The Washington herald., 1909-04-13

It was with much satisfaction that
the conservative element In the d. A. P
yesterday learned OF another internal dis
sension IN the ranks OF the administra-
ton faction
According 10 reports. Mrs. Donald Nc
Lean and Mrs. Matthew T. Scott have
disagreed upon the formal acceptance OF
a memorial gift from the local branch OF
the Colonial Danes.
Judging from this and other reported
splits in the party IN power, the tumul-
tuous scenes that have marked the past
congresses viii again be witnessed The
eighteenth annual convention promises TO
surpass all former congresses IN warmth
OF debate ever the election Of a president
general
While the heated slirmishes IN the
ranks OF the adninistrationists are en-
livcning the campaign. the conservative
adherents, led by Miss Mary Desha. are
strengthening their platform and prepar-
ing 10 obtain the election OF Mrs VIII
lam Cummings story by a political ma
noeuver.
Assurances Are Received.
This little band OF anti-A1cLeanites is
daily receiving assurances from other
cities. which lead them 70 prophesy the
election Of their candidate by a safe ma
jority.
The laEst break in the forces Of the
administration is said 10 Zeal with the
firm In which the Congress shall re-
celve memorial chair donated 20 Con
tinental Hall by the Washington men,
bers Of the Colonial Danes Society. On
behalf Of the local chapter, Mrs. H. T.
Guss pronered the gift. which Is a replica
OF the chair used by the signers Of the
Declaration OF Independence.
It was agreed that the presentation
ceremony should take place on the open
ing day Of the congress. When Mrs.
Mclean heard OF the plan. which would
necessarily consume a portion Of the time
OF the opening session. she IS reported
70 have directed that the chair be pre-
sented in private
II reports are true. Mrs. Scott was
urged 10 plead FOR the public presenta-
tion. inasmuch as she is the candidate
OF the administration party. She con-
tends that the exercises should be held
IN the presence Of the delegates.
This supposed estrangement. which is
said Ohave occurred several days ago,
is regarded by many as a serious draw
back 10 Mrs. Scott's chances. The op-
position argues that Il the gift is not re-
ceived as originally agreed upon. and II
the donators are snubbed. they may throw
their support u the -Olministra-
tionists
The Colonial Danes take much pride
in the gift chair. Il is made OF ma
hogany. said 10 have cost more than 500.
Topic ArOuses Interest.
4 topic OF conversation that aroused
interest IN the various hapters yester-
day was the report thar Mrs. Taft
might run for the presidency general OF
the organization. II was asserted the
wife Of the President is not a member Of
the D. A R. and for that reason her
name would not be considered on the list
Of candidates.
Expressing the sentiments OF the ad-
ministration. supporters of Mrs. Amos G.
Draper said ii was unkind 10 connect the
name of Mrs Taft with such matters.
she is not a member Of the society,
and has never made application to be-
come a member. II she were a men,
Der, her name would have 20 be on the
records two years before she could be
named for any Office" continued Mrs.
Draper. I'VE would be delighted to have
the wife OF the President with us. and
when eligible for iffice we would doubt
less honor her with the highest Office
in our gift. FOR she IS a woman Of great
ability. Ii Is unjust to her to mention
her name now as though we are waking
war upon her prospective candidacy"
The first real test Of the strength OF
both factions VIII occur next Tuesday
evening. when 2 conference OF the Dis
trict regents and delegates viii be held
20 decide who shall he presented by the