The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1912-06-29

the tenth ballot last night when New
York's ninety went for him. but since
the tenth Clark has been slipping
back.
There still exists the chance that a.
dark horse might break the deadlock
1t appeared certain that any agree
ment between the Clark and Wilson
managers was out Of the question, but
it is doubtful whether these men could
hold the delegates once a break oc-
Cured.
Late in Getting Out.
Wearied with second struggle last
ing practically all night, the leaders
and the main body of delegates were
late in making their reappearance at
the main centers of activity this morn
Ing, and it was well toward noon be-
fore the work of consultation, contfer-
ence and caucus was in full swing.
The early birds, who included Chair
man James. were again sanguine that
decisive ballot would be reached
today and that the convention would
conclude its labors tonight. Already
the exodus from Baltimore had begun
and placards at every hand announced
special traias carrying away large par
ties which had come to see candi-
date chosen.
Clark Must win ouietsly.
It was the general feeling if clark
wins ne must win quickly. A continued
deadlock was the one thing Whicn
| might destroy the commanding lead
which he has already established. The
problem before the Clark forces was
two-fold; first, to hold the present
strength intact against DIRECTIONS, and
second, to add 176h votes to his $40
shown on the twelfth ballot to give
him the necessary two thirds mai aiority.
The first problem is not menacing
one, but it has its difficulties. The
ninety New York delegates with Clark,
from the tenth to the twelfth ballot,
are not regarded as dependable If
the struggle is prolonged, as the New
Workers are still feeling their way.
They are ready to stand by Clark if
his forces could show an ability to
concentrate the field. But not to re-
main with him indefinitely in a pro-
| longed contest.
Outside the New York acquisition,
the main body of Clark men are hold
ing together well, although it was said
some Of them who have formerly had
strong Bryan affiliations might develop
a tendency to try Wilson if the con-
test is an extended one.
Underwood May Control.
These considerations led Clark men
to bend all their energies to finish-
ing the contest quickly. The Under
wood forces are looked upon as play
ing an important part in the present
critical stage Of balloting. They were
standing solidly with no evidence of
wavering during the early hours, but
their 12S votes on the twelfth made
| them in a sense, the key to the Clark
situation, for with them the Clark to-
| tai would be well along toward the
necessary two-thirds.
] But at Underwood Headquarters
| there was not the slightest indication
Of directing the vote as balance
| power among the other candidates.
The sole idea was to keep the Under
wood force together in the belief that
/ 1t would gather strength from all
! quarters in case a break came from
the candidates now in the lead.
Reports were current early today
| that if Underwood would step aside
/ for Clark, the majority leader of the
house would be named for the speaker
ship. Clark supporters would not say
| whether these reports had any basis
but admitted the Underwood people
] now held the key to the situation.