The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-04-22
Joseph BriStOw Leads Battle
Against the Idea.
TO USE HER OWN JUDGMENT
Kansas Has No FavOrite Son to
Support, IT'S Argued.
Auditor Davis Would Instruct
Delegates for Hughes.

The plan of Charles Curtis, United
states senator, for an uninStructed
delegation from Kansas to the Repub-
lican national convention in 1916, may
become real issue in political cir
cles- The Curtis plan is not meeting
with entire approval. In fact the
sentiment for a bound delegation may
become as strong as that created by
the Curtis followers for free delegates.
Joseph L. Bristow, who retired from
the United States senate after one
term to give way to Curtis, is one of
the leaders of the crowd desiring in
structed delegates. Bristow believes
in a presidential preference primary
a measure which the Republican
house defeated during the recent leg
lslat1ve session. In any event, how
ever, Bristow wants to know who the
Kansas delegates will vote for in the
national convention and he wants
them instructed when they are named.
On the other hand, Senator Curtis
declares that Kansas has no favorite
son in the running and should be free
to use her own judgment after looking
over the list of presidential possibili-
ties. Such action would relieve the
convention of charges of gag rule or
scene in the Chicago convention in
1912.
Senator Curtis Idea.
IF number of states would send
uninstructed delegations, the conven-
ton would be free and open, would
write a platform that expressed the
sentiment of the majority of the
party, urged Senator Curtis. "a con-
vention made up largely of unin-
structed delegates would not be sub
ject to the charges that they had been
traded. Such delegates would be free
from the control of any candidate and
would from the start support the
strongest and best man. From what
L can learn, the Republicans of many
states are still undecided on the ques-
ton as to the best man to lead the
party This being true, there can be
no doubt as to the wisdom of sending
uninstructed delegates from the states
having no candidates.
But former Senator Bristow has a
different view of the matter. He wants
right of instruction and is not in favor
of trusting to the judgment of the del
egates after they reach the convention
city.
II always have been and am yet in
favor of a presidential primary"
Bristow said. IT believe the Republi-
cans of the states should have the op-
portunity to express their preference
for president and such expression
should be a guide to the delegates who
attend the national convention. Where
there is not a sharp division of senti-
ment among contending factions or
favorite candidates, primary is less
decisive. Still I believe it is desirable
1t gives to the delegates better mo-
ton as to the sentiment of the people
than can be otherwise obtained"
Davis for Hughes.
W.. E. Davis, state auditor, also has
a definite opinion regarding the presi-
Dental convention. Not only does
Davis believe Kansas should send an
instructed delegation to the 1916 con-
vention, but he wants that delegation
instructed for Justice Hughes of New
York, first, last and all the time.
Even though Kansas has no favor
lite son in the running, I am in favor
of an instructed delegation just the
same" said Davis. Personally, I
would like to see Kansas instruct her
delegation for Justice Hughes-and
instructed never to change her vote.
l don't suppose Hughes will be a can
didate. But if coterie of states
would send Hughes delegations to the
convention, it would be a big thing
and might nominate him. Really
think we should instruct our delegates.
If 1T were a matter of my own judg-
ment and wishes, Kansas would vote
for Hughes all the time 1 think he
is the most able and logical candidate
the Republicans could name"