The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-05-05
THE PROGRESSIVE DECLINE.
Figures That should Give Col. Roose. !
welt Something to Think About.

NGIb SOuCtum0 W rOVUss
To The EDITOR OF The sUN--Str:
have read In THE Sun the statement Of
George w. Perkins that reports from all
sections of the United States indicated
there was no falling away OF the interest
Of the rank and file Of the Progressive
party and that there was no disposition to
asslmilate with either of the old organiza-
tons, especially with the Republicans. He
also declares that there can be no ANAL
gamation of Republicans and Progress
sives 30 long as Penrose, Barnes. Cannon
and such men dominate the Republican
party.
In regard to Mr.. Perklns's first state
ment, that there was no falling away OF
interest Of tho rank and file Of the Pro-
gressive party. the recent election seems
to disprove this. In New Jersey. in the
election for Governor. James +. Fielder
was the Democratic candidate. Edward T..
Stokes was the Republican candidate and
Everett Colby was tho candidate Of the
Prcgressives. Mr.. Colby was assisted by
some Of the most prominent men In the
Progressive party Fielder received 49,
14s votes, Stokes 140,29s votes and Colby
41,132. The vote in 1912 was Roosevelt
1870, Taft ss.s35. The vote for Stokes
showed Republican gain OF over $4,000.
In Pennsylvania the recent registration
shows that In almost every section the
Progressive strength has fallen on be-
tween 60 per cent and so per cent In
Philadelphia over 100000 Republicans
registered and $4,000 Progressives. In
Pittsburg. Armstrong, the Republican
candidate. won for Mayor over Con-
gresham Porter. the candidate supported
by the Progressives. Porter had the sup
port OF William Film, one OF the cleverest
and most resourceful politicians In the
| Progressive party. In nearly every in
stance In Pennsylvania the Republicans
won. the Progressives running very bad
| third.
! Maryland was one OF the first States to
elect a United states Senator under the
constitutional amendment providing for
"a direct election. Blair Lee was the DEM
ocratic nominee. Thomas Parran the Re-
publican and ex-United States Senator
| Wellington the Progressive. Parran re-
ceived vote of $4,000 and Wellington
1893. Roosevelt ran ahead OF Taft In
Maryland.
In California nearly 10000 Republicans
enrolled and $4,000 Progressives. 1t Is
practically conceded that at TIE next cleo
ton Republican Governor and United
States Senator will be seated.
In Iowa In the second Congress dis
trct the vote for Hall. Republican, was
1O.60s. and for Hanley. Progressive. 3.7ls.
In 1912 Mr.. Roosevelts vote in this dis
trict was 10. SOC and Mr.. Tafts 5000.
Throughout the country IL IL the same
story. The Republicans have made great
gains, the Progressives show "A great de-
crease.
The Presidential vote for 1912 did no,
Indicate the relative strength OF the Re-
publican and the Progressive parties; II
represented the great personal popularity
OF Theodore Roosevelt and the idea that he
had not been treated fairly at the Chi.
cago convention.
In reference to Mr.. Perkins, statemen,
In regard to Penrose. Barnes and Cannon
Senator Penrose was defeated at the pri
maries In his State In 1912 In the election
next fall he will submit himself TO the
people and they will decide upon his elm
ination. Mr.. Cannon does not seem to b,
taking a very active part In the Republi-
can party, Mr. Barnes was appointed tc
a very important office by Mr.. Roosevelt
there has not been much change in Mr.
Barnes or his methods since then, but h,
does not seem to be so popular now.
II these men should consent to steI
down. would Mr.. Perkins then consent L
amalgamate with the Republican party
The platforms OF the two parties are prac
ticaly the same; the Progressive part,
goes little further than the Republican
in regard 10 the betterment OF socia
conditions. Everybody favors that. ire
spec;ive OF party.
As the elections have shown. the Pro
gressives are coming back to the Republ
can party. OF course there are some mel
who for their own personal advancement
viii try to keep the breach wide open, bu
from all indications they will not he sue
cessful. OSCAR w. HAMILTON.
RRooKLyS, May 9.