The Newport plain talk. (Newport, Tenn.) 1909-1939, 1913-01-16
FUSIONISTS In
THE SADDLE
Grew Steadily Stronger in
Legislature During the
Last Week.
OPENED A LITTLE WEAK

Gained in Strength Though as the
Weeks Work Progressed All
State Offices Have Been Settled
by the Fusion Leaders and
There is Little Prospect of a
Setback.
Nashville, Tenn, Jan. 1.-THE first
week Of the ifty-eighth general assem-
bly, is now history.
The past week saw a complete VIC
tory all down the line for the fusion
forces who selected the two speakers
and practically every official from the
smallest to the greatest. In one OF
two instances concessions were made
10 the regnlarsin minor matters.
AS the week advanced the lineup Of
the fnsion forces grew little weak and
tottety but when Saturday came they
were all found squarely in line, and at
the opening of the second week the
fusion element will be found more
solidly together than in any recent leg
islature.
The trouble during the week was
more Imaginary than real, anyway.
Mere differences of opinion were mag
nilied because of the untried working
qualities of the three concerned team
than for any other reason. But as the
work progressed it gaS found that
practically all republicans would stand
in line for and with the administration,
that the Shelby delegation would pull
steadily in the team work and that the
independents would present at all
times rock wall. All uneasiness has
appeared and while there are many
differences yet 10 settle and new ones
will, from time TO time, arse there IS
no doubt but that they will be met and
dealt with in a manner satisfactory to
all.
The question of state officers has
been settled by the fusIonests. The
matter OF republican for the senate
in both the long and short term have
been agreed upon. Some far reaching
legislation in which the republicans
are vitality interested has been harm
oniously settled TO their entire salifac-
tion and i'm such terms as proves To
them beyond doubt that their inter-
ests lie with the independents and
Crump., In word the three-cornered
fusion Legislators see now that their
interests lie together throughout and
that by standing together each will
come pretty near getting all that he
wants.
The sentiments Of the republicans
are we'll expressed in an INTERVENTION
Representative ID. w. Duncan from
Chattanooga in which he says" Every
republican member of the legislature
there being thirty-four OF us in all, has
gone into the republican caucus and
decided to stand together Under all
circumstances these men will stand by
Governor Hooper's administration as
to all platform obligations. Reports
of a breach in republican ranks are IN.
| founded as matter of fact. These re.
ports grew out of honest differences al
opinion, which have been adjusted
Every republican member of the legIs
lature feels that Governor Hooper
having been twice elected by the peo
| pie OF Tennessee, mas the respect and
confidence of the people Of Tennessee
and therefore, is entitled to the coop
Grafton and support Of all people whe
favor law enforcement and homes,
government.
No doubt the republicans will vote
for Senator Sanders, but there is also
| no doubt that this is to merely hold
their forces together until such time as
they will be needed. 1t is the same
old game as played by the willy allied
forces two years ago wher, Frazier was
whipped to death with McMilIin and
Enloe was allowed TO try his chances
until the lineup was ready for Senat-
or Lea.
Who the man or men is TO be this
time is not yet determined but each
will have his chance. When the right
thine comes the solid fusion vote will
be cast for the man selected and he
will go over a winner. At that time
republicans will get in line, leave Sen
ator Sanders and carry their part OF
the agreement.
The fusionists received but one set
back during the week ard that merely