New-York tribune., 1910-06-22
HARMON BOOM LAUNCHED.
AtIee Pomerene Fires First Gun
in Ohio Convention.
BRYAN PLAN is REJECTED
No Endorsement for United States
Senator-Flatform to De-
nounce Republicans.

L.
greater economy in the various depart
nents Of our state and reformed our
taxation system the Democracy of Ohio
rroposes 10 send him to Washington TO IN
troduce the same reforms Of the affairs OF
the federal government and the same busi-
ness methods
This was the assertion OF Atlee Pomerene,
of Canton temporary chairman OF the
Democratic State Convention. which was
formally opened at 7:3o o'clock this even
ing.
Despite Governor Judson Harmon's firm
declaration that he will take no part IN
the framing of the programme for the con-
vention. the most of the 1oas delegates are
looking 20 him for leadership in their
movements.
The first fruit OF this desire was the de-
feat to-day in the State Central Committee
OF the Senatorial Endorsement proposition,
urged by William J. Bryan and his wing
OF the party in Ohio The resolution 10
amend the convention call to provide for
the naming OF a Democrat to oppose Sen
aror Charles Dick was presented by New
ton D. Baker. of Cleveland, in the name
of ex-Mayor Tom L. Johnson Of that city
The argument in behalf of the resolution
was that the convention of 1908 indorsed
James E. Campbell for Senator. and that
the precedent thus set should be followed
The committee rejected the resolution by
a vote OF IL TO 6 on the ground that il
was too late for such move
Mr.. Pomerene is mentioned in connection
with the Senatorial race, and also is the
choice for candidate for Lieutenant Gov
error He does not want second place on
the ticket and has urged against his nonli-
nation. but sentiment for him is so strong
that it is believed that he will be named
The Platform.
The formation Of the platform was be-
gun by the resolutions committee this af-
ternoon An initiative and referendum
plank demand for direct nominations OF
United States Senators, denunciation
along customary lines Of the Republican
party and an Endorsement Of Governor
Judson Harmon for President Of the United
States were presented to the committee for
Incorporation IN the platform
The Governor purposes 10 conhne his
campaign for denomination to state issues
according to q statement made by him
last night, but he has declined 10 discuss
mis- Presidential boom in any way. He is
Unopposed for Governor.
Mr.. Ponaerene, in his address 10 the dele
gates, reviewed conditions in Ohio under
previous administration, and said:
That the State House under The doIni-
rance of a Republican machine has been
honeycombed by graft is clearly proved
by the committee, headed by Senator Beat
ty- That q portion OF il. was the result Of
ignorance due TO precedent and i'll consid-
cred legal advice do not doubt, but that
some OF il was due to a selfish desire to
profit at the expense of the state is evi-
e1+- he in he
funds have been used by public officials
and placed In favored banks That much
Of il is attributable to a criminal DISPOSE
ton to rob the public has been clearly
proved.
ohio Democracy, under the leadership
of Governor Harmon. has been fighting
especially for three supremely important
principles: The elimination OF graft. busi-
ness methods and economy in public ex-
penditures, and reduction and reform in
our tax system"
Mr.. Pomerene referring TO the work Of
Wade II. Ellis, former assistant TO the At
1orney General, in the interests of the Re
publican party in Ohio. said:
Can you think Of a Thomas Jefferson
or an Abraham Lincoln calling an assistant
Cabinet officer from the most important
work Of his administration and delegating
him on q purely political errand? If Mr..
Taft were less Of Republican President
he would be more Of an American Presi-
dent II be were less eager for the sue
cess OF the Republican party at the polls
this fall. he would be more efficient in the
performance of his public duty But let US
not be too severe upon the President In
the words of Southern paper, 1 love him
for the Democrats he is making.
Nr. Ponerene spoke in favor Of a public
utilities commission and of the initiative
and referendum. Taking up national is
SUES. he condemned the alleged lack Of bust
ness methods Of the administration and
discussed the tariff at length, saying
among other things:
Tariff Pledges.
We need not be surprised at the present
failure TO redeem the tariff pledges made
10 the cry of party expediencies. We all
remember how he arose to the true plane
speech, in 1905, when he condemned In
scsthing terms the Cox machine in Cinc1n-
natl and declared that he would vote
against il al the approaching election If he
were at home We also remember that
when he vas a candidate for the Presi-
dency he smoked the pipe of peace with
munity bath My respect for the Presi-
dency forbids my saying whether Mr.
arose TO the plane of true craftsmanship
Suffice il 10 say that it explains his promise
on the tariff question before election and
his performance after his election.
The preliminary activities Of the con-
vsntion closed late in the afternoon, when
the various district delegations met TO Sc
lest members of the new state central COM
T1littee and name other convention commit
teeE In the sessions Of the delegates from
the 18th District columbus and vicinity
1t Eas necessary 10 summon the police to
cueil the disturbance that arose when the
delegates proceeded from personalities TO
violence.
In the 1st District meeting John w
O'Hsra was elected member Of the state
central committee in the place OF Lewis c.
Bernard, OF Cincinnati. O'Hara's victory
came after q tumultuous session and by
the margin Of one vote, cast by the Mayor
of Cincinnati suburb Edward w Han
ley, Of Dayton, was again elected chairman
OF the state central committee, and John
O'Dwyer, Of Toledo, vice-chairman. Con-
srary 10 expectations ex-Mayor Tom L
johnson OF Cleveland was reelected a
member Of the committee.
PAVE WAY IN RATE INQUIRY.
TBy Telegraph 10 The Tribune
Trenton. N J.. June N.-At a conference
OF State Tax Assessors Strong and Halsey