Arizona republican. [volume] (Phoenix, Ariz.) 1890-1930, 1914-07-14
Our own heart, and not other
mems opinions, forms our true honor.
-Coleridge.
The Rank and Fife Reprsse nted

Our friend, Colonel Breen of the Coconino Sum-
in common with many Others, misapprehends the
cause the failure of the Prescott republican con-
ference. which called by the republican leaders
for the purpose Of effectng fusion with the pro-
gressives People of intense religious proclivities
might attribute the failure to the fact that it was
Sabbath breaking event, and Sabbath breakers are
or ought TO be, punished by disappointment. But
the real of the failure that there was
party parties with whom the republicans
could negotiate. Though many progressives had
been solicited to attend the conference. did
attend it with the notion of aiding or taking any
part in any amagamation scheme.
Says the Sun: The refusal Of the few progress
sve leaders get together with the republicans
this fall is sad commentary on their political
perspcacity." Again: The progressive movement
seems to have narrowed down to few generals who
had misaid their army" And again 1T was
made plain that both platform and nominations
could be arranged satisfactorily But when salts
fled as to this. they had nothing offer. but
refused TO come in
The fact is. that progressive who happened
to be at the Prescott conference protested speak
for the progressive party. No one there was au-
thorized speak The overtures of the repub-
hcans rejected; they merely
entertained because there was no one with power
entertain them.
Win the announcement made of the inen-
ton Of the republicans hold conference with
the object of securing fusion with the progressives
those progressives holding official positions in the
party and recognized as leaders, while knowing that
they themselves were not in favor of fusion, made
effort ascertain the sentiments of the members
of the party throughout the In most
the views of members volunteered; they
TO headquarters promptly without solicitation They
almost unanimously against any sort of ANAL
gamation with the republicans though many pro-
gressives, probably less than majority, favored a
non partisan movement to a state ticket.
In this country, or. rather in Phoenix and its
immediate vicinity, fifty-fve members of the pro-
gressive party. who hastily seen, including
who occupied official position ether
the county progressive committee were
asked for expressions of opinion. Thirty for a
straight progressive ticket; six for fusion
were non -committal and one favored action
independent of party
Pinal. Pima and Cochise county progressives were
almost solidly against fusion. From part the
state was word received that fusion would be
acceptable to the rank and file of the party Gener-
ally. members of the party said that if fusion were
attempted they would disregard it and would vote
they pleased. Many declared that their resent
ment would be expressed in their support of the
democratic ticket mo matter who its candidates
might be.
Therefore, the gentlemen whom the Sun calls
the progressive leaders could receive no proposition
coming from the republican leaders. They were
bound by the expression of the members Of the
party far expression could be secured. In con-
to the course Of the progressive leaders. who
considered themselves merely the representatives
of their party, the course Of the republican
leaders who, without consultation with the members
their party, were trying to bind them to an
alliance.