The Washington herald., 1908-04-10
TAFTITES In SADDLE
Plan Display OF Fireworks
in Massachusetts, To-day.
SENATORS ASK FOR HARMONY
Lodge Joins with Crane in Appeal
ing TO Of
War Secretary Determined to
Force Issue-Indtcations Are Taft
WIN BE Preferential Candidate.


Special to The Washington Herald.
Boston, Mass, april s.-There is at mid
night every prospect OF the Hveliest Re-
publican state convention tomorrow that
Massachusetts has seen for years. At
the same time. the strongest and most
influential leaders in the latest councils
are striving for harmony. But II there
be harmony. there must be some quick
work before the convention meets to
elect four delegates-at-iarge and to ex-
press, or not TO express, its preference for
the Republican nominee for President
There IS every indication that the issue
viii be presented to the convention and
that it win be pressed to a vote, The
midnight oil burns over the precise form
of a resolution 10 be reported tomorrow.
The presence in the city Of both Senators
Lodge and Crane, and their meeting with
many delegates and others at a public
reception tonight adds TO the excitement
There have been many suggestions of
compromise as to the form Of a resolu-
ton. The difficulty up to this hour has
been that every suggestion carries with
It more or less Indirectly the name of
Taft.
Cause for Opposition.
However such a resolution might be
construed within Massachusetts,. it is rec
ognized that the mildest phrase that
could be contrived, if It contains the
name Of any candidate, would be con-
strued by the country as in his favor,
even though its terins be not binding
upon the delegates
Senator Lodge has been talking har-
mony all day to those whom he met.
while Senator Crane has been equally
Rssiduous in showing the definite way to
harmony is to have a free delegation 10
Chicago. One Of those earnestly con-
feTr ng with Senator Crane to-day was
Lieut. Gov Draper. If custom be fol
lowed. Gen. Draper Will be the next Re
publican candidate for governor, and his
interest in harmony is obvious
The permanent chairman of the conven-
ton viii be Postmaster General Meyer
The understanding is that the convention
which ASSEMBLIES at Il a. m, viii remain
in continuous session until its business is
finished.
Wrangie in Committee.
The platform committee held a long
session at headquarters this afternoon
ception Of taking action upon the ques-
tion Of Taft resolution. Another meet
ing Of the committee will be held to-
morrow morning. an hour before the con
vention is called to order, for the purpose
Of settling the matter
The meeting Of the platform committee
to-day was stormy one when the Taft
matter came up for consideration.
Senators Crane and Lodge did every
thing possible to-day TO stave of the
introduction OF even preference resolu-
tions, bat after the conferences We're all
over, it was stated at Taft League head
quarters that motion expressing prefer
ence for the Secretary's nomination was
to be offered in the convention, and
would be backed up by the Taft people.
The Taft boomers are all ready to start
fireworks just before the convention is
called TO order. Two thousand copies of
a song entitled The Man from Ohio
have been printed and distributed among
the delegates.
Congressman Gardner. son-in-law Of
Senator Lodge. is determined 10 force the
Taft issue.
Express Preference EOF Taft.
At the Eleventh district Republican CON
vention tonight resolutions were adopted
expressing a preference for Taft as the
Presidential nominee and for Gov. Guild
as the Vice Presidential nominee. Charles
s. Innes and l. R. Clark were chosen
delegates to the national convention. Both
are said to favor Taft as the nominee.
The convention was a stormy one due
largely to the organization. Because OF
the attitude Of some Of the leaders in or
ganizing the convention delegates from
three wards refused to vote for candidates
for national delegates