Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-12-17
NATIONAL CON-
MiTTEE MEETS IN WASHINGTON.
Continued from Page One.)

mittee tomorrow. 1t was predicted to-
night that Il would favor a compromise
between the plan advocated by the
Republican Congressional committee
and by Chairman Hilles and other
leaders. This plan would provide for
four delegates at large from each state,
one from each Congressional district
and additional delegates from each
Congressional district where the Re-
publican vote bears a certain ratio to
| the total vote.
With the adoption of the report of
this sub committee. the national COM
mittee will adjourn probably until
! 1916.
In bringing in a plan for reduced
| representation, the sub committee will
| suggest how the plan shall be rati-
| fled by the Republican voters in all
| the states. The much talked of ref
erendum requiring that the plan must
| be approved by the Republicans in
state which cast two thirds of the
total party vote in 1908 was still fav-
| orite of tonights meeting.
Debate during today practically was
| limited to a discussion of the need
Senator Borah doomed out as the
dominant figure among the commit
| teemen who opposed a special conven-
tion while Former Gov. Hadley of
Missouri and William Barnes, Jr., of
New York led the forces allied in It's
support. If there was an inclination
toward bitterness at times and if pic
lures were drawn of why things hap
pened to the party in 1912. they were
not dwelt upon at length, and 1t was
plain from the beginning of the meet
ing that the committeeman realized
that the pressing question up for their
decision was not the method of change,
but the change itself.
Sherman Granger of Ohio opened the
opposition to the national convention
plan He declared that the purpose Of
convention could only be to adopt
platform or manifesto to the peo-
pie" and that the change in the rules
of the party could just as well be
brought about by the committee as in
a convention.
1.-The vital question before us" said
William Barnes, Jr. of New York, lis
the election of a Republican Senate
chIlu f1OuSe III III loIf.
favor holding national convention for
the purpose of showing through such
gathering why the Republican party
meets the needs of the people. The Re-
publican party has nothing to apol-
cGize for
Charles A. Spiess of New Mexico
pleaded for a convention next year for
the purpose Of adopting platform. He
said the platform of 1912 upon which
Mr. Taft ran did not receive the sup
port of many Republicans and that
what the party needed now was plat
form which would mot tell what the
Republican party has done for the
country. but will tell what the Demo-
cratic party is now doing to the peo-
ple.'
Howell of Nebraska, Estabrook of
New Hampshire. West of Illinois,
Jackson OF Maryland and Senator
Bradley of kentucky opposed a con-
Former Rep. James e. Watson of
Indiana, who held a proxy from the
committeeman from Louisiana, declar-
ed that a special convention next year
would be a colossal political blum
der
Committeeman Goodrich of Indiana
supported the convention plan as did
Warren Of Michigan.
Former Governor Hadley or missouri
favored a special convention.
Senator Snoot insisted the new COM
mittee should show that it had the
power and was willing to do what the
people want at once. He said Republi-
can opportunity in 1914 and 1916 already
was before the party as consequence
Of the Democratic record in Congress
up to date.
In closing the discussion for oppo-
nents Of the special convention plan.
Senator Borah expressed regret to find
himself not in harmony with such OF
his intimate friends as Former Cover
nor 3Iadley, Senator Cummins of Iowa
and Jones of Washington and others
whom he held in high regard
1T would not be candid with myself"
said the senator. "if I did not express
my Judgment in the situation that con-
fronts US. The great contest which will
determine whether the Republican party
is to resume supremacy or pass into his
tory will be settled in 1916. All other
SklIInlSueSt no IldttCi uo" iAuSH INV
may be emphasized, will be preliminary.
We can afford to be cautious and patient
in preparing for that great conflict. If
did not believe that the Republican par
ty was progressive and that 95 per cent
of the members of the party have heart
interest in the problems confronting the
nation / would not remain a member of
the party. But my conservations ana
investigations convince me that the rank
and file of this party organization are
just as much alive to the problems OF
this hour as were the men in the front
of the party from 1856 to 1884,
IF the Republican party adopts re-
| dictionary platform in 1916 it will become
nothing but the voice of the aristocracy.
believe 1t is progressive and want to
gather the progressive sentiment and
crystalize in 1916. If we call conven-
ton In 1914 what position will we be In?
There are states With primary laws not
adapted for a national convention except
for the selection Of a national ticket
Such a convention would inevitably re-
! suit in the selection Of hand-picked dele
gates In two-thirds of the states, and
any platform promulgated would not be
a true expression Of the rank and file OF
. IA