The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1912-04-19
ROW At A COP. MEET,
SOME TROUGH house,
Michigan Republicans Choose
Two Sets OF Delegates.

by City. Mich, April l2.-Tart and
Roosevelt men in Michigan politics
letusing any basis of compromise after
twenty-four hours OF conferences. at
the state Republican convention at
tempted TO put quart OF delegates
into pint measure and in So doing
precipitated one vi the most bitter
conventions In the history OF the state.
Two sets of leaders and delegates.
TAFT and Roosevelt. fought out their
issues 10 the point where state militia,
police and sergeant-atarms were
needed to maintain a semblance OF or
derry procedure.
AS q result the credentials commit.
tee OF the Republican national conven.
ton al Chicago in June will be re-
quired 70 determine whether six Taft
delegates At large or an equal mum.
Der OF Roosevelt delegates at large
from Michigan shall be seated
Taft leaders said that the seating OF
the six delegates at large would make
no difference in The Michigan state
0eie gatiuu. in that the various district
conventions outside OF the state con
Vention had named more than enough
delegates TO make certain the vote OF
Michigan for Taft
Veritable Psndemonium Reigns.
Roosevelt adherents during the con-
fusion III the ball took first action IN
The midst OF veritable pandemonium.
when no mans voice could be heard
ten feet away. they went through the
form OF organizing the convention
with Speaker Baker OF the Michigan
house Of representatives as chairman,
elected their delegates and adopted
resolutions instructing them To vote
constantly and faithfully for the nom.
ination OF Theodore Roosevelt aud for
a pre- gressiye platform measuring up
TO the requirements of the Twentieth
century civilization"
Militia and police took charge Of the
convention hall when attempts were
made TO attack speakers on the stage
Several fist fights occurred Oh the
floor
Alter he had waited three hours to
make a speech former Senator Bever-
ldge stated 10 the leaders on the stage
that he would decline 10 deliver his
scheduled address in view of the fact
that Two conventions were being held
When Temporary Chairman Fellows.
OF the Taft forces. took the gavel and
the Roosevelt men began Withdrawing
from the armory the confusion sub
sided 10 a degree and the Taft dele
sates began their organization
Contest Goes to Chicago.
Frank Knox, Roosevelt leader, said
he would cease the fight on the floor
of the state convention and take the
fight 10 the credentials committee at
the Chicago national conventions
The militia. police and sergeants-at-
arms received their instructions from
The opposing factions. Shields or
dered them 10 admit only those dele.
gates with cards bearing the signature
of Secretary Paul H. King Of the state !
committee. Chairman Knox Instructed
the guards 10 allow no one to enter
unless he carried d card bearing his !
signature.
After receiving the conflicting or.
ders the guards walked across the
practically vacant armory TO the large
front doors.
A few minutes later the doors were
opened, but only the delegates bearing |
cards signed by Secretary King were
admitted. Thus Taft forces filled the |
hall despite frantic efforts OF the |
Roosevelt men 10 gain entrance |
through the side doors, windows and |
the basement
While Secretary King attempted to |
get vote on the question of tenn |
rorary chairman Roosevelt delegates /
entered the hall through transoms
ever doors. Police fought and elected |
some or them.