The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-08

Nashville. January -(Specal)-War to the hilt and fight to the teeth will be the contest Monday before the national democratic committee when the case comes up between Col John J. Vertrees and R. E. L. Montcastle as to whether the former regular democrat, the latter, an Independent democrat, is en- titled to represent Tennessee on the na- tional committee, and the result of the decision of the national body carries with it the question of who will capture the delega tion of this commonwealth to the national democratic convention.
 Never before was the state so aroused over a pre campaign affair. and what makes the question so momentous is not only who shall be the choice of Tennes- see for the democratic nominee for Pres ldent. but also who shall be the recog- nized head of the party. H
 Before the present breach in the demo- cratic party in Tennessee, MT. Mont castle, unchalenged. held the position of national committeeman. When the break came in 1910 ex-Governor Patterson's Ju- dicial ticket was swamped under ma iority of ii,Ooo voters that had been se- cured by the Independent democratic tick ct. The trick was turned by aid of the republicans, who did not put a ticket in the field.
 When the gubernatoriai contest came on the independent fire had not died, and although Governor Patterson had sur rendered his nomination for a third term, the independents in large convention gave sanction and indorsed the nomina- ton of Governor Hooper. MT. Monteastle presided over this convention.
 Mir Montcastle later took part in Hooper demonstration at Knoxville. When the big Bob Taylor convention Of the "regulars,' assembled the convention took the view that Montcastle had vacated his position as committeeman and conse- auentiy, at the suggestion of Secretary IJrey Woodson, elected in his stead new committeeman. selecting Col John J. Ver- trees The state committee chosen al the time ratified this action.
 MT. Montcastle will contend that there was no vacancy to Ali: that his conyen- ton was the real democratic convention and that the action of the Bob Taylor con venton was without authority, and that even the national committee would have no right to remove him, but this power rested with the national convention.
 The independent state committee has al- ready selected a date for primary, April So The organization of regulars has refused as a body to participate in this. The latter will call a convention at their meeting on January 1e.
 The Independents in convention would today select Woodrow Wilson delegation to the national convention and the regu- lars at this time would favor Governor Harmon, for the very reason that 1t Is well known that the independents favor Governor Wilson. This is why the out come of the contest before the national committee Monday Is looked upon with so much importance by the contending forces in Tennessee.
 Willie itFis a lineup today between Gov ernor Wilson and Governor Harmon. 1t does not mean that it will remain this way. The friends of Congressman Under wood are preparing for an onslaught on Tennessee. and the same is true of the supporters of Champ Clark. Both will have a following by the time of the con- vertion of the regulars in this state. From now on each.' along with Governor Wil- son, will attempt to wrest the power. that now lies with the Harmon forces by reas- on that the governor of Ohio is at this time considered tine most available can