The weekly chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Craig County, Okla.) 1905-1913, 1912-05-24
CHAMP CLARK
CLAIMS PENN.

Washington. D. c. May 2O-Special.
For some days the campaign managers
for Speaker Clark have been claiming
portion of the Pennsylvania dele
gates to the Baltimore convention, who
were elected on a Wilson ticke tand
bound subsequently with instructions
by the Harrisburg Democratic state
convention. People of all political faith
have wondered how such a claim could
be made, especially whe nthey recalled
the fact that every candidate who ran
as Champ Clark delegate in the Pen
nsylvania primaries was overwhelm-
Iingly deweated by a Wilson delegate.
No wthey have the answer, which fur
nished by delegate from Pennsylvan-
ia to the Democratic national conven-
ton.
In protest against the methods of
the Clark campaign managers, Arthur
R. Johnson, of Bradford Pennsylvania,
delegate to Baltimore, has forwarded
to Gov Wilson a letter received by
him, which is illuminating as to the
Clark campaign, and probably explains
the unfounded claim of delegates. The
letter and the reply furnished one of
the most interesting developments of
the preconvention campaign.
The letter to Mr.. Bradford was sig
ned by Grover Cleveland Ladner, the
president of the Champ Clark League
| of Pennsylvania 1t was written on
the stationary of the League from
the headquarters in Philadelphia and
bears date of May seven. Among other
things the letter says:
q ncte that you have been elected
as one of the Democratic National
Delegates of your district, and take
the liberty of writing you in behalf
of Democracy's strongest candidate
Hon. Champ Clark
Champ Clark's record is an open
book He is sterling Democrat of the
IOld School but sincerely progressive
and abreast of the times. The recent
decisive defeat of Governor Wilson in
Massachusetts, Florida and Georgia
have eliminated him from the race.
| Under these circumstances | do not
hesitate to ask you to pledge yourself
to vote for Speaker Clark on the Sec
lond Ballot if one is necessary. Should
there be any personal reason which
makes it inexpedient at this time for
you to publicly announce your support
1--we will respect your wishes and re-
lfrain from making your pledge public.
Your pledge of Support if you SO de-
sire will be made known only to
Speaker Clark and his general Cam
paign Manager, Senator Dubois.
Il trust you will give this matter
serious reflection and join with us
while tn opportunity is afforded you
Many of the delegates of Pennsylvania
have already joined our ranks; some
have pledges themselves for the first
and some for the second ballot though
I doubt whether a second ballot will
be necessary for Speaker Clark's nom-
ination on the first ballot seems most
Iprobable.
| please let me hear from you wbeth-
er you will be with us or not"
Mr.. Johnson's reply, which will in
terest every Democrat in the United
States is given herewith:
Bradford, Penna., May 3, 1912.
q. c. Ladner President,
Champ Clark League of PENN.
Philadelphia, Penn.
Dear Sid:
| your letter of May 7th at hand and
VERY carefully noted. With reference
to my regard for Honorable Champ
Clark, beg to advise you that l have
the highest admiration for him and
in my announcement of position in the
beginning of the primary contest for
election as National Delegate, / stated
VERY plainly. that next to Woodrow
Wilson, favored Champ Clark for
President
Governor Wilson is my first choice
for the reason that in nominating hint,
we sacrifice nothing whatever in pr.n-
ciple or progressiveness and get a
much stronger candidate, in my opin-
ion. as the Independent Republican
sentiment seems drawn to Wilson 10
a much greater extent than to Speaker
Clark. l am very pleased to add how
ever that if it becomes apparent thas
Governor Wilson cannot be nominaed,
shall certainly favor Speaker Clark,
as the next most desirable candidate
Il don't just understand the purpose
of your letter. nor do quite admire
the tone of it. cannot understand why
aay honest or honorable man should
be expected to pledge something ses-
rctly that he would not pledge openly
and publicly and your promise of ksso.
ing any pledge may make secret does
H.