Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1911-03-31
REPUBLICAN FACTION HAS NO
INTENTION OF FORMING NEW
ORGANIZATION.
AIM Is TO INFLUENCE
LEclsLATIoN WITH PARTY
Direct Primary Nomination Of Dele.
gates One Of Objects sousht-Prsdie.
ton Made When League Was Organ.
lied Probably Will Not Be Fulfilled
Speculation AZ to Attitude on TAFT.

washington, Marcn S1.-NO eHlEu
PARTY movement is contemplated by the
progressive republicans. While per-
sons outside the circle of practical poll
ticians are talking of the possibility of
a split insurgent senators who are d.
recting the progressive movement are
giving no thought to such possibility.
Their purpose is to secure control Of
the republican party and make it pro-
gressive. In this course they believe
they are making substantial progress.
and they see no reason for changing
their plan Of campaign.
A few of the extreme radicals outside
congress did have an idea some time
ago that third party might be neces-
sary. But consultation with practical
politicians among the progressives BAN
ished that thought. Their attention was
drawn to the fact that. in the past.
third party movements have succeeded
only in landing the third party men up
on the political scrap pile The old
populist party has had large influence
in shaping recent political events. but
the populists are no more. And the
prosressives are Of the opinion that
they prefer to be in at the finish rather
than see one OF the old parties grab
their ideas and capitalize them.
Party Sentiment Strong.
The progressives realize the import
ance OF the sentiment behind the re-
publican party. A host Of republicans
have become attached to their party
only less than to their families. This
who lived thru the civil war, when to
be a republican was in the north equiv
alent to being q patriot. From many
republicans OF the central west come
letters to the insurgents. commencing
their stand, but urging them not to get
over the traces. Stand by the party!"
is the chorus Of nearly all these letters.
and the progressives recognize the
strength they gain by keeping within
the breastworks.
When the National Progressive Re
publican League was launched, It was
commonly commented that previous
movements Of that sort had resulted in
third parties. But the development Of
the work Of the league has shown that
the progressives have no thought Of Q
third party. II they had been aiming
In that direction. they could best have
succeeded by leaving untouched the
present system Of nominating presiden-
tial candidates. In third party com
vention they could have had control,
and have been tho center Of things. But
their program Of principles and their
efforts point to q different result They
are trying to secure the direct primary
nomination Of delegates to national
convention. The effect Of this 10 to
carry tho power to the people rather
than to keep 1t In their own hands. It
accords with their belief that the re-
publican party has been dominated by
. small minority of people, and that.
once the primary system Is made ef-
fective. tho peoples progressive pur-
pose will have overpowering ex-
preston.
AZ 70 Taft.
An interesting question is, what will
the progressive attitude be toward Mr..
Taft In 1912. assuming that he will be
renomtnated? In recent years the
progressive attitude has not made for
republican harmony or success. Pro-
gressives have criticised Mr.. Taft as
severely as the democrats. They would
obviously be glad to prevent renomina-
ton for him. but that they can succeed
seems doubtful. barring serious admin
tstration blunders between now and
1872
But, with Mr.. Taft renominated, can
the progressives support him? Prob
ably not-actively; but 1t is apparent
thus early that they will not oppose
him. They will probably not do any
heavy campaigning for him. but will
spend their time trying to secure the
election OF pro9ressives. and booming
progressive policies generally.