The San Francisco call., 1908-05-10

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lar are watching with curious interest
the state conventions of the new inde
pendence party that are being held to-
day in Boston and Los Angeles.
/ The New Yo-i5 state convention of
the independence party" tofspring of
Hearst's independence league) has
further perplexed the political sharps
as to Hearsts real designs. The word
real is used advisedly for it is well
remembered that in 1905 Hearst's
newspapers hsd been making personal
attacks on Charles F. Murphy, leader
Of Tammany hall, and other Tammany
leaders. Murphy was cartooned as
Jail bird, in stripes.
These cartoons were printed as an
illustration of what his fate might
have been and a warning of what it
certainly would be if he, persisted in
ways that were alleged to be initiative
Of Boss Tweed's methods. But when
Hearst was seized with ambition to be
governor Of New York state the at
tacks on Murphy ceased. This led the
public shrewdly to suspect what was
coming, and the surRise was correct.
PAVES WAY FOR FUSION
This cessation of hostilities paved the
way for a fusion of the Independence
league" with the democrats. 1t was no
longer Independent" but formed an
alliance and fusion with Tammany. 1t
was arranged between Hearst and the
same Tammany leaders who had been
denounced as criminals but a few short
weeks before The independence
Ieaguers were themselves disgusted,
for it was palpable that Hearst. the
high type of statesman, the only real
reformer. had espoused the ''jail birds"
in order 10 further his own selfish am
bition. Many of them quit the league
in disgust Still others left after
Hearst had deliberately sold out their
state ticket to Tammany and the New
York state democracy, the price being
his own nomination for the governor
ship
1t is small wonder, then, that his
motives in forming a new "indepen-
dence" party are regarded with sus-
picion. His newspapers take pains TO
emphasize the declaration that there
will be no fusion with either of the old
parties. Hearst has claimed that he
was opposed to fusion with Tammany
and the democrats in 1906. He ex-
planned in his speech to the recent con-
vention of the independence party
that he had been a "snllen and reluc-
tant convert to fusion in times past,
and that the combination between his
independence league and the demo-
cratic party, making him their candi-
date for governor, was so Objectionable
to him that he only preserved his
self-respect'' by his mental reserva-
ton against such a deal or by his pro-
tests against ii in the secret councils
OF his league.
WHIP NOW BANGLES
Now, the question is naturally asked:
VIII Hearst, the obedient creature of
the independence party, be again
whipped into submission by his own
obstreperous delegates at the inde
pendence party convention to be held
in Chicago in July? Hearst would
seek to give the impression that he is
helpless against the will Of the dele
gates selected by himself at cut and
dried state convention" such as the
one recently held in New York.
Hearst's American announces that
Massachusetts and California will try
to excel the New York convention in
attendance, enthusiasm, etc, and that
1 'Gesner' Williams. one of the national
committeeman of the independence par
ty in California, is hurrying back to
the Pacific coast to tell the representa-
/ tiyes of the party at the convention to
be held in Los Angeles of the remark
able strength Of the new party in the
east.
Williams was also one of the speak
ers at the party's banquet and at the
convention in Carnegie hall, and in
both speeches he, paid warm tribute
/ to Hearst for the successful efforts he.
has put forth to found party free
from the domination of corrupt bosses.
representing the people of the country
and making definite pledges on all
great questions before them"
These conventions in Boston and in
Los Angeles will be followed by con-
ventions in almost every other state in
the union this month, and in June the
remainder of the states will swing into
line behind the standard raised by the
party so that every state will be rep
resented when the national convention
assemblies in Chicago late in July.
The Catholic centenary celebration
here this week has developed the fact
that Taft is highly esteemed by Cath
olic church leaders, including the pope
and his eminence, Cardinal Gibbons.
and that he is universally popular with
the rank and file of Catholic church
members This fact was recently COM
mented upon by President Roosevelt,
who, in speaking with prominent re-
publican politician. recalled the fact
that 1t was Secretary Taft who so
tactfully settled the friars' land ques-
tion In the Philippines. This avoid-
ance Of all friction Between Spain and
the pope and of, all seriouz difficulty
with our congress and the state depart
ment led to warm commendation from
the Vatican. On his last trip to the
Philippines Taft brought about settle
ment of the last of the church claims,
went before the proper committee of
congress on his return and had the
appropriations made.
His work called out the congratula-
tions of the papal representative, FaI-
comic, and praise from many dignitaries
/ o1,s To - III,
so broad minded in this respect and
also in regard to Catholic chaplains in
the army that he is prime favorite
with the Roman Catholic clergy. All of
this is calculated to make him a strong
candidate in California, the home of so
many Catholics.