New-York tribune., 1908-05-03
FUSION SHAM-HEARST
4 PUBLIC CONFESSION.
Independence Party for National
Ticket at State COnrentiOn.

Il Z
William Randolph Hearst publicly confessed last
night that political fusion was sham. a. snare
and q delusion He spoke as permanent chairman
or ,ne first New York State convention of the
Tndenendence party. formerly Known the Inde-
rendence League which met in Carnegie Hall.
This means a third national ticket in the coming
campaign.
Mr Hearst's speech which declared that parties
which were denounced by his party could not be
supported by ii, expressed the hope that never
again would his party fuse with of the old
political organizations
This speech was followed by the naming of
delegates 10 a national convention of the Inde-
rendeuce party. TO be held in Chicago. with in
etructions nominate. absolutely independent of
all other political parties. candidates for President
ard Tice-President-"
The deiegates-at-large elected were William Ran
soph Hearst of New York: Dr. c. H. W. Auel. of
F,-ie. Henry A. Powell, of Kings, and Reuben r.
Ty1on Of SteUben-
The alternates- -st-large are Patrick H Murray,
IF Albany: Frank H Stevens. of Nassau: Oliver
f-ppeT. or Montgomery, and Maurice bloch, or
Ulster
The electors-at-large Arthur Brisbane of
Nassau and Alfred j ,Boulton, of Kings.
II VAS not ali harmony in the inner circle Of
..,e convention the meeting Of the
r;rtee in the afternoon some bitterness was shown
over a number Of contests. Then friends Of Mr.
Powell learned that what they called the New
York Clique intended TO name Alfred j. BoutOn,
i-se
instead OF Mr.. Powell. who was desired by the
Kings County men. They held a caucus. chose
NJ Powell by a large vote. and then informed the
leaders Of the convention that if Mr. Boulton was
named there would be a row which would ap-
,,roxir2ate that in the Democratic convention.
NJ Hearst's speech was in part follows:
+ has been difficult TO prevent fusion while the
Tr6ependenVe League was composed or dlscon-
f,eTCed 6y local conditions Indeed the National
lndependence party was Iounaed mot 0hI[ 10 give give
os4 ana unity action. but compel recognition
S e. I I 5a6 f6r 'hf ihe bene Of poitcians but great
party 10 be devoted TO the best interests of the
The TIE roerbsrs Of this convention do not all know
that nav htn a LOS 81 = sTd % ,bet haye areIIed
strongly against in The councils Of the league
c7 committees before which l have spoken. and
phaf have said them privately am now going
Fusion. he said was suicidal and consisted of
three stages OF fusion-fusion. confusion and DIFF
fusion. He went
Every time fuse with the Pem0crats I we lead ID
some ~ our eX-DemOcrats back into the dltch OF
Democracy and drive some OF our eK-Republlcans
tang happens when fuse with the Republicans.
And after fusion it takes at least years eXperi
ity 70 bring our lost sheep back into the fold ..
control Of the Democratic party and declared that
il would be deplorable if the Progressiyes in the
+s4i s5od he d4ided and the rea ctiolares
united in the Republican party should be allowed
This argument prevailed. and finally the league
fused with II rather allowed the important candi-
dates on its ticket be indorse1 by: the Democ-
fSa-sed the leagues candidete for Lieutenant
governor indorsed the leagues candidate for
secrerarv of State WAS indorsed. and compromise
candidate for Attorney General was indorsed.
This he said. seemed like victory for the
league but il vas nevertheless mistake He de-
dared he personally declined TO fuse, and while
r. lost his election he saved his sef-respect-
Tnen he said:
vas defeated by the machines Of New York
tE rS Iu dnETsfIate them on their foresight in de-
fatint me- cor my rs aSd as CsI IF TSoe T6oe
21rrupt machines out Of office by the hair OF theT
rseiItr &c f a,-7e interests and restoring it to
Ie onlrot OF sIie+-s+ion ~ The whole Citizen
ship is OF more Importance than the election OF
sIly individual Whatsoever
.ou- action" SAYS the platform. which was pre-
.euted by Clarence J. shearn. 'fs compelled by
s-6 er0ressee the universal contempt in when
modern Qa-ty government is held, and our action
is based on an attempt to Hrest the conouct OF
rrbijc affairs from the hands of selfish interests
The excuse for independent party is given
- -re statement that The Republican and Demo-
cratic parties are not only responsible for these
conditions but committed TO their lndehnte
continuance"
The ,srvfnr changes on liberty equality" and
-ar<errfve control enterprises which are dls-
smelly -,lI,. in their nature were rUng- II was
remarked that the last was mild demand COM
pared 20 some that Bryan has made. Inc pat
form then reaflrmed the declaration OF principles
drawn up az Chicago
Resolutions regarding Attorney General jack
ror were notable more for what they did not
rather than what they did say They commended
rs Vigorous and effective efforts in bringing the
recount case 10 trial and in prosecuting election
criminals"
A long resolution lambasted District Attorney
Jerome and called on the Governor to remove him
To -o.,,7i-+ea on r,eruaanert organization named
NJ. Hearst for permanent chairman. and as such
ne made his speech in denunciation Of fusion Max
2 Ihnsen, who largely responsible for 'hs '
fusion of The Independence League both in lSOb
and -sy disappeared from the platform while MI
Hearst vas speaking. but the latter had the SYM
Tathy Of his audience, indicated by the ap-
plaUse.
Mention Of Senator McCarren's name met with
prolonged boohs and hissez.
LAND FRAUD PROSECUTION CLOSING.
Washington. May Adjournment was taken
YESTERDAY until Monday IN the trial or +. a
~ Schneider