The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1912-06-24
THE PROGRESSIVE"
PARTY DEDICATED
Johnson Empowered to Ap-
point Committee
NO DEFINITE PLAN YET
The Bandanna Handkerchief Adopted
as Roosevelt Battle Flag"
Hadley Will Not Enter
Third Party

Chicago. June 2s.-The progressive
party born last night was dedicated to-
day. In the presence of 500 men,, some
of them recognized leaders of the move
ment. others merely onlookers, the first
formal step was taken. Gov. Hiram john
son of California was empowered to APP
point a committee of seven members to
confer with Colonel Roosevelt and for
mulate plan of action.
Here is Che birth .of new parity
said Governor Johnson, when this was
done
''The movement is going steadily
ahead" said James r. Garfield of Ohio.
"Those who think this is a flash in the
pan are mistaken
In the opinion of the leaders the new
party enters the field with formidable
equipment. The leaders, however, said
that as to the men who took con-
spicuous part in the campaign for Colonel
Roosevelt's nomination each must speak
for himself.
Hadley's Attitude Unknown
The attitude of Governor Hadley of
MlSSOufl WAS illt Ciltl punt VI ulSCuH-
sion along this line The governor left
town without waiting to declare him
self.
No definite idea of the plan to be fol-
lowed could be obtained and it was said
several weeks may elapse before the pro-
gramme is decided upon. Governor john
son. in the meantime, will act as field
marshal and, In cooperation with Colonel
mf dapido 10 ms
ship of the committee of seven and guide
the preliminary work of organization.
Colonel Roosevelt Will leave for Oyster
Bay tomorrow afternoon and Governor
johnson for California, but they Will
Keep in communication with each other.
Today's meeting was held In the head
quarters of the national Roosevelt COM
mittee under the direction of the mos.
prominent Roosevelt supporters who had
not left town. Seated at a table with
Governor Johnson were Mr.. Garfield, Gift
ford Pinchot. Governor stubbs of Kan
sas, MedIll Mccormick of Chicago and
Senator Clapp of Minnesota.
Scattered through the hall were large
number of Roosevelt delegates to the
republican national convention. as well
as some of the "steam rolled" delegates
to whom seats were refused. It was i'm
possible to ascertain how large a pro-
portion of the full Roosevelt strength Of
the convention was represented although
IT was said that nearly every state which
cent Roosevelt delegates to Chicago had
its share of men there.
Bandanna Is Battle Flag
The bandanna handkerchief was adopt
ed as the Roosevelt battle flag
Most of the delegates wore flaming ban
dannas tied around their arms and others
were distributed by the hundreds to the
crowd The bandaDna, II was explafeed,
stands for the plain people who ordinarily
use them.
Were all plain people here and this
is a movement OF the plain people" said
one OF the delegates.
Colonel Roosevelt gave his sanction 10
the battle flag by appearing last night
with one In his hand, which he waved
to the crowd on the street. His daughter
Mrs Longworth, wore a bandanna on her
hat.
II am not acting as the leader of this
movement" said Governor Johnson, when
the meeting of delegates had been called
TO order.
'sThe active leader must be man from
more accessible state than California
1 am merely acting as chairman. of this
meeting at which we are.do begin on tine
road which leads to political freedom
Judge Ben Lindsey Of Denver. a demo-
crat, arose.
.surely there can be no more solemn
occasion than this one" he said I'VE
are beginning on Sunday great new
movement / believe that we should be-
gin it by asking the guidance OF Him
for whom we are here"
w H. Nixon of Selma. Ala, a negro
clergyman and Roosevelt delegate. who
was excluded from the republican con-
vention; began tofrecfte the psalm which
begins:
'.The Lord is my shepherd. The. dele
gates arose and repeated it with him. A
PRAYER by Rev Nixon followed. Some one
began to sing America and 10 mo-
ment the others we're singing. The me7t-
ing was IN contrast to the uproariouse ones
which had been held In the same room
while the convention was IN session There
was no cheering or handciapping no cry
OF 'eat en- alive. Teddy" The solemnifv
of the occa sion which was believed to
lComtinued ON Page Twol