New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-01-21
Senators and Representa-
tiveS Get Together to
Fight Old Guard.
WORK IN UNITY
FOR GOOD OF ALL
Bind Themselves to Cooperate
in Campaign for Presiden-
tial Nomination.

trfcm Inc Trihuns Bureau
Washington, Jan. 2O.-Any suspicion
that the Progressive movement was
dead or submerged or that the expect
ed reunion Of the Republicans and
Progressives would mean the complete
triumph of the conservatives. Was dis
PEELED tonight. when it WAS learned
that nearly forty members OF Congress
had organized TO fight for Progressive
principles. Their agreement covers
both the session Of Congress and the
campaign, and is intended TO subordi
nate the interests of all Of them to the
good Of the cause.
Eleven Senator'S already have Joined
the UNCONVENTIONAL. Of Idaho; Cum
Minis, Of Iowa; Kenyon. OF Iowa;
Gronns, Of North Dakota: La Toilette
Of Wisconsin,; Clapp, of Minnesota;
Sterling, Of South Dakota; Norris, OF
Nebraska; Works, OF California. snc
Poindexter and Jones. Of Washington
With them arc more than twice as
many members Of the House.
The objects 10 be attained are stated
by one of the leaders Of the movement
as follows:
Cooperation on legislative pro
gramme along Progressive lines.
Cooperation in the campaign for the
Presidential nomination, so that not
more than one Progressive Republican
shall run in any state.
Cooperation on a platform Of prin
ciples and general policies at the next
Republican National Convention.
Organized at Dinner.
The allies already have held several
informal conference. and one dinner
where the organization was formed
Another dinner will be held on Satur-
day night, when further details OF the
plans will be worked out.
The first place the alliance is ex-
pected TO show results is IN North
Dakota. where both La Toilette ano
Cummins have been working for the
convention delegation. Under the
agreement one Of them will drop out
so that there will be no division IN the
Progressive vote and a solid delegation
will be insured. Tho old line leaders
also have been working hard in North
Dakota. and there was danger that
with the Progressives divided an old
line candidate might slip through.
Similar conditions obtain in several
other states. No decision has been
reached as to who will withdraw IN
any Of these states, but the agreement
Is SO binding that no fear is felt that
the man decided on Will make the nee
essary remuneration.
The allies do not believe that 1t VIII
be necessary for them to make any
serious fight after the convention
meets. The demonstration Of theI
solidarity and strength. they think
will be all that IS required to insure
such concessions from the old line
leaders as will make a real reunion
possible. Nevertheless, they are pre-
pared to force the fighting As far a.
NAV he necessary and 20 refuse TO sub
nit to any dictatiOn. The reunion, thel
will insist. must be on give ana take
basis from both sides, and the party
platform and candidate must be suct
q real Progressive can earnestly anc
Loyalty support
Suspect Roosevelt Influence.
A slight suspicion is felt in some
quarters that the influence OF Koose'
Welt can be traced in the alliance. TINS
is vigorously denied by the leade rs
who point out that La Toilette would
not POSSIBLY join any body which HAD
for It's purpose the Strengthening OF
the Colonel. Several of the Cummlns
workers, however. are known 70 be very
we'll disposed toward the ex-Presldent
and there have been rumors that the
Cummins delegates would be at R9ose-
yclt's disposal if. or when. 1t became
evident that the Iowan could not win.
The effect of the alliance on the
Presidential contest, if IT holds TO-
gether and is prepared for finish
FIGHT. it is admitted will be great. Sey.
crai Of its members have declared that
thew would not support any candidate
who was not at least half Progressive
and if they stick to this decision they
could prevent the nomination OF any
of the men whom the old liners most
desire. It is expressly understood IN.
side the alliance, however, that II VIII
no, be used in behalf Of any one man
though il will stand against those VINO
arc felt 10 be too conservative.
Defence Of Americans and American
interests is 10 be the basic plank on
which the Congressional and campaigI
policy Of the alliance will be founded
The allies will stand firmly a. a whole
for a straight out foreign policy, fol
opposition to any weakness or truck
ling 10 foreign powers. for clean cut
Americanism at home. for adequate de
fence and for UNFOLDING American
honor and interests at all costs. 10
this will be added the recognized Pro-
gressive principles OF larger self-gov'
eminent and humanitarian legislation
on the older fundame itals OF Republl'
canism, such as protection, there 10 nc
contest.