Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1913-05-24
Holds Question Of Chang
ing Representation is
Legal One.
IS AWAITING ADVICE
In Meantime Bull MooSerS Urge
Plans as Perfected at Chi
Cago Gathering.

Washington, D. c., May 24.-After
several hours discussion the execu-
tive committee of the republican ma
tional committee tentatively agreed to
call meeting of the national commit
tee in 50 days after the adjournment
Of the extra session of congress, to
determine whether a national conven-
ton shall he called to consider changes
in the basis of representation. The
session today of the executive commit
tee was devoted almost entirely to a
discussion of the need for a national
convention. Committeeman Warren of
Michigan made a motion to call a
meeting and practically every member
joined in the debate that followed.
There were expressions of disapprov-
al, but only on questions of detail.
Washington, D. c., May 24.-Mem-
bers Of the national republican execu-
tive committee assembled today to
| take stock of the party since the No
vember defeat, look over the field for
the future and determine whether the
national committee should be called,
to consider the advisability of holding
a special national convention.
Chairman Hilles of the national
committee said before the meeting be-
gan that the questions presented
would be referred to the national
committee. He was undecided as to
the right of the national committee
to change the basis of representation
in national conventions, and declared
it was legal matter upon which he
had secured no advice.
Senator Jones, holding a proxy for
National Committeeman Perkins, of
Washington. sat with the executive
committee and presented the ideas of
Senator Cummins and the progress
ives seeking an early national conven-
tion.
Many prominent republicans, in
Guiding former Speaker Cannon and
former Representative Mckinley of
Illinois, fingered about the room.
NOT FOR UNIT RULEl
The question of choosing delegates
by state primaries was not discussed
at great length. Hilles and some 9TH
ers contended the congressional dis
trict should be allowed to choose its
own delegates any way it saw fit, not
withstanding provisions for state
primary.
1.-The party has insisted upon the
right of congressional districts to Sc
lect their own delegates and revers-
al of that policy would foist the unit
rule upon u.s." said Hilles.
HEAR FROM CONCILIATORs.
A letter from the conciliation com
mittee, signed by Senators Cummins,
Jones and Crawford, and Represents
tives Cramton and Rogers, joined in
by Representative Anderson and for.
mer Governor Hadley of Missouri, set
forth the report of the progressive re
publican conference at Chicago and
asks for a meeting of the republican
national committee in the near future
to act upon a suggestion made by q
: great many republicans that there be
/ held during the present year repub
lican national convention"
REASONS CITED.
AS reasons for the request the com
mittee says: I'VE believe an over
whelming majority of the republican
party have reached the conclusion
that the basis Of representation il
national conventions is not only un
just but contrary to the fundamental
principles of representative govern
> ment. Assuming the will of the ma
jority in any organization ought Il
prevail, - must be real, no fc
! titious, majority.
We desire the restoration Of tn
/. republican party to full strength and
t power. Its principles are sound, wist
and patriotic and the body of th'
party will apply these conditions Il
conditions OF modern times in an en-
Hghtened unselfish way, IL they have
fair opportunity to do so.
TO AVOID UNHAPPY CONTESTS.
We believe it Eore logical that th'
republican committeeman should as
sumo Office prior rather than af.cr o.
: subsequent to future regular repuNi
, can conventions.
We believe some methods shoult
+ be devised and put into effect befor.
S ne next reGu'a ar convention whereb.
: unhappy contests which mar1ed thi
l. ! seating Of delegates in past conyen