Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-08-03
Deneen Followers Not Per-
mitted to Enter Con-
Vention Hall.
TEST IS GIVEN AT DOOR
Temporary Chairman Merriam
DerideS BoSS-RuIed
Parties.
Probable Nominees

Governor - FRANK H. FUNK,
Bloomington.
LieUtenant-Governor II. r. Ed
WARDS, Dixon.
Secretary Of State. N. JAYNE,
Monmouth.
State Treasurer-PHILIP RITTER,
Murphysboro.
Attorney General - FLETCHER
DO5YNs, Chicago.
State Auditor-cAPTAlN EDWARD
WINTER, Danville.
University Trustees-Mrs. Emmons
Blaine, Chicago; 3. F. Harris, Cham
palsn, Champaign county; Frederick
L. Hatch, Spring Grove, MeHenry
county.
Convention hall, Chicago, Aug. g.
The third party state convention was
slow in getting under way. Members
OF the state committee were at the en-
frances OF the hall to see that every
delegate admitted had a signed pledge
to abide by the action Of the conven-
tion in the selection OF a full state
ticket. II was announced the creden-
tials committee had agreed to refuse
admittanCe 10 the Williamson county
delegation and others who refused to
agree 10 a complete third ticket
Charles Ryberg, Chicago member Of
the credentials committee, said the
committee felt justified in strict SUI
pervision Of the situation in view of
rumors that friends Of Deneen and
other republican candidates would at
tempt 10 take part in the work of the
convention.
PICTURE OF COLONEL.
As. Rev. Dixon concluded the
opening prayer, the lights were turned
out and a large picture of Roosevelt,
bordered by red. white and blue in
candescents. was unveiled. The noisy
demonstration continued 10 minutes.
Medill Mccormick called the con
vention 10 order at 1875 and introduc-
ed Charles f. Merriam as temporary
chair. II was said the final draft of
the platform would not be ready be-
fore late this afternoon.
In keynote speech Temporary
Chairman Merriam pleaded for the or
ganization OF a new party with candi-
dates both for state and national Of
fees The situation in the state and
national was Identical. he declared.
BOSSES DEFY PEOPLE.
The bosses OF the old parties were de-
Tying the will Of the people and legis-
lating to suit their own selfish ends.
Illinois political scandals were point
cd out as good reasons for the birth
OF a new party.
An EASIER METHOD.
The political program of the pro-
gressves is summed up in a demand
for such changes in our political ma
Chiuery as will place the government
in the hands of our people," the
speaker said.
ITO bring this about It is necessary
20 secure the initiative, referendum
recall and direct election OF United
States senators. To effect these
changes in our fundamental law 1t is
necessary TO secure an easier and
reader method OF amending our con.
stitution, well nigh unamendable. The
demand for these changes is not bas.
ed on theory. but upon practical ex'
perience in the state OF Illinois.
CONTROL POLITICAL AGENTS.
Jackpot legislation, senatorial
scandals. boss and machine controlled
politics have taught US by many bit
ter experiences the necessity OF OBJ
tanning some method of more directly
controlling our political agents. We
do not present these measures as q
panacea, but we urge them as reason
able cOrrectives OF a system Of polit
ical misrule and corruption unparal
leled in the history of Illinois. We
do not intend 20 cripple or destroy
representative government. We are
bent upon reestablishing it, upon
strengthening il. upon making II gen
timely representative OF the interest.
of the decent and honest people o.
this commonwealth.
AIDS THE CORRUPT.
Mr.. Taft SAYS: "Referendums dC
not pay rent or furnish homes. recalls
DO not furnish clothing; initiatives q,
not supply employment" But, h'
does not see that the lack Of the ref
erendum enables Jackpot legislator
70 build and furnish homes; III,
lack Of the recall has enabled NOR,
than one official 20 Clothe himself II
purple and fine linen at public eN
peDse; the lack Of the initiative hai