Arizona republican., 1910-12-04

o.- to be an initial effort to bring about a semblance of harmony in the divided republican forces of the senate. Presi- dent Taft invited several regular and progressive leaders to the White House. | The presence of the regulars who dropped in singly and in pairs. attract cd general attention. But political Washington began to sit up and take notice when Cummins, the recognized leader of the insurgent wing of the senate arrived. He was quickly fol- lowed by Senator Borah of Idaho. a progressive. Later came the informa- ton that Bristow of Kansas had been invited. but he failed to put in an ap- pearance.
 The president did not attempt to bring the senate leaders together in one big conference. There were never more than two in his private office at one time. He saw Senators Cummins and BOrah together and then had a private word with each alone. The insurgent circles had a preliminary conference with Tat, which has given no definite promise. of success. Taft is reported as cOnciliatory and it is said he declared himself anxious to do all in his power to bring about unity of action in the party.
 A leading member of the progressive wing of the senate was asked for an expression of the outlook for bringing the regulars and insurgents together. He shook his head. "Such a thing is possible" he declared, but certainly not probable.
 This opinion was echoed by others. At the White House it was not ad- mitted that President Taft was making a special effort to bring the insurgents or prOgressives into line. It was de- clared with a great deal of emphasis that Cummins, Borah and Bristow had been invited to call only as a part of the presidents plan to consult as many as possible of the senators and con- gressmen regarding his message and the legislation program for the coming session.
 It was pointed out that the presi- dent had consulted Senators Lodge of Massachusetts and Root of New York. Nelson of Minnesota. McCOmber of North Dakota, Curtis of Kansas. Shoot of Utah and representatives from various sections of the country It is said several house insurgents are to be invited to a conference next week.
 Cummin's call was thes first he h. made in over year. He made no effcrt to conceal the fact that his presence in the executive offices was dur entirely to the presidents inv tation. Departing with a copy of yhe presidents message in his hand the senator remarked upon the fact that it had been a long time since he had visited the executive offices. But you will come Oftener in the future?" it was suggested.
 T wouldn't predict that too strong ly." replied the progressive leader with a smile. T am always glad to come. however"
 Your conference with the president was a pleasant one?" he was asked.
 This conference with you. gentle men. is very pleasant" the senator answered. and said goodbye. declaring he could not discuss the visit.
 Borah is said to have a further con- ference with the president next week. He had little to say.
 Reports of the confrence spread quickly through the city, however. and it became known that the president had practically offered an olive branch to the prOgressives. with many of whom he had not been on the most cordial terms. The insurgents in both houses will probably hold a caucus before deciding on their course of ac- tion. Their tone tonight is hardly conciliatOry.
 ''The fact that this is the short ses- sion of congress. with time for legisla tive action limited. will not prevent bringing important legislative prOpO sals to the attention of the country and congress" said Cummins shortly after leaving the White House.
 The senator gave his first outline of the program to be followed by the so-caIled progressives in the session that opens Monday.
 It is the plan of these members to