Arizona republican., 1916-08-09
IRepubIiean A. p. Leased wirel

lHcpuDNCan R. v. Leased Wtrel SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. S-Charges of disloyalty to Charles Evans Hughes. republican candidate for president, were preferred tonight against Francis V. Keesling, chairman of the state republican central con- mittee, by Chester $. Rowell of Fres- no. California. a member of the na- tional republican campaign commit Ice, in telegram sent by Rowel to William R. Wilcox, chairman of the national campaign committee.
 The charges originated in connec- tion with the coming visit of Car oidate Hughes Arrangements for all the Hughes meetings in California were placed in the hands of Keesling and difference of opinion arose with the suggestion that Governor Hiram W. Johnson who is also q candidate for the republican nomina- uop for senator, should preside.
 Neesling. backed by William H. Crocker, national committeeman. in sisted that the Hughes campaign in california was not within the juris- oiction of the national committee. Rowell, without insisting on Johnson as presiding officer. did not see it in that light. Rowell wanted progressive representation of the platform. Kees- ling had his own ideas of that sub 1ect and Rowelrs message to Willcox was the outcome.
 Rowelfs telegram 10 Wilcox said in part:
 Have made every effort to- avoid friction during Hughes visit, as you requested but regret to announce to- tai failure Made to Crocker and State Chairman Keesling proposition that republicans and progressives CO., operate in arranging Hughes meet ings by appointment of a committee on which both would be equally rep resented
 Messing replied, Crocker assentgg. that Hughes campaign in California was not within the Jurisdiction of the national campaign committee and that neither Crocker nor I were in any authority. that it was exclusively for the state republican committee. and that he would not consent to any ar rangement that would recognize The progressive organization
 He added that the republicans of California would not support Hughes II Hughes did not act concerning Cal ifornia which they would construe as a surrender to the progressives. such as. for instance. his course already taken in Illinois regarding recognition of lckes. and some of his acts na a- fionally.
 He says the California republicans believe tn partiSanship and would rather vote a partisan democratic ticket than a republican ticket which is not partisan.
 IT Hughes countenanceS effort to make the republican party progres- sive, the California republicans will vote the democratic ticket.
 "On my responsibility as member of th~ national campaign comittee and with sense of the seriousness of the state. ! hereby charge that Republi- oa1 State Chairman Keesling. in whose hands. with MT Crockers con- sent all arrangements for Hughes meetings in California have heeu placed. Is disloyal co Hughes and is arranging for the conduct of those meetings under anspiees and in a manner which he knows VIII be in- furious and not helpful 10 tho Hughes vote. caring and planpinc more for local factional advapta gs than for the success of the nationa ticket
 Keesling gave the republican centra committees side of the controversy in an open letter. addressed to Rowel and given 10 the press.
 uu demand, Salu kpHSlingS g let Ter. to know whether the Hughes meetings to be held in this state shal be what you chose to be inclusive or exclusive in their character Yol base this request on authority whicl you claim to be vested in you by req son of your having been named pro gressive representative of the republi car national campaign committee.
 Your only suggestion had to d. with the selection of those to presd at the meetings and vOu very frs suggestion was clearly not in tn snirit of fairness with which MI Crocker met you. but indicated tn real purpose sought to be subserve by your desire for cooperation a you term it. You suggested that Nil Johnson be named to preside at tn San Francisco meeting and that NJ Booth. republican candidate fo United States senator, preside at tn Los Angeles meeting. Our desire ha been not to embroil the national con test with the local one"
 The letter concluded with the state ment that the progressive organiZa ton was an issue local to Californi