The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-07-17
VICTORY FOR LA TOILETTE.
Wisconsin Governors Faction Over
comes the "StalWarts."

Madison, Wis, July 1.-THE followers
of Governor LaFOllette won a decisive
victory over the so called stalwartS and
United States Senator John C. Spooner
in the Republican state convention. The
strife was sharp and bitter and there
were exciting scenes on the convention
floor, but the real battle was fought in
the committee on resolutions, which
was in session six hours and on which
the convention after organizing tempor-
arily and appointing the usual commit
tees, waited until nearly 8 o'clock. The
committee came in with majority and
minority reports. After a sharp and
decisive contest the followers of LaFol-
lette carried the day, adopting its ma
jority report, and adjourned the con-
vention until tomor'-v morning.
The platform as reported expressed
confidence in President Roosevelt and
said:
I'VE approve of the public services
of Wisconsin's representatives in both
houses of congress and especially
commend the official career Of the Hon.
John c. Spooner, who by his notably able.
conservative and patriotic course on
questions of national and international
Importance has become recognized as
the leader of the United States senate.
I'VE again express our faith in his
announced determination not to serve
the state another term in the senate
and should he now find it possible to re-
consider this decision and express his
willingness to stand as a candidate in
harmony with the sentiments and in
support of the platform principles here
adopted by Wisconsin Republicans and
for the election of a legislature favor
able to their enactment into law his de-
cision would meet the general appro-
baton of Republicans everywhere and
we pledge him the enthusiastic support
of the party for his reelection to the
high position which he has filled with
such distinguished ability and with such
great honor to the state and nation and in
case Senator Spooner shall not find it
possible to again be eligible for United
States senator we demand that all cam
didates for this position shall endorse
the principles of this platform and
favor the election of legislature
pledged to enact these principles into
law"
Continuing, the report endorsed and
praised the administration of Governor
Robert M. La Toilette and declared for
his denomination, continuing:
1--WE condemn the pernicious activity
of federal officials in this state in flag
rant disregard of civil service laws in
attempts to forestall and control con-
ventions and caucuses of the party, and
in assisting professional lobbyists be-
fore the legislature and elsewhere in the
work of defeating 1egislati in refuta-
ton of party pledges
Governor La Follette's plan for a sys-
tenn of primary elections under state
law, abolishing entirely all caucuses and
conventions for the nomination of can
didates for Office, was specifically en-
dorsed.
The minority members of the COM
mittee presented a resolution in lieu
of the regular Spooner plank endorsing
| the senator Internationally.
The followers of Governor La Toilette
! forced the question to vote. and by
/ 7091k to 1884, votes the minority report
was defeated
| The platform as reported by the ma
| jority of the committee was adopted by
a vote of 76S to 279. after which the con-
vention adjourned until tomorrow morn
| ing