Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1912-05-24
LEADERS GATHER TO
HOLD SECRET CAUCUS
OVER I. {. WATSON
In Spite of Vigorous Denials.
There Was a Gathering of
Delegates in Editor Clark
HOWeII'S SanCtum Thursday

Notwithstanding vigorous and appa-
rently authoritative deniaIs by the At
lanta Constitution, The Journals story
of Tuesday to the effect that within the
week there would be held secret con-
elave of nderwood leaders decide
the fate Of Thomas E. Watson and de-
termine upon a program for the state
convention has been fully confirmed.
The scheduled caucus was held Thurs
day morning, and. strange to relate, il
took place in the offices of Clark How
ell, editor of the Atlanta Constitution.
who is candidate for reelection as
member of the Democratic national COM
mittee.
So unexpected and so embarrassing did
The Journals exposure, of their secret
plans prove to the leaders that many Of
those Invited to the caucus failed to put
in an appearance, and even the few who
did show up at the scheduled hour held
but brief conference and decided to
try TO get together again during the aft
ernoon.
There is no doubt that the birds we're
flushed.
AMONG THOSE PRESENT
Among those who quietly betook them
selves to the editorial sancturn Of Mr.
Howell at II O'Clock Thursday were T.
Randolph Anderson, representative in
the legislature from Chatham county.
and a candidate for delegate t-larga
place to the Baltimore convention; H. RI.
Dean. of Gainesville, also a candidate
for one Of the deIegate-at-large places:
Thomas B. Fielder, of Atlanta, another
candidate for one of these places; Pat II.
Gambren. personal representative Of
Charles r. Pendleton, editor Of the Ma
con Telegraph, who is in an exceedingly
receptive attitude for similar honOrs,
and Editor Howell himself who has
cheerfully undertaken the job of chief
engineer for the Underwood convention.
Other Underwood leaders who "just
happened" in town Thursday were
''Rufe" Hutchens of Rome, who manag-
ed the Underwood campaign and who
will without doubt be a delegate-at-
large, and E. S. Ault, of Cedartown, rep
resentative of Polk county in the iegis-
lature.
Some Of the chiefs who were expected
to put in an appearance but who had
not shown up at any Of the hotels -
the noon hour Thursday were Crawford
Wheatley, of Americas. and S. B. MIL
Ter. Of Columbus, both of whom are
aspirants for Observation-Disclosures jobs. ana
NJ A. OsByrne. OF Savannah.
casual scrutiny of the complexion
OF the caucus reveals the fact that IN
the main it is the delegate-at-Iarge -anf
didates who are planning to control ia
convention. whether they and the Tn
derwood leaders who are affiliated with
them will permit Watson to be a mem
Der of the delegation without making
fight to keep him off has not yet besa
decided This matter, il is believeds
was the principal reason for the secret
caucus but owing to the pub
licity given their plans these who net
Thursday morning thought it best 10
adjourn as quickly as possible withont
taking any definite action on the prop
osition which is giving them their, chiee
political concern. A
Then, too, it is said the caucus was
postponed in order to afford other lead
ers, who had been delayed in getting 20
the city opportunity to attend and have
a hand in the deliberations.
CANCELLED RESERVATION.
The Journals news. stories not only
flushed the secret meeting planted for
Tuesday but they have run to cover the
ers had arranged to hold in the assem-
bly room of the Piedmont hotel on. fha
eve of the state convention.
Wednesday, afternoon when The
Journal appeared with a publication 10
the effect that leading Underwood men
had planned an opposition rally to thar
called by Thomas Z. Watson, those be-
hind the meeting got busy. They call
ed UP the management of the Piedmol.
hotel and had the reservation cancelled