Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-07-31
THE KEYSTONE STATE
Trouble in Republican Ranks
in Pennsylvania
A REFORM MOVEMENT
MACHINE TO BE OPPOSED BY
SAME STATE LEADERS.
Major Browns Letter Creates a Sensa-
tion-Senator Penrose's Political
Future in Peril.

are very much Interested in the reform
movement which is apparently getting
swing in the republican party in the Key
stone state. Developments of the past few
days and expected developments of this
week bring the situation to current notice.
The fact that Senator Penrose's political
future may be seriously affected by the
movements adds interest.
The recent scandals in republican admin
istration in Philadelphia set the ball a roll
ing, and 1t is gathering impetus outside of
Philadelphia now. The first practical con-
fiict between the reformers and the old ma
chine may come tomorrow In the county
convention which Is to be held at York
for the nomination of county officers
H. c. Niles, president Of the State Bar
Association and republican of prominence
In his community, has announced his inten-
ton of opposing the machine and making
a stand in behalf of reform. York is
democratic city, normally but the repub-
Hcans have made gains in their county
ticket by opposing alleged democratic graft,
ing whether the republicans will split into
factions over alleged need OF reform in their
own party.
But the incident which has attracted the
most widespread attention and which is
likely to draw the notice of republicans all
over the state is the letter of Isaac b.
Brown, secretary Of internal affairs, un-
broWn, secretary Of internal affairs un-
Whlch he denounces the republican state
organization, and declares he will not be a
candidate for denomination unless there is
new deal in the republican party
Maj. Browns Letter.
Maj Brown holds a conspicuous position.
put more than that he is strong through
out the state, as he was appointed to the
place IN acquiescence to the demand of
the Grand Army sentiment of Pennsyl-
Vanla. The old veterans there are stick
Ing pretty closely together, and sacred as
are the tenets of the republican party to
them, 1t may be likely that they will pay
heed to the protests Of man who Is alike
prominent in the party and in their own
councils. -.-
Maj. Browns open letter goes on to say
mat he has felt the opposition of the ma
chine managers to his administration and
cites as one of the causes the fact that he
refused to make machine appointment to
have done which would have been in viola
ton OF the state constitution. He realizes
that it is customary to grant renomina-
tion to state officials of rank, but he does
not want it under existing conditions. Mai.
Browns letter says in part:
'The time has arrived when the organi-
zation now In control of the affairs of the
republican party In Pennsylvania Is so dis
credited that its possibilities for the accom-
plishment Of good are most seriously inn
paired.
CONDITIONS exist which, I believe war
rant every sincere republican of Pennsyl-
vania in demanding new deal and, in the
language OF President Roosevelt "a square,
DEAL Certainly If Roosevelt were in COM
mand of affairs in Pennsylvania there
would be a new deal
MY candidacy is a secondary matter.
If there Is to be a reorganization of the
republican party on lines which will give
assurance of integrity in party affairs In
general, 1 should like to be a candidate for
denomination, if there is not to be such
reorganization, then my name will not go
before the next republican convention.
IF 1t shall appear that my cand dacy for
denomination in the slightest way will I'M
pair the efforts which may be made for re-
organization on the lines indicated. then l
will gladly retire in favor of some other
candidate who can add greater strength
to the efforts which 1 trust will be put
forth for reorganization"
Created Sensation.
The letter created a decided sation in
Pennsylvania politics. The Pennsylvania
republican newspapers have taken it up
with vigor, the reform press highly COM
mending the firm stand Of Major Brown
1t is said by Pennsylvania republicans here
that this letter Is all that was needed to
start the fires of dsaffection to the present
party organization throughout the state.
and that a lively time may be expected
1t is question whether the old factional
storms that whistled around the late Sem
ator Quay may not now be revived. Quay
annihilated a host of opponents, placated
others and took thousands into camp. where
they have rema ined under the machine ban
ners Undoubtedly many of them have
been disgruntied and are only hiding their
chagrin until a favorable opportunity arose
to- again revolt. Politicians realize that
reform" is a magic word with which to
rally factionists. and in the present case
they realize that the word has heen given
a sincere ring in Pennsylvania.
The existing organization, of which Sem
ator Penrose Is the head by virtue of en-
tailment from the late Senator Quay. is
looking after his own interests pretty
sharply. 1t is no question of loss of party
control of the state. The last election did
not demonstrate the presence of enough
democrats in the state 10 aid half a dozen
factions in overthrowing the republican
party. 1t is a question which probably Is
Of more Importance to the machine than
threatened party ascendency-and that is
possible loss of control of the organiza-
ton. l may be set down as certain. all
Pennsylvania republicans agree that the
machine will not yield anything 1t can hold
on to by the utmost endeavor.