Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-05-11

CHICAGO. May 1O.-I nited States sem
ators and republican leaders from various
parts OF the country began to arrive here
To-Day with the avOwed purpose of pro-
motlng a movement for a republican ma
tlonai convention this year Ito orsanize
the party upon progressive lines"
Ihe purpose OF the convention as de-
scr1oed by Senator Albert Il. Cummins of
Iowa would be to change conditions in
the party so as to prevent recurrence
OF what happened at the last republican n
national convention"
Besides Senator Cummins those who ar
rived today were Senator's G. l.. Craw-
lord OF South Dakota. William S. KENYON
OF Iowa and l.. Y. Sherman of Illinois.
senators William f. Borah of Iadho. Ashe
J. Gronna of North Dakota and John p.
Works of California, Senator Cummins
said, are expected to arrive tomorrow.
together with former Gov. Hadley of
Missouri.
'Thel. probably will be representatives
here from Massachusetts. New Jersey.
Michlgan. Wisconsin and most of the
hhidoie west states.' said Senator Cum
III, nl,ms, Our purpose is to talk over the
sHuation informally until Monday, then
TO nave meeting Monday and get
through by noon. We are simply repub-
hcans who want to get the party back on
a sond basis along progressive lines.
Already Well Defined.
me movement for a republican ma
honal convention this year has already
become pretty well defined 1t will be
an extraordinary thing, but the result
OF the last election calls for some un-
usuai action The republican national
committee Will meet in Washington Nav
"A. We hope before that time fo discuss
thoroughly and be able to present to the
committee the necessity for a national
"A national convention this year. Of
course, would not have to nominate any
pody and 1t would not be dominated by
the ambitions of any one 1t simply
would get together in spirit of harmony
and devise plans for the best Interests Of
the party.
Among the things it is proposed to ac-
cOmpliSh are:
To change the basis of representation
according TO republican strength. and not
according 10 the accident OF the represen-
tations OF states in Congress.
To take out that rule which ignores
or repudiates primaries.
10 modffy any other custom Of the
party which might interfere with tire
modern. progressive spirit in the repub-
Ican ranks"
was asked an at
tempt would be made at the cOnyen-
tion 10 amaigamate the republican and
the progressive parties
Like the Lords Supper.
y" such attempt will be made. -
answered the senator. But it will he
Ike the Lords supper-all who be-
heve may partake
Certainly no representative of any
other party will participate in our con-
ference here. This will be a confer
ence of republicans only Senator La
Foiiette VIII not be with us but +
think he is in harmony with our
movement Let me say. too. that we
VIII nave no secrecy about IT, After
our conference Monday we will give
out all the details
Questioned as 10 how delegates might
De CHOSEN TO the convention if one
were called this Year. especially In
states which provide for primary eiec-
tlons, senator Cummins said that was
Z problem that would have To be-
solved later. Neither had it been dis
cussed. he said where and when tn.
convention might be held
personally" he added. II like Chi
cago. but J don't care where it is held
50 long as il IS within the present
year"