The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-05-14
Senator Dick in Despair Calls
 Of the Conference
LET'S PARTY SCRAP II OUT
Purpose of Proposed Harmony Confer ence for Tomorrow Has Caused Animosity and Not Harmony
 In Camps of Factions.

Akron, O.. May 13.-United States Sen ator Charles Dick, who Is chairman of the republican state central committed to- night issued a statement calling off the order for a conference at Columbus on Wednesday of members of the state cen tral committee, republican members of Congress, county ehairmen, state officers and republican leaders generally.
 The call for the conference was issued last week and gave for its object the dis cussion of means for reconciling clashing interest of political leaders in this state and maintaining harmony in the party. Following is Senator Dicks statement, calling off Wednesdays conference:
 When, as chairman of the Ohio repub- lican state executive committee. l in- vited a conference of the state, central and executive committees and the chair men of the county committees, with re- publican members of Congress to be held at Columbus May 15, l then assumed en- tire responsibility for the call, as l now assume entire responsibility for an in- definite postponement of that meeting. It seems proper, however, that brief ex- planaton should be made
 "'rhe conference was called with no pur- pose of ratifying any deal, bargain or compromise, for there was none. but to secure party harmony and unity of pur- pose among the republicans of Ohio and to allay party strife and contention. This, 1t is believed, could be done by a full, frank and conslderate exchange of ,opin- ion, in so representative gathering, and finally the adoption of some public ex- presions. voicing as nearly as might be the ascertained sentiments of Ohio repub. l licans. 1shere was no intention of as- 1 aunlH to do more mare than sp reconl- mend united anti and offort Amorgs Ono republicans and no purpose to attempt to dictate or even to indorse, or still less name the party choice of party oandi- dates It was never meant to have the conference assume the functions of the state convention or encroach upon any rights or privileges Of individual repub- licans. Nor was 1t supposed that there would be any arbitrary action binding the great body of republicans and no such action was contemplated as careful reading of the call will show. Certainly the chair is exercising no function beyond that of recommendations.
 "The chief thought was that harmony and unity among all the republicans # Ohio, based upon justice to every element of the party are essential to the com plete promotion of republican principles and to insure full success to republican candidates in all elections, local. as well as general. and should be secured, IT possibe without delay
 "The purpose of this meqting has been misunderstood by some and misrepre- sented by others, and thus it has met with some opposition and disfavor, and in other cases animosity. Therefore, haV- ing become convinced that the desired restoration of complete party harmony, through unanimous action by such con ference would be impossible at this time. 1 postpone the meeting indefinitely.
 "CHARLES DICK.'
 The following telegram was sent to those who had been invited:
 "Conference called for Wednesday in- definitely postponed. Statement In Tues days papers "ClIARLESj DICK
 Senator Dick according to statements of his friends. feels that he has done all possible to bring abou. peace, and as chairman of the executive committee now leaves the matter to the party