The San Francisco call., 1910-12-04
President Makes Initial Effort
to Restore Harmony in
Republican Ranks
REGULARS AND INSURGENTS
CALLED TO WHITE HOUSE
Cnmmins, Leader Of Progress
ives, and BOrah Among
Those in Conference
UNITY OF ACTION STYLED
POSSIBLE, NOT PROBABLE

We va: .s1s aid to be- 5s an initial initial
effort to bring about a SEM
blance Of harmony in the divided re-
publican forces Of the United States
senate, President Taft invited several
regular and progressive leaders to the
White House today.
The presence of the regulars, who
dropped in singly and in pairs, at
tracted general attention But polit-
ical Washington began to sit up and
take notice when Senator A. B. Cum
minis of Iowa. the recognized leader of
the insurgents wing of the senate.
arrived.
He was quickly followed by Senator
William E. Borah of Idaho, progress
sive. Later came the information
that-Senator Bristow of Kansas had
been invited, but had failed to put in
an appearance.
Meets Two at Time
The president did not attempt to
bring the senate leaders together in
one big conference. There were never
more than two in his private once at
one time. He saw Senators C1mmins
and Borah together and then had a
private word with each alone.
In insurgent circles it was said the
preliminary conference with the presi-
dent had given no definite promise OF
success. The president was coneiIia-
tory and declared that he was anxious
TO do all in his power to bring about
unity of action in the party.
Possible, Not Probable
leading member of the progressive
wing in the senate was asked for an
expression as to the outlook for bring
ing the regulars and Insurgents to-
gether. He shook his head.
such thing is possible" he de-
| clared. but it certainly is not proba-
ble'
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.
Consulted on Message
1t was declared with great deal OF
| emphasis that Cummins, Borah and
Bristow had been invited to call only as
part of the presidents plan to con
suit as many as possible Of the sena-
tors and congressman regarding rec
concentrations in his message. and the
legislation program for the coming
session.
1t was pointed out that the president
had consulted with Senators Lodge.
Root of New York. Nelson Of Minnesota.
McCumber of North Dakota, Curtis OF
Kansas. Smoot Of Utah. and represent
atives from various sections Of the
country. 1t always was said that sew
eral of the house insurgents were TO
be invited to conferences next week.
Conference Pleasant
Senator Cummins' call was the first he
has made in more than a year. He did
not conceal the fact that his presence.
at the executive Office was due entirely
to the presidents invitation.
AS he was departing with a copy OF
the presidents message in his hands.
the senator remarked uponsthe fact that
it had been a long time since he had
visited the executive of1ces
But you probably will come oftsner
IN the future?'' was suggested
'T wouldn't predict that too strong
ly." replied the progressive leader with
smile. II am always glad to come,
however"
Your conference with the president
was a pleasant one?" he was asked
This conference with you gentlemen
Is very pleasant" the senator answered.
and said goodbye. declaring he could
not discuss his visit Senator Borah
said he would have a further confer
ence with the president next week He
had little to say.
OFFERS OLIVE BRANCH
Reports of the conference spread
quickly through the city. however and
il became known that the president
practically had offered the olive branch
to the progressives. with many OF whom
he had not been on the most cordial
terms.
The insurgents of both houses prob
ably will hold caucus before deciding
on any course of action, Their tone o.
night was hardly eonciliatory
The fact that this Is the short ses-
sion OF congress- with the time for,
legislative action limited. viii not pre-.
vent the bringing Of important leSizlAp