The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1911-10-06
FIRST MEETING HELD
TO ORGANIZE
=. new CLUB
The Progressive Republicans
Named Temporary Off
GERS Last Night

The temporary organization Of q
Grand Forks Progressive Republican
club was effected at a meeting of Pro-
gressive Republicans of the city held
last evening in the court room Of the
court house. There was a fair at
tendance and a number Of Interesting
addresses were listened to. Efforts to
have Senator Gronna or Congressman
Helgesen present were unsuccessful
and the address of the evening was
made by j. H. Batten of this city in
which Mr.. Batten in a clear and
forceful way set forth his ideas of pro-
gressive legislation. A. ]. Sorlie was
elected temporary chairman of the
club and A. o. Anderson, secretary.
Mr.. Anderson explained the purpose
Of calling the meeting. stating that
the intention was to organize a Pro-
gressive Republican club, that those
behind the movement had originally
club. but that it was deemed better
to make the object of the club broader
by use of the name progressive. It
was decided that another meeting Of
the club will be held next week at the
call of the chairman and an effort
will be made to have either Senator
Gronna or Congressman Helgesen
present.
The chief speaker Of the evening
was j.. H. Batten. He stated that he
understood the organization was to
be a La Toilette club and he devoted
most of his time to e~ulogization of the
Wisconsin senator.
Unite Factions of Both.
In speaking, Of the progressive
movement within the Republican party
only but within both parties. He
compared Senator La Toilette and
Senator Hoke Smith on hand and
Joe Cannon and Senator Bailey on the
other. He predicted a new alignment
in which the progressives of both par
ties would unite against the conserva-
tives Of both.
In dealing with state politics, Mr..
Batten stated that three reforms were
especially needed. Those named were
a public utility commission for the fix
ing of rates. a workman's compensa-
ton act for protection from industrial
accidents similar to the Wisconsin law
and the initiative, referendum and re-
call.
Condemned Temperance Workers.
In speaking Of the initiative. the
speaker condemned in harsh terms the
actions of the temperance organiza-
lions in this state which opposed the
measure for fear of resubmission. He
stated that the initiative was one Of
the planks of the prohibition party
. 20 - oPROo1116 IL
here We're violating every principle of
their party because they had the ad-
vantage.
The next speaker was e. ]. Nc
Carthy of Des Moines. Iowa. He told
of h struggle of Cummins for many
years before his final success. His adj
vice to the club was not to be dis
couraged by defeat but to keep on try
ing.
Attorney j. B. wineman was next
called upon. He reviewed early polit-
ical conditions in the state. dealing
especially with the circumstances
leading up to the election of Senator
Roach to the United States senate
States Attorney O. B.. Burtness was
the last speaker of the evening and
in a humorous way told of his trip to
the jamestown convention as a SER
geant-at-arms several years ago. He
declared that the purpose of the club,
he believed. should be to teach all Of
the people better ideals of government.