The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-03-06
CHALLENGE AND REPLY
Roosevelt Manager Proposes Test by
Primaries.

washington, March 6.-Senator Joseph
M. Dixon, chairman of the Roosevelt
executive committee, has challenged
the Taft campaign forces ito test by
means of primaries in every state in
the Union" Senator Dixon conveyed
his proposal in a letter to Representa-
tive William b Mckinley, director OF
the national Taft bureau.
Director Mckinley sent a letter to
Senator Dixon asking if the proposal
were made with the authcSity of Col
cnel Roosevelt, and also asking If SEN
ator Dixon were acting as chairman Of
the Roosevelt executive committee
either by selection or authority of the
colonel.
Senator Dixon's letter was as follows:
my Dear Mckinley: For the purpose
of determining definitely whether the
Republican voters of the country desire
Colonel Theodore Roosevelt or Presf-
dent Taft as their candidate in the APP
preaching presidential campaign,
hereby challenge you to a test by
means of primaries in every state in
the Union.'
I'VE ought to have free and volun-
tary expression of opinion directly from
the voters, who will carry the ballots
that will determine finally the verdict
at the pols,'' the letter continues. 1.-THE
time to find out what the voters want
is before the nomination is made,
rather than afterward."
Senator Dixon states that the ma
tiona1 committee was not justified in
leaving the primary question to the
action of the states.
In every state and district in the
Union, proper arrangements can be
made and effectively carried OUT" he
says, for securing a free and volun-
tary expression of the will of the Re
publican voters. If it cannot be done
by a statewide primary, which woulc
be preferable, it can be arranged fol
districts, under the supervision of pro-
per committees"
The letter calls attention to the vari-
GUS states where arrangements have
been or are being made for primaries
and adds:
with your cooperation similar ar
rangements no doubt can be effected
in all other states where legislatures
are not now considering the enactm ent
of presidential preference primary
Laws.
Let me call your attention again to
the fact that Colonel Roosevelt has
declared repeatedly that he is not an
active candidate for the nomination,
as the demand of the voters of the
party. His letter to Mr.. Moore of
PittSburg, sent out by your headquar-
tiers and published in the newspapers
is an additional proof OF this attitude.
1.-THE voters of the country have the
unquestionable right to express their
desire and 1 sincerely trust you will
accept this challenge and prepare to-
cooperate with me in the arrange
ment of such primaries.
Commissioned officers are necessary
to direct army but it is the rank and
file that win the victories.
Respectfully yours,
JOSEPH NJ. DIXON"
McKinIey's Reply.
Director Mckinley's letter in reply
was brief. He wrote: ~
Il am just in receipt of your letter of
the 9Th, instant, delivered by special mes
senger Since you are pleased to apply
to your communication so grave a term
as challenge, it becomes somewhat i'm
portant to have our respective relations
to candidates made clear at the outset.
'T would, therefore, say that I have
been asked by President Taft to act as
director of a bureau with headquarters
in Washington, organized for the purpose
Of securing his denomination for a sec
ond term. Before answering your chal- |
enge, 1 desire to know whether you are
acting as chairman of the Roosevelt ex-
ecutive committee, either by selection or
of Mr.. Roosevelt, and also
whether your so-called challenge was is
sued by authority of Mr.. Roosevelt, |
whose nomination for third term as
president I understand you and your or |
ganization are attempting to secure. Re |
spectfully yours,
civilian B. MCKINLEY,
Director, National Taft Bureau"