Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-05-04
THEIR ONLY HOPE
IN UNITED FORCES
Movement Looking to Reunion
of Progressives and Repub-
leans in Maryland.
OVERTURES MADE TO
BULL MOOSE LEADERS
Opportunity Seen in State Demo
cratic Division for Regaining
Legislative Losses.

Legislative Losses.
Special Correspondence Of The Star
BALTIMORE. Nd. May 3. 1919.
There is a general feeling Of optimism
among the republicans and the conserva-
tive bull moose leaders that the warning
factions OF the old party will be brought
together and that united front against
the democracy will be presented this fall.
While it is true that some of the more
radical progreSsives are opposed to any
combination with the republicans. this
element of the bull moose is not numer-
Gus, and it's detection to the democratic
or citizens party fold would be more
than offset by the recruits that would
come from the ranks of the Independent
democrats. In the past week the demo-
cratic party has suffered some severe
jolts, as result of the paving scan
dals'' so-caEed. and there are those
among democrats not of the independent
stripe who are about ready. to quit the
party.
The democratic party has grown ar
rogant and defiant because of the fact
that the republicans were rent in twain
he dominant party has received heavy
blow as a result of the disclosures re-
sardlng paving contractor who loaned
over 5000 to a paving inspector in the
employ OF the city. 1t was brought out
at the hearing that this paving inspector
had been appointed after the contractor
had taken MN to the city boss, Sonny
Mahon. who presumably had him placed
on the city pay rolls. While nothing of a
criminal nature was developed, the gen
eral impression was created that things
were not exactly right. and this was
accentuated when the board of awards
annulled contrac with and debarred the
paving contractor from AL work for the
city. In this little scandal practically
every political leader of note has been
drawn INTO the affair, until the lay voters
have begun Ito sit UP and take notice
1t is generally conceded on all sides
that the revelations of the week have
materially weakened the democratic party
and that the people are about ready for
an upheaval. 1t has made certain one
thing. and that is that the democratic
party will have to work hard to win out
this fall should the republicans and bull
moose decide to bury the Ratchet and
make common warfare against the enemy.
Work in Western Part of State.
The movement looking to reunion of
the bulls and the regulars has reached
the point where emissaries have been
doing missionary work in the western
end of the state. Former Representative
Charles r. Schrm and William Y. Perot.
both ,.rong bull moose leaders for the
past Year, were in Frederick and Wash
ington counties during the week and have
just returned to the city. Mr.. Schirm
stated to The Star correspondent today
that he found the bull moose leaders of
those two counties in a responsive mood,
and added that this was significant be-
cause of the fact that these two counties
are regarded as the stronsholds Of the
bull moose movement in Maryland.
In my talks with the leaders of Fred
erick and Washington counties" said Mr.
Schirm, Il made 1t plain that IL we re-
| manned divided the democrats would sue
coed in obtaining control of the legisla-
| ture and with the necessary two-thsrds
laws, including the OdiOus Wilson law
without consulting the governor. Those
with whom ] discussed the situation
agreed with my views. I found only two
'irreconcilableS in the county who refused
outright to take part in the reunion move
ment among the prominent men with
whom ! talked. My suggestion to both
sides was that there be a new deal when
party is chosen this fall-that they give
and take.
The plan outlined was that each
name three members of the committee to
represent the county, but that the men
selected. must be acceptable alike to both
the republicans and the progressives.
discussed with the standing committee
the advisabilfty of their stepping aside,
and all expressed willingness to do SO.
General Desire for Reconciliation.
In making nominations for office the
same division was proposed and this also
was received with favor. found no Bit
terness whatever. On the contrary,
there is general desire to bury past diff
for nd
enemy. This is the situation in Wash
ington county.
In Frederick county. where the party
| IS similarly divided, the sentiment was
just as pronounced for amalgamation.
several OF the progressive leaders. in
| Guiding Mr.. kefauver. who made a yigor-
| Gus fight for Roosevelt wanted time to
mink it over. but when the necessity for
| immediate action was demonstrated he
unhesitatingly agreed to a reunion of
| forces. | discovered while investigating
4 the general conditions that a number Of
republicans had broken away not so much
| because OF opposition to the republican
| ticket. but because of personal grievances
against the organization These xriev-
ances may have been fancied or real. but
| tney undoubtedly influenced quite num-
/ Der to take the course they did. Once
| these are set aside by making mutual
concessions, all feeling will be dissfpat ted
ana the party in western Maryland will
again present united front
| mere seems to be no objection any-
Wnere to marching under the republican,
| banner. the understanding being, however
| that while a protective tar.n is made tho
| paramount issue. all Of the industrial
pianks in the progressive platform shall
| be adopted.
Settlement of Suffrage Issue.
The question OF woman suffrage could
be settled through the initiative and raf-
erendum. which would also be part of
the platform. The recall of the Judges
should not be included AS a general
proposition an amalgamation of forces is
favored. especially now that the demo-
Gratis are dividing. Unless. however. We
! join forces and act in unison the Iaais-
| lation that helped to defeat us in the
past will be re-enacted. and nothing shor,
of a revolution would DEPRIVE our oppo-
nents of CONTROL
! Progressive State Chairman Darlington
is in fun accord with Mr. Schirm regard
ing amalgamation on the lines OF give
and take. He. too, believes that re-
publican principles are paramount. and
4 with the incorporation of the. progressive
| planks. which look TO the betterment Of
\ the working classes, a union of forces
should not be difficult. II is understood
! that local combinations have inspired the
4 hope that when the big mass meeting is
| held here this month the state oraani
\ gressives will form junction The pron
Il IN 10 hnf