The Washington times., 1902-08-01
SENATOR SPOONER'S
FRIENDS HOPEFUL
Mr.. Pradt Talks of Badger
State Politics. i
GOV. LA TOILETTE CONTROLS
Assistant Attorney General Says Ma
chine Is Shameless as Tammapy-
Army of State Employees Give 1t
Strength.

Strength.
| Assistant Attorney General Pradt has
| Just returned from visit to his home in
| Wisconsin. lie was there when the Re-
| publican State convention was in ses-
sion. In speaking about the political
outlook in the Badger State. he said:
During a recent trip TO Wisconsin !
improved the opportunity to attend the
Republican State convention at Madison.
The result of that convention, so far
as the naming OF candidates was con-
cerned. was a foregone conclusion, for
Governor LaFollette was known to lavo
over three fourths of the delegates upon
whom he could rely, not only for his
own denomination upon 4 platform Of
his own choosing, but to carry through
also.
Hence the convention might very
well have failed in elements OF in
terest had it not been for one thing.
but this most momentous-La Toilette s
jealous hatred of Senator Spooner. Nov
ed by this. LaFollette's first ana mnst
exultant use of his convention was to
inspire the adoption of platform con-
tanning a studied insult to Senator
Spooner. This was done with a practi-
venom-and that purpose was, beyond
doubt, to goad Spooner into declara-
tion that he would under no circum-
stances consent 10 be candidate for
re-election-a purpose which, happily
has failed.
Senator Spooner Praised.
"6 course it was not to be thought
of that a State convention of the Re
publicans Of Wisconsin should be held
without making fitting public reference
to the record of Senator Spooner during
his present term, a record as debater,
orator. statesman and chosen adviser
of two Presidents. which has placed him
in the very front rank not only of his
party but of the whole nation.
Herein was LaFollette's opportunity.
and he made the most of 1t by causing
the adoption of resolution paying high
tribute to Senator Spooner's eminent
and patriotic service in the United
States Senate. and pledging him the en-
thusiastic support of the party IN case
he should be a candidate for reelection
but upon the gratuitously offensive con-
dition that he express his willingness
TO stand as a candidate in harmony with
the sentiment and in support of the
platform principles of the convention.
The true cussedness of this condi-
tional Endorsement tsomething absolute
ly without precedent in the history Of
the Stato) lay in the fact that the plat
form was essentially a LaFollette plat
form. and contained a radical declara-
tion for primory election law abolish
ing all political caucuses and conven-
tions-a proposition which meets the
iisapproval OF the thoughtful and con-
servative men of both parties, includ
ing. doubtless, Senator Spooner. And SO
the Senator was virtually called upon
to give bonds for his Republicanism by
declaring his Endorsement of choice
set of I.aFolletteisms, with a very
strong sulphurous scent Of POpulism.
The effect was to bitterly intensity
the dislike and dissatisfaction OF the
stalwart wing OF the party and to call
forth the disaprovel OF the more con-
servative supporters of LaFollette, eX-
Governor Hoard. Senator Stout and
others.
Work on Legislature.
''The friends of Senator spooner, many
of whom are prominent supporters Of
LaFollette, are now earnestly at work
in every part OF the State to secure the
nomination of Republican candidates
for the Legislature who are uncondi
tionally for the reelection OF the Sena-
tor. And. as at least seventy-fve per
cent of the Republicans of the State are
enthusiastic in their admiration Of
Spooner and devotion TO him, there
could be no possible doubt OF the re-
suit If 1t were not for the fact that
LaFollette is exhausting every resource
of his political machine to compass the
election OF Legislature composed OF
his creatures.
This machine Is as extensive. com
plete and shameless as that OF Tam
many Itself II is re-enforced and Off
cered by a horde OF State employees such
as was never before known in the State.
1t was through their systematic and
untiring work during the past six
months that the governors majority in
the convention was largely secured.
so far, however. the Indications are
all for Spooner. and | have no doubt
that he will have large majority in
the coming Legislature, by which his
successor is to be elected.
But even then there remains a bit
ter fight between the Populistic element
(always an uncertain quantity) in the
party. and in the State for that matter, |
for LaFollette counts on a large Dem
ocratic vote-and the representatives Of
true Republican principles. The result
OF the coming election Is uncertain. de-
spite the fact that the State gave Presi-
dent Mckinley over 100,0 COO plurality in
1900. carrying the whole State ticket
with him. The Democrats are alive TO
the situation and will nominate a ticket |
that will receive the support Of many
Republicans who prefer anything else
to LaFolletteism.
But whatever the outcome this fall |
the fight will go on until Wisconsin Is
cured OF the disease of Populism, which !
has had Its run in other Republican |
States
TO INVESTIGATE RIOT.