The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-06-17

the temporary craftsmanship, the very
first question that comes up before the
convention. Then it is planned to have
Governor Johnson of California cast
the twenty-six votes for that state on
the question. This action by Cover
| nor johnson. it is understood, will be
| objected to by the two Taft delegates
/ from the Fourth California DISTRICT.
/ How Fight Will Start.
| This juncture will be grasped by the
Roosevelt floor leaders as tho one upon
which to get the ''expurgated'' vote
! of delegates.
| The floor leader will move at once
that the temporary roll as made up by
| the national committee be rejected,
and that a substitute roll, including
| the seventy or eighty delegates claim
ed by Colonel Roosevelt, be adopted.
| In thus submitting the matter of the
| debated seats to the convention en-
bloc none of the delegates affected by
| the contests could vote on the question
| and the Roosevelt men believe that
such poll would give them the upper
| hand in the organization of the con-
| vention.
=! Victor Rosewater, of Nebraska,
| chairman of the national committee.
| became the storm center of this phase
| of the fight as soon as the plans OF tne
Roosevelt leaders We're perfected last
night In his capacity chairman
| Mr.. Rosewater will call the convention
| to order and will decide whether to en-
terrain or refuse the motion of the
Roosevelt men to consider second list
| of delegates.
The Roosevelt plan is revolutionary
and Mr.. Rosewater may insist upon
waiting for the report of the committee
on credentials which, usually would
not come up for consideration before
Wednesday. Mr.. Rosewater conferred
with Col. Roosevelt in person regard
ing this question and others late last
night, but it is said to have declined
To give an answer until he had further
time in which to consider the matter.
The chairman held conference with
other members of the national commit
tee today and it is said the Roosevelt
plan met with stubborn opposition.
Members of the committee were report
ed to have insisted that the chairman
follow the usual procedure and the
strict rules of the committee in rela-
ton to temporary organization. Unless
the Roosevelt leaders get this vote on
contests at once, is said they plan TO
force the issue further by Immediately
moving the nomination of Col. Roose-
Welt and attempting to hold a conven-
ton of their own within the. convention
hall. Fully aware of the gravity of
these developments, the Taft managers
and members of the national committee
favorable to the president held contin-
ued councils in efforts to evolve
methods of blocking the scheme sum-
marily.
Fears of Trouble.
Fears for the order of the convention
were freely expressed and predictions
of serious trouble were made frequent
ly during the day. Officers in charge
of the convention management extend
ed the police arrangement and the ser
seants at arms were given emergency
instructions.
Excitement at the headquarters of
both sides and in the hotels increased
throughout the day and in some quart
ers city detectives and policemen were
needed to prevent personal clashes.
The day was the most exciting that
has preceded the opening of a Repub-
lican national convention in many
years. The atmosphere was tense with
charges and rumors of varying kinds,
and leaders wore themselves down to
a point of physical exhaustion by al
most ceaseless conferences and efforts
to keep their state delegations in line.
Caucuses of state delegations came in
an avalanche, as there had been but
few caucuses until today. These eau
cuses were depended upon to con-
siderable degree to give a lineup of
the strength of the delegates on the
questions aside from the presidential
ranged for a reception this afternoon
at which he hopes to meet every one
of the 1918 delegates to the conven-
ton. He plans to speak to each dele
gate personally. Tonight at the Audi
forum theater he will be the principal
figures at a large mass meeting of the
Roosevelt followers.
Borah Succeeds Hadley.
Early today Senator Borah of Idaho
finally and definitely was selected as
the choice of the Roosevelt forces for
temporary chairman in place of Gov
ernor Herbert s. Hadley of Missouri
Governor Hadley, because of his sue
cessful and clever fight in the Missouri
Republican state convention and be- |
fore the national committee was
chosen as floor leader for the Roose- |
welt organization.
1t was said Senator Borah was not |
consulted in regard to the making of |
the race against Senator Root for the |
temporary Craftsmanship and that the |
Idaho man is unprepared with a |
speech. For this reason he asked to /
be relieved from officiating at tonight's !
mass meeting but the Roose- |
Welt leaders insisted that he appear at |
the theater.
In addition to the two candidates for
temporary Craftsmanship the Taft and /
Roosevelt forces prepared two distinct
platforms for submission to the con-