The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-06-07
WISCONSIN POLITICS
IN DEUCE OF TANGLE
National Ticket Threatened by Middle Between Half
Breeds and 'Salwarts"-No Harmony Plan
in Sight That Will Work.

Acting Chairman Payne of the Re
publican national committee now has
In his possession copies OF the Official
statements of the rival Republican fac
tons I'm Wisconsin which are to be sub
mitted to the Republican national COM
mittee- These statements set forth in
full the contentious OF the 'Halfbreeds,"
followers of Governor La Toilette. and
OF the "Stalwarts." supporters of soma
tor Spooner. Senator Quarles. and Rep
resentative Babcock. who bolted the
regular convention and set up the
claim of regularity for themselves.
The national committee will meet in
Chicago next week. One Of its principal
duties will be the consideration of the
Wisconsin matter
Harmony Plans Won't Work.
Almost every possible harmony plan
has been discussed, by the Republican
leaders interested in the matter. but
none has vet been found which gives
promise of bringing about peace 1t has
been suggested, and the proposition meets
with much favor. that the national
committee should not pass finally upon
the issues between the "Halfbreeds''
and ''Stalwarts." but that It should
recommend that both delegations be
seated I'm the convention. each member
with half a vote.
This would leave the question of
regularity to be decided by the courts
While II might not and probably would
not result in the withdrawal of the
ticket against which the courts might
hold, II would nevertheless fix finally
and definitely the status or the two
opposing organizations.
No Hope of Peace.
As a matter Of fact the average Wis
consin politician just now does not have
much confidence in the ability Of the
rival factions TO get together upon a
b7sis Of harmony before next Novem-
her Most Republicans Of the State
rather look for the election Of a Demo
cratic governor. All are exceedingly
anxious that no harm shall come TO the
national ticket. and that the Legislature
shall remain Republican and elect a sue
ccssor to Senator Quarles
There are, however. grave difficulties
in the way. 1t is to overcome these
that the national committee will direct
its greatest efforts
Both factions have nominated the
same set Of Presidential electors. Upon
the surface. ii would seem. no matter
What division there might be over the
governorship and State officers. the cleo
tOral ticket would get through all right
Several years ago. however. when POpu-
lism fOuriShed, Wisconsin. Ike a num-
Der of otnei Western States where the
Pops sometimes controlled the bal
unce OF power, passed law providing
that the name Of no candidate for Of
ice should appear upon more than one
ticket or under more than one emblem
upon the official ballot.
Law Strikes Back.
That law was designed to prevent. as
fas as possible. a fusion of Democrats
and Pops" The law is now operating
is a boomerang upon the Republicans.
The Presidential electors must choose
the tic,-et upon which they wish TO run
either the 'Halfbreed" La Toilette
ticket, or the "Stalwart" SpOOner
ticket; their names cannot appear upon
beth.
This. it is reasonable TO believe. as
most Republicans do. would doubtless
cost the national ticket some thousands
of votes. while It would also rebound 10
the benefit Of the fractional State ticket
upon which the electors were candid 3tes-
II they should run upon the La Fol
Iette ticket that fact would give the
'.Halfbreeds" the prestige Of regularity
and the tacit Endorsement Of the Admin
istra ton. and would presumably bring
thousands Of votes TO the support OF La
Toilette. On the other hand. the Jppo-
site would be true II they were 10 run
upon Senator SpoOner's ticket.
OF course voters could. and many
would split their tickets in either event,
but there would be thousands who
would not Besides, great opportunity
would be afforded for trading with Dem
OcratS-
National Ticket Threatened.
II is this situation which is troubling
the Republicans with respect 70 the WIS
consin matter more than anything else