The Washington herald., 1911-01-24
INSURGENTS FORM
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Continued from Page One.

Charles R. Crane. of Chicago. the man
who was appointed Minister to China by
President Taft and who was recalled from
the post just about the time he was to
set sail for China.
Among the organizers Of the league are
nine United States Senators. six Repub-
lican governors. and thirteen Republican
insurgent Representatives. Senator La
Toilette Of Wisconsin, has been one of
the prime movers in the league. and the
meeting at which the organization was
perfected was held at his home here on
Saturday night. Both Senator La Toilette
and Senator Cummins have ambitions to
be the insurgent candidate for the PreSi-
Dental nomination in the next Republic
can national convention, and this may
explain why their names are kept in the
background except as subscribing to the
principles of the league.
senator Bourne ut Head.
Senator Jonathan Bourne. jr., of Ore
gon. is to be in active charge of the
headquarters Of the league in Washing
ton. Col. Roosevelt was invited to be-
come a member Of the league. but SHE'D
at affixing his signature, although its
supporters declare that he is in sympathy
with principles advocated by the league.
Apparently the league is not going to
lack for funds. and Z warm campaign is
to be waged. 1t is reported that Clifford
Pinchot, Charles r. Crane. and Senator
ment
The organization Of this medium of in
surgency is expected to arouse the Taft
Republicans to the necessity of marshal
ing their forces into some sort of an or
ganization to combat any political effect
that the leagues campaign may have.
THE restoration Of popular govern
ment.'' will be the battle cry of the
league, and at present it will confine its
e efforts to the promotion of these five
/. The election of United States Sem
ators by direct vote of the people.
.. Direct primaries for the nomination
Of all elective officers.
3. The direct election of delegates to
national conventions, with opportunity
for the voter to express his choice for
President and Vice President.
4. Amendment to the State constitu-
tons providing for the initiative, referen-
DUN and recall.
). A thoroughgoing corrupt practices
act
Declaration of Principles.
The following is the declaration of prin-
ciples signed by the organizers of the
league:
We. the undersigned. associate ourselves together
the National Progressive Republican League.
The object II the IesgIc is the Irumotion Of pop
ular government and progressive legislation.
Popular government in America has been thwared
and progressive legislation stranged by the special
interests which control caucuses. delegates. con-
'cntiuns and party organizations. and through con-
troll Of the machinery # government dictate NOM
nations and platforms elect administrations. lesis
latures Representatives in Congress. and United
States Senators and control Cabinet officers.
Under existing conditions legislation in the public
interest has oeen baf,sd and defeated. This is es-
denccd by the long struggle to secure laws but part
~ effective for the control Of railway rates and
services the revision of the tariff in the interest
of the producer and consumer. statutes dealing with
trusts and combinations based on sound economic
principles as applied tn modern industrial and
mcrcial conditions. wise. comprehensive. and
impartial reconstruction Of the banking and none
tary laws. the conservation Of coal. OIL gas. tim
Der. water powers. and other natural resources be
longing to the people and for the enactment Of all
legislation solely for the common good
Just IN proportion As popular government has in
certain States Superseded the delegate convention
system and the people have assumed control Of the
machinery Of government, has gosernment become
responsive to the popular will and progressive leg
isla,iou been secured.
Will Cooperate with Others.
The declaration adds that the Republic
can Progressive League believes that
popular elections are fundamental to all
other questions, and then cites the five
propositions that it is going to advocate.
The declaration says. further. that the
league will cooperate with progressves
in several States. and wherever accepta-
BILE will render assistance in promoting
tine organization Of State leagues.
Whenever requested by any Pro-
gressive State League or by progressive
leaders in State legislatures says the
declaration. the National Progressive
Republican Leagae will aid in the prepa-
ration of appropriate bills and resolu-
tons, and will furnish speakers and liter
atnre in support of legislative action upon
propositions enumerated in the five num-
bered paragraphs set forth in the fore
going decla ration of principles
The declaration is signed by these
United States Senator's: Jonathan
Bourne. jr.. Oregon: Albert ]. Beveridge,