New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-05-11
REPUBLICANS MEET TO
CAUCUS ON CONVENTION
Party Reorganization Is the
Avowed Purpose of Chi
Cago Gathering.
FORMAL SESSION MONDAY
Like Lords Supper; All Who
Believe May Partake, -
Says Cummins, of
Progressives.

Chicago, May 10. 90 Republican Unted
States Senators and leaders from various
parts Of the country began to arrive here
to-day with the avowed purpose or pro-
noting movement for a Republican
national convention this year Ito reor-
ganize the party upon progressive INES
The object of the convention as de-
scribed by Senator Albert Il. Cummins' OF
Iowa. would be to change conditions III
the party so as TO prevent recurrence OIL
what happened at the last Republican Ma
tional Convention"
Others who reached here to-day were
Senators c. l. Crawford. of South Da-
l:ota; William S. Kenyon. of Iowa, and
L. Y. sherman, Of Illinois. Senators Will
lam Z. Borah. Of Idaho; AISLE j. Gronna'
of North Dakota, AMI John T. Works' OF
California Senator Cummins said, were
expected tomorrow. together with former
Governor Hadley OF Missouri.
There probably will be representatives
here from Massachusetts,. New Jersey,
-Iichigan. Wisconsin ard most of the
Middle West states" said Senator Cum
Minis. "Our purpose is to talk over the
situation informally and then have a
meeting on Monday. We are simply Re-
publicans who want to get the party back
on a solid basis along progressive lines.
Already Well Defined.
THE movement for a Republican ma
tional convention this year has already
become pretty we'll defined. 1t will be an
extraordinary thing. but the result of the
last election calls for some unusual &C
ton. The Republican National Commit
tee will meet in Washington on May "a.
We hope before that time TO discuss thor
oughly and be able TO present TO the COM
mittee the necessity for a national con-
vention
"A national convention this year, OF
course. would not have to nominate any
body and IL would not be dominated by the
ambitions of any one. 1t simply would
get together in a spirit Of harmony and
devise plans for the best interests Of the
party. Among the things 1t is proposed
TO accomplish are
ITO change the basis of representation
according to Republican strength. and no;
according to the accident of the repre-
sensations of states in Congress.
ITO take out that rule which ignores or
repudiates primaries.
TO modify any other custom of the
party which might interfere with the
modern, progressive spirit in the Repub-
hcan ranks.
senator Cummins was asked if an at
tempt would be made at the convention
to amalgamate the Republican and the
Progressive parties.
no such attempt will be made" an
sWered the Senator But IL will be like
the Lords Supper-all who believe may
partake
OF Republicans Only
Certainly no representative Of any
other party will participate in our con-
ference here. This will be a conference
Of Republicans only Senator La Toilette
viii not be with us, but I think he is IN
harmony with our movement
Let me say, too, that we will have no
secrecy about IT, After our conference
on Monday We will give out all the de-
tails"
AS TO how delegates might be chosen
TO the convention. If one were called this
year. especially in states which provide
for primary elections. Senator CummiEs
said that was L problem that would have
10 he solved later. Neither had II been
discussed, he said. where and when the
convention might be held.
Personally" he ADDED, Il Ike Chicago
but | don't care where II Is held so Ions
as IL is within the present year.