New-York tribune., 1912-03-09
FIGHT over PRIMARIES
Dixon Issues Another Challenge
to Mckinley.
ROOSEVELT MAN SARCASTIC
Doesn't Like Use of Word
"Game"-Two Questions for
Taft Bureau Manager.

Washington. March s-Senator Joseph NJ.
Dixon issued another challenge from the
Roosevelt national headquarters tonight to
Director Mckinley. OF the national TAFT
bureau, upon Presidential primaries. Re-
plying to Mr.. McKinley's letter OF last
night. Senator Dixon characterizes IL as a
fiat refusal TO aid in getting Presi-
Dental preference primaries, and he makes
a new demand on the Taft managers.
Director Mckinley. in his reply to Chair
man Dixon last night, said he was In ''ab-
solute accord with the selection OF the dele
, gates to the national convention by the
primary system wherever primaries are or
may be legally provided. fairly conducted
and surrounded by the restrictions OF the
| law"
Senator Dixons letter sent TO Mr.. McI<in-
/ ley tonight is I'm part as follows:
Dear Mr. Mckinley: Your fat refusal 10
aid In securing for Republican voters an
opportunity directly to name the candidate
campaign is received Your decision must
be regretted by every one who has AT
heart the success OF the Republican party
Next Next November .i1 IN your letter to me Of
by President Taft to act as director of a
bureau with headquarters in Washington
organized for the purpose OF securing his
denomination for a second term
l am forced. therefore, to the conclusion
that in refusing TO join with me In an ef-
fort 10 secure an expression by Republican
voters as TO the candidate they want. you
are announcing decision OF your chief.
and that Mr.. Taft refuses to trust the vot-
ers to determine the question of his candi-
dacy and he is willing to become a candi-
date OF his party even against the wishes
of the majority Of his party.
Senator Dixon expresses regret that Mr.
Mckinley referred to changes in the rules
while the game is in progress" and adds;
| l regret that you regard the selection Of
a Republican candidate for President as a
sion i Of the dignity with Which fp the peopl. ss
| invest the Presidency OF the United States
so to designate function which Is pre-
liminarry to the election to that high office.
Colonel Roosevelt, ii is hardly necessary TO
| say Is engaged In no game" But II you
insist on designating IL game" my de-
sire is to eliminate marked cards and load
ed dice. Mr.. Roosevelt and his supporters .
will not tolerate the tricks and deceptions
! and frauds which ara inseparable from the
| kind Of politics your characterization inn
plies.
Colonel Roosevelts manager says in his
letter that through political manipulation,
particularly in the South. there has been
an absolute sitting OF expression on the
part Of Republican voters" He submits
the following questions TO Mr. Mckinley:
| / now ask you specifically:
First. Are you willing to join me in an
appeal to the Republican state committees
TO provide for an expression Of the Repub-
I, Iican voters of the several states on the
! choice OF the Republican Presidential can
| didate?
Second. Will you Immediately join with
| me In a telegram to the Republican mem
| bers of the Legislatures In Massachusetts
| session, where Presidential preference bills
| are now pending. and where II is reported
| that your friends are trying TO defeat Their
| passage, urging them to support tnese
measures?
| | await your immediate answer TO these
| two propositions because regard action
| favorable to the view ! take as absolutely
| essential TO party success in November.
| Trust the Republican voters now
| Very truly yours, JOSEPH NJ. DIXON