The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-07-17
Six Hours Spent by the Resolutions
Committee i'm WrangIing Over
the SpOOner Plank.
TWO REPORTS SUBMITTED
MAJORITY DECLARATION ADOPTED
AFTER RECONSIDERATION.
1t Practically Demands that Senator
SpoOner Make His Race for Re-
Election on State Issues.

MADISON, Wis, July 16.-Gov. Robert NJ.
Lafollette carried the day in the state Re
publican convention, which was the most
exciting political gathering ever held in the
State. His adherents succeeded in plotting
through the convention tonight a plat
form to his liking. While the planks favor
ing primary elections and equalization of
taxation were not to the stalwarts' liking.
they stood for them and waged the battle
against the Spooner plank, which practi-
cally called on the senator TO stand upon
the principles laid in the platform After a
wrangle of six hours in the committee on
resolutions, which was interrupted by con-
ferences of each side. the committee de-
cided to bring in two reports. The minority
report consisted of but one resolution, in
dorsing Senator Spooner Internationally.
After a very heated discussion in the con-
vention tonight, accompanied by much
chaos, the majority report was adopted,
the final vote being 76s to 279. The platform
reads. in part:
I'VE reaff1rm our support of the princi-
pies of the party as expressed in the last
national platform and as loyalty exempli-
fed in the policies and the administrations
of William Mckinley and Theodore Roose-
welt. Lamenting the enduring loss to the
through the untimely death of President
Mckinley, testify our confidence in the
ability of his successor fully to administer
the high trust, and we record our appre
citation of his splendid courage and endur-
ing integrity made manifest in his official
conduct.
I'VE approve of the public service of wise
representatives in both houses of Congress
and we especially commend the official ca
reer of the Hon. John G. Spooner, who by
bis notably able, conservative and patriotic
course upon questions of national and in
ternational Importance, has become recog-
nized as the leader of the United States
Senate. We again express our regret for his
announced determination not to serve the
State another term in the Senate and
should he now find ii possible to reconsider
this decision and express his Willingness to
stand as a candidate In harmony with the
sentiments and in support of the platform of
principles here adopted by Wisconsin Re
publicans, and for the election of a Legis-
lature favorable to their enactment into
law, his decision would meet the general
appreciation of Republicans everywhere
and we pledge him the enthusiastic support
of the party for his reelection 10 the high
position which he has filled with such dis
tinguished ability and such honor TO the
State and Nation. And in case Senator
Spooner shall not find il possible to again
be eligible for United States senator We de-
mand that all candidates for this position
shall indorse the principles of this platform
and favor the election of a Legislature
pledged TO enact these principles into law"
voted TO State issues.
n. ]. Wallrich, of Shawano, presented
minority report, in lieu of the regular
Spooner plank, a resolution indorsing
SpOOner Internationally. The name OF
Spooner was heartily applauded. In pre-
senting tine minority report Mr.. Wallrich
made a strong plea for its adoption. SEN
atOrs Riordan and Roehr also spoke for
the adoption of the minority report. This
was followed by five minutes OF chaos
Cries of sit down." were heard. mixed
with cheers Of approval
John Blaine, Of Grant county, insisted
that Spooner should stand on the PLATFORM
that this convention is supreme and can
place restrictions on any man desirous of
an office at the hands OF the Republicans
OF Wisconsin. General Winkler a leading
stalwart Of Milwaukee. made an impas-
stoned plea for Spooner. National ques-
tions. he said, engage Seantor Spooner
Others. in fact all were for Spooner but
the majority insisted that he stand on the
platform.
motion TO adopt the minority report
was lost by vote of 7O91z TO $685. The
majority report presented therefore
stood adopted. A. r. Hall. OF Dunn county.
one OF Lafollette's leading supporters, took