The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-03-09
WILLING TO FACE PEOPLE,
DIXON CHALLEN GEGS MCKIN-
LEY TO CONTEST IN PRI-
MARIES.
COiOnefs Manager Says This Would
BE- Perfectly Feasible and Highly
Desirable for Party.

W test py means or primaries in
every State in the union"
Senator Dixon conveyed the propos-
al in letter to Representative William
b. Mckinley, director Of the national
Taft bureau.
Mr.. Mckinley tonight sent q letter
to Senator Dixon asking if the pro-
posal were made with the authority
Of Col. Roosevelt, and also asking if
Senator Dixon were acting as chair
man Of the Roosevelt executive COM
mittee either by selection or author
ity Of the colonel.
Senator Dixon's letter was as fol-
lows:
For the purpose Of determining
definitely whether the Republican
voters Of the country desire Col.
Theodore Roosevelt or President Taft
as their candidate in the approach
ing presidential campaign. 1 hereby
challenge you TO test by means Of pri-
maries in every State in the Union"
Senator Dixon states that the OBJ
vious purpose Of both the Republi-
can campaign committees is to elect
a Republican next fall that both are
interested primarily in the success Of
the party and that the first requisite
to such success Is to choose the can
didate with the greatest popular
strength.
I'VE ought to have a free and vol
untary expression of opinion directly
from the voters, who will carry the
ballots that will determine finally the
verdict at the polls" the letter con-
tinues. "The time to find out what
the voters want is before the nomi-
nation Is made rather than afterwards
1t will be too late after the conven-
ton Is held"
Senator Dixon states that the Re-
publican national committee was not
justified in leaving the primary ques-
ton to the action Of the State.
I'm every State and district in the
union proper arrangements can be
made and effectively carried out" he
says. rfor securing a free and VOL
uptary expression Of the will of the
Republican voters. II 1t can not be
done by Statewide primary, which
would be preferable, 1t can be ar
ranged for districts under the super
vision Of proper committees"
The letter calls attention to the va.
rious States where ARA ngements have
been or being made for primaries and
adds:
with your cooperation similar ar
rangements no doubt can be effect
ed in all other States where leeisla-
lures are not now considering the
enactment Of presidential preference
primary laws. am informed that in
several States where the presidential
preference primary question is await
ing legislative action, the influence of
men who are working with you is cast
determindly in opposition. Your CO.
operation with me in such States. no.
doubt, will result in the enactment of
these laws and the considerable spread
thereby Of the presidential preference
primary under direct legal sanction
by the State.
Let me call your attention again
to the fact that Col. Roosevelt has
declared repeatedly that he is not an
active candidate for nomination, but
will accept it If 1t comes to him as
the demand Of the voters Of the party.
"TIis letter to Mr.. Moore Of Pitts
burg. sent out by your headquarters
last night and published in the news
papers this morning. Is an additional
proof Of this attitude and Of the fact
that in now saying he will accept
the nomination under the conditions
specified, he is merely responding
to n popular demand.
THE voters Of the country have an
unquestonable right to express their
| desire. and I sincerely trust you will
accept this challenge. and prepare to
cooperate with me in the arrange
ment Of such primaries.
commissioned officers are neces-
sary to direct an army but it Is the
rank and file that win the victories.
Respectfully yours.
tSigned) Joseph NJ. Dixon"
Mr.. McKinkley's letter i'm reply was
| brief. He wrote:
II am just In receipt of your let
ter Of the 5th instant, delivered by
| special messenger. Since YOU are
pleased to apply to your communica-
lon