The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-03-08
Leaders of Both Parties Give to The
Sun Their Opinions on Chances
of Amalgamation

There is no disposition on the part Of
the Progressives In Massachusetts TO
join hands with the Republicans In
BUSTING the Democrats from power. A.
20 the Republicans. they would welcome
tho support OF tho Progressives In try
ing to elect their candidates but they
will not surrender their platform be-
llefs IL that Ia what the Bull Moosers re-
CURE In payment.
In Massachusetts, there was not the
disintegration Of the Progressive party
last fall which IL said to have been
noticeable In other States. A. mat
ter Of fact. Charles sumner bird, the
candidate for Governor, had a few more
votes than he received In 1912
Many observers are inclined to the be-
lief that Progressive feeling. or rather
Roosevelt sentiment. Is Just ns strong
In Pennsylvania as Il was In 1912 when
Mr.. Taft was defeated In the primaries
In that State and Roosevelt roinped
away with Pennsylvania electoral
vote.
From the State Of Washington come
reports that the Progressive organiza-
ton there has practically disappeared
and that all the Progressive leaders
worth while have returned to their for
mer affiliations. Things also appear to
be looking up in Michigan. where Roose-
Welt cut up high links in 1912.
out in Ohio Republican prospects are
improving. according to reports re-
ceived. although Progressives contend
that they are just as strong there as
they were two years ago.
While the Republican leaders appear
to be down in the mouth the leaders
OF the third party proclaim their OPP
timism at every opportunity. They in
sist that in time they will absorb the
better part Of, the Republican organi-
zation and tina. the "reactlonaries." so
called. win either have to seek asylum
with the Democrats or go out OF bust
ness in a political way.
Such leaders of the Progressive party
as Moses r. Clapp OF Minnesota and
Victor Murdoch of Kansas say they can
not visualize the light held out for their
return by their old associates. They in
sist that the Republican party il doomed
or IL about To go ON the rocks and that
In the future they will have none of II.
On the other hand. Robert NJ La Fol
lette of Wisconsin and those who follow
him aver that the Progressive party Ia
in the process OF disintcgration and
that by 1912 it will be only a negligible
quantity in the politics OF the land II II
has the semblance of an organisation at
that time.
Most of the Republican leaders are in
the position Of the late wilkins Micaw-
Der. They are waiting for something to
turn up. They believe that IL the coun-
try IL disrupted by an economic up
heaval. caused 10y the Democratic tariff
law and other enactments for which the
Democratic President and Congress ar.
responsible. the rank and file OF the
Progressive party will desert the leaders
OF that organization and turn to the Re
publicans Tor relief. They do hope that
something will turn up before the cleo
tons Of November next
Inquiry made among party leaders
shows that Bull Moose leaders have no
thought of amalgamatinG with the Re
publicans. Republicans and Progressive
Republicans are willing to make ire
mendous concessions in an effort TO per-
suade them To come back.
Here are the opinions obtained by cor
respondents ~ THE SUN: