Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-11-12
HEAL C. 0. P. SPLIT
HOPE OF LEADERS
Special Convention Expected
to Be Held Within the
Next Few Months.

Following the decision Of the law
committee of the republican rational
committee that only a national conven-
tion can change the rules Of represent
tation. interest OF republicans now
turns TO the proposed convention to
be held within a few months. Many of
them are profoundly disturbed over the
possible outcome of the gathering.
An intermediary step will he the
meeting of the national committee in
this city December 1G. but ii seems
now that the meeting Will be only per-
functory and for the purpose of issuing
the call for the convention and stating
its object. Ii is assumed that the full
committee will ratify the report Of
its law committee ANA issue the call
fixing a date some time in the spring
or early summer.
And then what. That is the question
which is WrinklinS the brows of the
republicans. Once assembled what
may the convention do
Cannot Be Held Down.
The questions are prompted by the
fact. pointed out by an authority today,
that while the national committee may
call the convention for a specified OBJ
ject. there is no law on earth to hold
the convention to disposition alone of
the business mentioned III the call.
After assembling. the convention is its
own master. and the national commit
tee il but its agent.
To be more explicit there is i pos
sibilits that some enthusiast may
bring up the question Of prohibition,
seeking pronouucement Of the conven-
ton upon that subject Another may
u, ~ - IL.
dorsement Of the recall of judges or
the initiative and referendum. There
are several other questions which
would be very embarrassing to dis
cuss
While these are topics peculiarly
within the province of n nominating
convention for their handling. it might
prove very embarrassing to have them
sprung upon the by-convention if Il
majority decided to take them UP at
once.
These considerations were carefully
weighed at yesterdays meeting of the
law committee. and We're discussed
from every angle The judgment of
the men composing the committee was
that the apprehended danger Of un-
happy diversion from the main lues-
tion may be avertee by ''gentlemen's
agreement among the leaders OF the
regular and progressive elements III
th.. party to use their influence with
their followers TO keep strictly to the
business in hand-that is to say. the
question of amending the rules of rep
reSentation.
Look to the Leaders.
One who is entitled TO speak with au-
thority said today that while unea siness
is excusable, it Will be found in the long
run that the leaders III the convention
will be able To hold the enthusiasts in
check and avoid presentation Of issues
which would cause trouble and further
dissension among republicans
There. IS no doubt. il is said. that the
forthcoming convention. bringing to-
pether as il will republicans from every
state will furnish occasion for serious
discussion outside the convention of
presidential candidates for 1916. 1t could
hardly result otherwise, it is declared
Republicans of both factions said to-
day that unquestionably long step for
v-ard and In the direction of the resto-
ration Of republican harmony has been
taken by the action OF the law commit
tee.
Tn. big fact standing forth is that the
prossressiyes have won their point in the
demand for a reconstruction Of the rules
,f r.nreseuIation which Mere largely
,esnonsibIe for friction at Chicago in the
laef nominating convention.
n is 90 .sidered likely that the progress
ives will be willing 10 exhibit a disposi-
zion TO meet the other side at least half
wav in future crises, since the olive
branch has been rendered by the old
line republicans, q