The Washington herald., 1912-03-29
HINTS OF THIRD
PARTY ARE RIFE
Conservative Nominees on
Both States May Cause
Rupture.
PROGRESSIVES TO BOLT

There is considerable talk among the
so-called ''progressives' OF both political
parties in Washington about the posi-
bility OF there being a third national
ticket in the field, to be known as the
National Progressive" party. This talk
increases in proportion as the chances
grow for the nomination OF a conserva-
tive at the head OF the Democratic
ticket.
It is assumed that President Taft will
be the Republican nominee. The pro-
gressives say that IL both of the old
parties nominate conservative men, a
third party will be launched which will
embody the principles and spirit of the
progressive movement that is now work
ing in both OF the political parties. II
the Democrats should by any chance
nominate Woodrow Wilson or W J.
Bryan. or even John W. Kern, It Is not
likely that the new party will be Or
ganiZed.
Once Progressive Candidate.
But unless the Democrats put forward
as their nominee an acceptable progress
sive, there is little doubt that a conven-
tion will be called for the purpose OF put
ting a third ticket in the field. Speaker
Champ Clark does not measure up to
the standard Of the progressives, accord
ing TO the reports, and Gov. Harmon is
particularly Objectionable. while Repre-
sentative oscar Underwood is not ia
vored by the radicals.
The name OF Gov. Woodrow Wilson is
discussed as the possible nominee of the
new third party, II II is launched. One
suggestion is for ticket to be made up
of Woodrow Wilson for President and
Senator Albert 3. Cummins for Vice
President. But Senator Cummins would
hardly consent TO such an arrangement,
in the opinion of men who know him.
II not Senator Cummins. then some 9TH
er progressive Republican from the coun-
try west of the Mississippi. 1t might be
Gov. Hadley or Gov. johnson.
Nobody here believes that Col Roose-
welt would accept n third party nomina-
ton under the circumstances as they
exist. II the conflict between his follow
ers and President Tafts increases in in
tensity. he may. some OF his admirers
say. be forced into the fight as a third
party candidate.
Hints of New Party.
His declaration not to bolt the party
was made repeatedly after Col Roose-
Welt knew that he would become a can
didste, but before re had had any provo
10 GOIlptdlu VI
the matter OF the election OF delegates.
There have been many dark hints re-
Gently OF the third party movement along
progressive lines. Senator La Toilette
has hinted that he may lead the third
PARTY movement. In a speech in the Sen
ate on the Stephenson case. senator Bo-
rah declared that the people who believed
in progressive PRINCIPLES were no longer
misled by a political party label, and
that fhaV
whose character was such as to inspire
who declared himself for pro-
gressive principles. regardless OF what
party banner he raised.
Clifford Pinchot declared recently that
he would vote for a progressive Demo-
crat In preference to President Taft.
Gov. Woodrow Wilson declared in Wis
consin that there was no distinction be-
tween progressive Republicans and pro-
gressive Democrats. Leading editors of
Republican newspapers in
the West have declared publicly in the
last few weeks that third party would
be put into the field unless one OF the
leading political parties responded to the
demand for a progressive nominee.
Taft Gets 274 Delegates.
MeaRKhile. President Taft has added
ten delegates to his list, bringing his
total up TO "a delegates In the Chicago
pledged or instructed to vote
for his denomination. This is more than
OF the number necessary TO OBJ
tain the nomination. The convention
Will consist of 1.O76 delegates, and $50
will be necessary to a choice.
The ten Taft delegates were elected
yesterday by the Second and Tenth dis
tricts Of Indiana, the Seventh South
Carolina, and the Mississippi state con-
vention. The Roosevelt people controlled
the Sixth, Eighth. and Ninth districts OF
Indiana, and instructed six delegates for
the colonel
With the election OF four deIegates-at-
large by the Mississippi State convention.
the Taft managers claim for the Presi-
dent the entire delegation OF twenty
delegates from that State. The Roose-
welt people claim the delegates elected by
the Second, Fifth, and Sixth districts or
Mississippi, and will probably contest
these delegates.