Evening journal., 1903-01-17
REGULAR LEADERS
I. IN CONFERENCE
BUT WON'T TALK
With Them Were Four Re
publican Members of
the Legislature
WILL NOT ACT WITH ANY HASTE

Colonel Benjamin Nields and Former
Congressman j. s Willis Favor Plan
to Unite With Democrats for the
Election
Prominent Regular Republicans, in
Guiding four members of the General
Assembly, held conference at the
Board of Trade room In the Equitable
Building this morning. It lasted about
two hours and was held for the purpose
Of exchanging views on The proposition
made by the twenty-one Democratic
members OF the Legislature for the
election of one Regular and one Demo-
crat United States Senator.
The members OF the General AS
sambly present were Senators Ellison.
and Sparks, and Representatives Finn
and Bancroft Others who attended
the conference were: General James
II. Wilson, Henry B. Thompson. Ed
mund Mitchell. Congressman IA Helsler
Ball and e. b. shurter.
Refused to Talk
General Wilson. who was one OF the
first to leave the room declined to say
anything whatever about the confer
ence. Representative Finn and Con-
gresham Ball came out few minutes
later and both stated that there was
nothing to say about the meeting.
Henry b. Thompson. Chairman OF
tine Regular Republican State Commit
tee. said that the conference was mere
ly to exchange views. He said the situ-
alton Is critical one. and that the mat
ter was not something that could be
decided In one day The whole matter
he said was in the hands OF the ten
members OF the Legislature, but they
would be willing to listen to others
views on the subject MIR. Thompson
said that TO definite conclusion, what
ever, was reached. and beyond exchang-
ing views nothing was done.
The Democrats proposition is still
being discussed
Colonel Nields' Views.
Colonel Benjamin Nields leading
lawyer and Regular Republican leader,
said yesterday. The course OF the
Regular Republicans has been deter
mined resistance 20 the successful ad-
vances OF Addicks. His defeat at this
session Is not absolutely certain. The
Regulars hold the situation by mar
row margin To continue to prevent the
election OF senators is hazardous.
"A Regular Republican senator for
four years at Washington would infuse
strength into the Regular organiza-
tion; IL would give that organization
conference and leadership which IL does
not now have. II offers an opportunity
that may lead TO better things. The
election OF a Democrat under the cir
cumstances would not strengthen that
party nor would IL strengthen Addicks
two years hence. The voice OF the
whole country has been raised against
Addicks. The staunch. stalwart press
has declared that his election or defeat
is not party question. The first duty
OF every right thinking Delawarean is
10 save the life, the purity and honor
OF his State. I am, therefore. In favor
of the election OF two competent
/ United states senators. one OF whom
shall be a straight Republican. and
neither Of whom shall be Addicks"
WILLIS FAvoRs PLAN.
Former Congressman ]. S. Willis
said: 1T ought to be accepted and act
ed upon Immediately. I regard It as
wise and right and expedient 1 be-
lieve II will be approved by every good
and sensible man IN the state. In my
view IL is a duty owed by the ten
Regular Republicans to the people Of
| DaIoxrn II will ho d, ~ alt..-,|.- -. Al.