Little Falls herald. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1889-1950, 1913-03-21
POLITICAL LETTER

st. Paul, March Is, 1913.
Opposition to the amendment to the
state primary law which will make the
progressive party legal political or
ganization has developed in the house.
The opposition is headed by G. N. Orr,
a Ramsey county member, chairman of
the judiciary committee and one of the
floor leaders of the Rines' organiza
ton. It is significant that the opposi-
ton should come from the progressive
wing Of the republican party. The
stand-patters have nothing to fear and
everything to gain in the legalizing of
the progressives. Putting aside all
political considerations, however, it is
only just and right that the progress
ives should be recognized. If the Rines
organization applies the steam roller
now, it will only boost the progressive
cause. Denial Of recognition will give
the progressives slogan; it will also
attract thousands to their standards
who believe in fair play in politics as
we'll as in games Of sport
7. A. Caswell, clerk of the supreme
court, one Of the sharpest thorns IN
the flesh Of the Smith Eberhart cor
poration, is said to be interested in
putting his office on a salary basis and
making it an appoirtive berth. There
is bill before the house fixing salary
and fees and making it the duty of the
supreme court judges to appoint the
clerk. Probably Mr.. Caswell, who is
one of the best of political prophets,
sees ahead two years. He knows that
the republican party is hopelessly split
and there is no prospect that the
breach will be healed in two years.
There are the stand-patters, the pro-
gressive republicans, the anti-Eberhart
regulars and several other shades of
ants. It would be impossible to
classify the different shades of re-
publicans and near republicans in Min
nesota. Caswell knows what is in the
wind. He has had moistened finger
tip to the breeze for several months.
, One Of the most brazen bills before
the legislature is that fathered by Chas
f. Keller, state fire mashal, backed by
the Eberhart machine. Like Mr.. Cas-
we'll, Fire Marshal Keller fears the ups
and down of politics, and especially IN
the face Of the chaotic conditions ex-
listing in the republican ranks. His
bill would make the OFFICE Of himself
and deputy six instead of two years.
There is the usual salary grab at
tachment.
There has been considerable gossip
about federal patronage of late It can
be said authoritatively, however, that
no slate has been made up F. b.
Lynch, national committeeman, has
left for Washington to confer with
President Wilson and his advisers. He
has intimated that all important posts
will be submitted to an advisory COM
mittee before final action is taken.
: John w. Willis, former Ramsey county
district judge, has been mentioned as
possible assistant attorney general.
Martin O'Brien Of Crookston has re-
ceiveds some mention for United States
district attorney. F. A. Day, P. Nj.
Ringdal, Frank Glotzback and John
Gavner are names mentioned for posi-.
:tions in the customs and internal
revenue departments. G.. M. Andrist
candidate for the democratic guberna'
forial nomination is mentioned for a
diplomatic post, }: J: Hartigan also
appears in the list of eligibles.
49,. Jason