The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-01-24
fspecial from United Press,

Washington, Jan. A-Sailing blitf1e- ly over the political sea. the newly launched ship National Progressive Republican League is the sensation of the hour here in both Congressional and administrative circles. and the opinions of members of the organiza- tion. as to its purposes, were sought eagerly on all sides today.
 'Is 1t to fight Taft's renonlination? ?" Docs it mean third party in 1912?" and Are they running LaFollette or Cummins for President?' Such Ques- tions were heard all around the capi- tol. Conservatives asserted that 1t was Ca scheme to hobble the Repub- Hcan party The leaguers replied parties from the interests. and the bosses that serve them.
 Telegrams from progressives in many States reaching the members of the league today Announced their con- fidence that the cause will become a widespread popular movement. Per sonal expressions as to the objects of the league obtained from some of the organizers today included the follow ing from Senator Bristow. (Rep., Kas.):
 s'It is not a movement to organize d promoting the things which we de- clare for. We are in flavor of the legislation outlined and we intend to work to bring about the enactment into law. through the Republican par ty. of the principles we set forth. country requires that fhe responsi- bilities of the government be placed more directly upon the people them- selves and when offtce-holders are held to account direct to the people they will legislate more in the peo- ple's interest. That is the reason we are going to undertake to bring about the enactment of these laws.
 From the national point of view, the movement to elect delegates to the national convention at a general pr1- mary and to provide a way for every ident in that primary. is, in our Judgment. of great importance. As 1t is now, a delegate goes to the na- tional convention usually for the pur- pose of getting something for himself. He wants to stand in with the ad- vote too frequently for the man for President from whom he thinks he can get the greatest favors. We think he ought to cast his vote for the man a majority of the people in his district want for President in-
 
 him some office."
 Senator Dixon. Rep.. Mont.). said:
 "The formal statement issued in be half of the league covers the ground The object is to get a little closer to popular government. That is all scheme of any kind behind the move nfent is wholly lacking in truth" ]"
 Representative George w. Norris Rep., Neb.). floor leader of the House insurgents. said:
 ''The distinction must be drawn that organization of Republicans essentfal- ly. It has not in it's platform any concrete propositions of legislation but in confines the platform to such proposals as apply to all legislation For instance. every member of the league is in favor of a tariff commis- sion. We all agree to that proposi- ton but the platform does not men, ton it. The organization is for the purpose of giving the people an op- portunity of accepting or rejecting such propositions.
 organized for the purpose of further ing or defeating the political fortunes of any particular person. and he de- clared en1phatically that it was not.
 twill it tnjure the chances of Pres ident Taft for renomination in 1912?''
 
 eff the people want Taft it will help him. If they do not 1t will injure him." he replied.
 Representative Cooper. Rep.. Wis.) said:
 'aThis is an organization of those who believe 1t will be for the best interests of the nation and will pro- mote the welfare of the people to have the principles in the platform of the league enacted into law. To this end the members will do anything 1egitf- mately possible by vote and influence thering the political purposes Of any man or men. the underlying motive being a patriotic purpose to enact some laws that the country greatly needs and that the people demand
 Representativs Gronna, Senator
 '"rhe purpose of this organization is to bring the Republican party around to the principles that we have set forth in the declaration of princf- pies. We want to bring the party back to a position of responsibility confidence and support of the coun- try and gain control. The movement is all in the interest of the party and
 Representative Madison. Rep. KaS). said:
 
 as I understand it. is to further the adoption. among the various States and the nation. of laws following the principles set forth in the declaration of principles of the league. It is designed to bring the country back to a condition. through democracy wherein the people shall control the making of the laws under which they must live. It is certainly not DO litical organizatiA to further the fortunes of any one person."
 Representative Lenroot, (Rep., Wis.) said:
 sI believe that the political activ- ity of the future may be divided in- to two classes, the making of our government, both State and National responsive to the public will, and the securing of legislation carrying out the public will. As I understand, the activities of the league will be con- fined entirely to the first proposition the securing of legislation by States making it more certain that the will of the people shall prevail in State and National matters.
 'It will not concern itself with leg islation other than this nor will fl advocate the election of any man o1 men to any particular office. It will seek to secure the legislation carry ing out the principles for which il stands It will act as bureau of in- formation to members of the State Legislatures who desire it's services and will attempt to create public sentiment that will act >es a com polling force upon Legislatures to en- act the legislation which we believe s- 4I @aIx n ,Joy