New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-05-12
WILSON AND CLARK MEN
SEEM NEAR A BREAK
Game of National Politics In
voIved in Congressional Cam
paign Committee.
VICTORY FOR PRESIDENT
Sooner or Later There Must Be
Showdown as to Whether
White House Will Run
1914 Campaign
Ion DC TlIbnne BuIean |

Washington. May IA big game or
national politics is involved in the appar-
entity routine organization of the Demo-
cratic Congressional Campaign Commit
tee. which was prepared on FRIDAY night
on the suggestion OF the President. Be-
hind the stereotyped reasons fOr the post
ponement Of the organization is = story
of an impending break between the Will
son and Clark factions in the Democratic
party.
President Wilson has won d temporary
victory against the so-called House ma
chine and i'm that victory lies the posi-
bility OF a break In Democratic ranks.
The committee on Friday night failed to
elect a Clark supporter 10 the chairman
ship but the issue IT, clear cut ana soone:
or later there must be showdown IN
advance Of the 1914 campaign. the point
at issue being whether this campaign Is
to be waged from the White House OF
whether il is 10 he d strictly House az
fair. as heretofore.
The meeting OF the Democratic Congress
sional Campaign Committee on Friday
was had in the face of the President
request that the organization OF the con-
mttee should be postponed. There were
rumors that the President was opposed ~
Representative Ben Johnson, o. Ken
lucky. an original Clark man and can
didate for the Craftsmanship Of the com
mittee. These reports nettled the friends
OF Nj. Johnson. and they secured SUI
ficient number of signatures 10 call the
committee together. despite Nj. Wilson's
contrary wishes. as expressed TO the re-
firing chairman. Representative Lloyd.
Candidates Are Clark Men.
Until the subtle Wilson influence mani
tested itself AZ the meeting FRIDAY night
the slate called for tn election OF Nj.
Johnson a. chairman and Mr. Pepper, OF
Iowa. as secretary. Both are Clark men
and are capable Of taking firm hold OF the
party machinery
The Speaker himself was not present AT
the committee meeting Friday night. but
his stanch supporters were on hand and
Senator Stone. former manager Of the
Clark Presidential campaign. did not veil
his displeasure AT the "interferences OF
the President in the organization Of
committee which has heretofore been
handled exclusively by the legislative
branch OF the government. The Senator
saw 10 reason why the organization
should not proceed. and this argument
carried with II incidental support OF the
candidacy Of the Clarkite. Nj Johnson
Representatives Frank Clark. Of Flor
ida. and Taggart. OF Kansas. were equally
impatient, and there was much talk OF
White House bosslsm." Sentiment In the
committee was apparently divided as be-
tween the Views OF the President and the
evident desire OF the Clark faction FOR I'm
mediate organization.
Mr. Johnson shrcwdly prevented an
open rupture by proposing that for the
present Mr. Lloyd continue as chairman
of the committee and that conferences bee
held between Democratic leaders Of the
House and Senate and the President with
a view TO satisfactory working arrange
ment
Mr.. Lloyd h1d.eXpiained that the P!esi-
dent desired postponement OF the com
mittce's organization until working
agreement between the Congress and Ma
tjonal committee might be- reached. II
is well understood. however that the
President does not intend 10 leave the
1qi4 camnaign solely to the Congressional
committee for he holds that the new ad-
ministration itself would be- on trial In
the off year campaign.