Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1911-01-24
C. or. PROGREssIVEs ASK
FOR POPULAR Government
Sign Declaration of Principles,
Adopt Constitution and
Name Officers

4
WASHINGTON. Jan. 23.-0rganiza-
ton Of the Republican Progressive
league by progressive Republican sena-
tors. representatives, governors and
others-an Organization which will fight
for the establishment of popular govern
ment--was announced here today. Plans
OF the new league. which have been un-
der way since the assembling of con-
gress, were concluded at meeting here
Saturday night. at which declaration
of principles was signed. constitution
adopted and the Following officers were
elected:
President-senator Jonathan Bourne,
Jr.. Oregon. 81
First Vice Representative
George w. Norris. Nebraska.
Second Vice President -Gov. Charles E.
Osborn. Michigan.
Treasnrer-Charles r. Crane, Chicago.
Executive Committee-Senator Moses
z. Clapp, Minnesota; Senator Joseph L.
Bristow, Kansas; Representative z. III.
Hubbard, Iowa; Representative. Irvine
l. Lenroot, Wisconsin; Representative
elect William M. Kent. California! Gift
ford Pmchot Pennsylvania; George L.
Record. New Jersey, and the president,
vice president and treasurer, members
exrofacio. Pc
DECLARE PRINCIPLES.
The declaration Of principles signed by
nine Republican United States senator's,
the governors OF six Republican states,
q members Of the house and others. is
as follows: rf
I'VE. the undersigned, associate our
selves together as the National Progress
sive Republican league.
The object OF the league is the pro-
motion of popular government and pro-
gressive legislatio. ~
Popular government in America has
been thwarted and progressive legisla-
ton strangled by the special interests
which control caucauses. delegates, con-
ventions and party organizations and
through control OF the machinery of
government dictate nominations and
platforms, elect Administration, 1egisla-
tors. representatives in congress and
United States senators and control cabi-
net officers.
PUBLIC LEGIsLATIoN
Under existing conditions legislation
in the public interest has been baffled
and defeated. This is evidenced by the
long struggle to secure laws but partial
ly effective, for the control of railway
rates and services, the revision of the
consumer. statutes dealing with trusts
and combinations based on sound eco
nomic principles as applied to modern
industrial and commercial conditions, q
wise, comprehensive and impartial recon
struction of the banking and monetary
laws, the conservation of COAL, ell, gas,
timber, water powers and other natural
resources belonging to the people, and
for the enactment of all legislation SOLE
ly for the common good.
Just in proportion as popular govern
ment has in certain states. superseded
the delegate convention system and the
people have assumed control OF the ma
chinery of government. has government
become responsive to the popular will
and progressive Legislation been secured.
POPULAR GOVERNMENT.
THE progressive REPUBLICAN league be-
neYes, that popular governments is funda-
mental 10 all other questions. To this
end IL advocates; ,tttv se-s@ =.
THE election of United States sena-
tors by direct vote OF the people.
Direct primaries for the nomination Of
all elective officials.
THE direct election of delegates to
national conventions with opportunity
for the voter to express his choice for
president and vice president.
Amendment TO state constitutions pro-
viding for the initiative. referendum and
recall. 1
"A thorough general corrupt practice
act.
STATE ORGANIZATIONS
The league will cooperate with pro-
gressives in the several states and
wherever acceptable, will render assist
ance In promoting the organization Of
state leageus.
Whenever requested by any progress
sive state league or by progressive Lead
ers in state legislatures the National
Progressive Republican league will aid
in the preparation ot al appropriate bills
and. resolutions and will furnish speakers
and literature in support of legislation on
the propositions enumerated in the FIVE
numbered paragraphs set forth in tho
foregoing declarations OF principles"