bill presented many
radical departures not agreeable to certain
republicans, who desired that the measure
be passed as applying only to the munic-
ipal or county primaries. When the bill
was voted upon great many OF Senator
Spooner's followers, it is said, voted against
it. and as a result it's passage in the
shape advocated by the governor was de-
feated. This Is said to have aroused Bit
ter feeling among Gov. LaFollette's friends.
some Of whom did not hesitate to declare
wo he
Following upon the heels Of this con-
f1ict came a meeting the other day of GER
tain republicans desiring to reorganize the
party throughout the state. It is said that
about fifty-f1ve "stalwarts'' or Spooner men,
and all members of the legislature, met
at Milwaukee and outlined plans looking
to the retention of Senator Spooner in the
Senate and the defeat of Governor LaFol-
terS for the Stalwarts were opened and
Senator Quarles. Mr. Spooner's colleague,
Is taking an active part in the business Of
the organization.
Pushing SpOOner for President.
Senator Spooner has declared that he will
not consent to return to the Senate at
the expiration Of his present term, which
ends March 3. 1903 Notwithstanding this
fact his friends are determined to keep his
name before the public. so that the country
may be kept posted on his movements with
a view to benefiting his candidacy for the
presidential nomination in 1904.
AS the situation now stands, however,
the prospect for Senator Spooner's nomina-
tiOn Is regarded by many close observers
as unfavorable. 1t is argued that Mr..
Spooner must go into convention with the
clean and full support Of his own delega-
tiOn, and that without such support he
cannot be considered as even in the ia
vorite son" class of candidates. On the
other hand, however, 1t is believed that
great deal Of quiet missionary work Is be-
ing done throughout the northwestern
states in his behalf, and that even though
his own state does not support him solidly
the facts in the case OF the factional fight
will be so palpably in his favor, combined
with sentiment from other states to be
manifested in his behalf at the convention.
that any unfavorable aspect which may be
placed upon the situation by the lack or
absence OF complete support from his own
delegation will be completely offset.
LaFolIette's Opposition to spooner.
Governor LaFollette and his followers, 1t
is said. are determined that Senator Spoon
er shall not be given reelection in case
the latters adherents persist in their at
tempt to have him returned, notwithstand-
ing his announcement that he does not de-
sire to serve another term. In fact, the
governor. according to dispatches received
in Washington, has declared bitter and re-
lentless war against the Spooner people,
and 1t naturally follows that every effort
of Mr.. LaFollettes adherents will be d.
rected toward a disruption OF the state
delegation at the forthcoming national
convention.
The outcome of the controversy Is being
awaited with considerable interest, for the
Spooners chances Of securing the presi-
Dental nomination are regarded as excel
lent provided he can secure the undivided
support OF his own state delegation.