The Washington herald., 1913-12-16
6. 0. P. MAPSOUT
HARMONY Plan
ooNT1NUED PROM PAeE oNE.

from the clamor for a revision OF the
rule respecting the basis of representa-
tion," he said. Those who seek a sub
stitute for the practice which has here
tofore obtained In national conventions,
contend that certain States and Congress
sional districts are accorded representa-
ton out of all proportion to the Republic
can voting strength of such political sub
divisions, and they insist that remedial
legislation must be adopted in advance
of the next regular convention because
of the futility of attempting to secure
such readjustment in nominating con-
Yention.
They hold that If the rule is ever
to be modified, such modification must
precede the Congressional elections Of
1914, in order that what they consider
justihable discomfort may give way to
united party action. There are those
who concur in the view that changing
conditions call for a revision of this rule,
but who hold that the abuse complained
of is Objectionable or menacing only
when a national administration is in po-
'sition to take advantage of the situation
to perpetuate itself or its policies, and
that as the e-isting Federal administra-
ton will not be potent in the next regu-
lar Republican convention, We may
safely defer the adoption of the curative
lSBlSldllOu which Iney earnestly duNOCdlc
until the convention of 1915"
Many old-timers Present.
The scenes in the lobby Of the Willard
were much like those witnessed in city
where national convention was about
to be held. Many old-timers were pres
ent, together with leaders who have
come into prominence as a result Of the
Progressive movement. There seemed to
be a general air of suspicion among
these men as they exchanged ideas and
rubbed elbows. Some Of the old guards
men looked askance upon the proposal
to hold a special convention because II
was advocated by Progressives. They
also looked upon the proposition as some
thing in the form of a Progressive con-
spiracy to capture the party organiza-
ton. On the other hand, Progressives
charged that the regulars who were
fighting the convention plan represented
the irreconcilable, never-say-die stand
patters who were willing to wreck the
party rather than yield concessions de-
manded by Progressive sentiment. 1t
looked early in the day as If the opposi-
ton to the special convention plan was
growing, ard that some form of COM
promise would be adopted that would
amount to rebuff to Senator Cummins,
of Iowa, and his Progressive associates.
The principal objection to a special
convention seemed to be that such a
gathering would be used for purposes
other than the reduction of Southern
Representatives. Some of the leaders
voiced the belief that .extraneous matter
would be injected into the discussion that
might result in a row making the con-
vention of 1872 tame by comparison.
Some saw in the special convention plan
conspiracy to exploit Col. Roosevelt
as Presidential candidate, while others
asserted that Senator Cummins was sole
ly interested in the convention in the
hope that he would be able to push
himself forward as candidate for first
honors. A fear also was expressed that
a special convention early next year
would give opportunity for those inter-
ested to push prohibition, woman's suf-
frage, the recall, and other questions for
ward as issues, and thus bring about a
feeling of antagonism that might check
rlans for party reorganization that are
now in progress among local organiza-
tons in the various States. ~
States Position on Convention.
National Committeeman Warren, of
Michigan, early sought out Senators
Cummins, Root, Smoot, and other lead
ers. He told Senator Cummins that I'M
less it was decided that the call for the
convention should specifically limit the
business OF the gathering to the plan to
reduce Southern representation that he i
would fight the proposal in committee |
Mr.. Cummins gave assurances that he |
would not ask the convention, IL called, |
to draw up a code of Progressive declar-
atoms, and that his only purpose in |
moving in the matter was to cut down |
Southern representation as a bid forl
popular support for the party. Mr.. Cum
minis asserted that the reform would |