The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-10-17
INSURGENTS WANT
 DIRECT PRIMARY.
Senator LaFollette Is In-
 dOrsed for President
RESOLUTION FRAMED
Two Hundred Progressive Delegates Meet in Chicago-LaFOllette Re- peatedly Cheered - Confer
 ence Concluded in Day

ence Concluded in Day Chicago, October 16.-Two hundred progressive republicans in their first national conference today indorsed Senator Robert M. LaFollette of Wis consin foA President and declared in favor of a Nircct primary as a means for the expfSssion of presidential choice.
 The indorsement came in the shape of resolutions framed in part by former Secretary of the Interior James R. Garfield, who it was held by the dele gates appeared as expressing the views of Theodore Roosevelt, and who 1t was feared would oppose declaration in favor of any individual.
 The resolution followed day of La Toilette enthusiasm in which his name was cheered repeatedly as 1t was men toned by dozen speakers. Contrary to expectations the confer ence was concluded in one day, most of the delegates leaving the city, and the progressive programme was out lined in the support of state and locaI candidates and conditions tomorrow. The resolutions were framed by a sub committee of five from commit tee of t3, and were revised by former Secretary Garfield and Congressman l. | L. Lenroot of Wisconsin. They read. in part: @,rhe progressive movement is struggle to wrest the control of the government in the nation and states from the representatives of special privilege, and restore 1t to the control of the people. The issue is the same in all the states, though the problem may be presented in different ways. Tn the national field the control of government by special privilege Is evidenced by the influence and power of the reactionary leaders in both par ties in checking or preventing the en- actinent of progressive policies pledged by the republican party.
 .,rhe present condition of uncertainty in business is intolerable and destruc- tive of industrial prosperity. It is worse thar idle to leave the question of whether great business enterprises are legal or not, merely to judicial determinations In dustrial corporations should, by affirma- tive Legislation, be given definite rules of conduct by which business shall be made safe and sane, while at the same
 
 be fully safeguarded We seek construc- tive legislation, not destructive litiga- ton.
 we favor the ascertainment of tho choice of republican voters as to eandi- dates for President by a direct primary vcte held iE each state pursuant to statute, and where no such statute exists we urge that the republican state com niittees provide that the people be given +t .terl,t 10 acr President.
 Robert NJ. LaFolette of Wisconsin, years ago found conditions in his state not unlike those of the nation today. Un- doI his leadership all opposition was overcome and there has been enacted in Wisconsin system of laws that stand as models for legislation in all states of tho union.
 Laws have been passed in that state adequately regulating all public service corporations, equalizing the burdens of taxation; providing for direct nomina- tons by the people; protecting legiti- mate business and capital honestly in vested: promoting the welfare of labor, In short real progressive government has been restored.
 ''The record of Senator LaFolette in state and national makes him logical candidate for President of the United States."3
 His experience, his character, his cour- age, his record of constructive legisla- ton and administrative ability meet the requirements for leadership such as pres ent conditions demand. ~ This conference indorses him as can didate for the republican nomination for president and urges that in all states or eanizations be formed to promote his nomna ton"
 The resolutions were drafted by E. P. Bostigan, Col: c. E. Merriam, Chicago; James R. Garfield Ohio; Amos Pinchot, New York, and J. E. Little of North Carolina.
 ference was the indorsement of LaFol- lette, the arstocrat of Garfield in a non committal attitude put the LaFollette supporters on the defensive. His visit here was announced week ago after q visit in New York with MT. Roosevelt and Senator Jonathan Bourne of Ore gon, president of the National Republican league and it was anticipated some other plan might be insisted upon. Mir. Gar field took no part in the open programme of the day however and the indorsement went through without a hitch.
 Wisconsin. Minnesota and Nebraska sent the biggest delegations outside Of Illinois and the indorsement of the Wis consin man became apparent early in the
  ference, some by name referred to him and to what they termed the Wisconsin idea. each reference developing little longer cheering.
 Senator Moses F. Clapp of Minnesota was the first speaker after Medill McCor- mick had called the meeting to order and George Lecord of New Jersey had been elected chairman. Sentaor Clapp was re- garded as the keynote speaker and was the first to mention the Wisconsin sena- tor and announce the purpose of the con- ference
 "I believe he said, this great up,is- ing that is making itself felt from ocean to ocean, will lose its force in internal discord unless we take symbol around which to rally. Senator LaFollette Is m himself platform that represents the progressive spirit"
 national organization built along the lines of the usual political organizations type was outlined Popular subscriptions to finance the campaign came as q sus- gestion from Rudolph SprecSles of Cali fornia which was adopted by the finance committee. .. "rhe people must be made to under stand that this is their fight telegraph cd, MT. ySpreclSles, Let the average citI- ->~> ~>~ h.n nN pAEE