The Washington times., 1916-06-12
Hand Of Death Hangs Over
the Progressives Following
Tragedy at Chicago.
LEADERS, UNABLE TO DECIDE
Cannot Find Way to Avoid Help
ing Wilson and Keep 0rgani-
zation Intact.
Rv John SNURE.

CHICAGO. June 12.-How to avoid
helping Wilson. and how to keep the
organization together, are the two
things the Bull Moose leaders have
been racking their brains about since
the fateful message from Roosevelt
conditionally declining the third party
nomination.
Obviously. the two propositions con-
flict. So far, the disappointed and en-
Uttered Bull Moose chieftains have not
worked them out. They will probably
not work them out for some days. The
problem may never be decided save as
II is decided by the individual members
of the Progressive party for themselves
az the polls.
Most of the men. who. for years have
fought alongside Of Roosevelt-not all
OF them-have the same view of the
Wilson Administration as he has.
They are not only unwilling to sup
port II, but are averse to doing anything
. which might tend to help on the re-
election Of Wilson and the continuance
OF the present political regime In power.
Third Ticket Would Help.
II presumably would help Wilson and
hurt Hughes to put a third ticket in
the field. Hence the unwillingness Of
many Of the Progressives to name some
one other than Roosevelt to head their
ticket. To indorse Hughes as a party
finds strong opposition among the ire
concilables. To do nothing. means the
organization which has been built up
at the cost Of so much effort. so much
expense. so much sacrifice, SO much
heart blood. will 90 to pieces.
What to do about II all was threshed
over In a conference OF the Progressive
leaders which lasted far into Sunday
morning. At that conference were men
like Pinchot. Van valkenburg, and
johnson. What was said in those long
hours when the doors were closed and
feelings were laid bare would nil
book-in fact, several books. 1t was
impossible to reach a decision.
IT was clear; however; that none OF
might reconsider and accept.
THAT possibility has gone down the
stream" said one OF the leaders later.
1T is something Of the past, and there's
Whether to draft one of the leaders
like Pfnchot Murdoch, or Johnson and
command him to lead forlorn hope was
talked up one side and down the other.
The objections to this were that no
one wanted to make the fight, and to
make 1t would help the Democrats elect
One view, however, which found some
support was that as matter of fact
a third ticket in the field would simply
keen IRON ho MsSn tne votes 81 con-
ives. who would support Wilson II LEFT
to choose between Wilson and Hughes.
and would not keep as large number
Roosevelt would lead many Bull Moose
to Hughes.
Thus the conference went on for
hours and ended where II began. SO far
as evolving a plan of action was con-
cerned.
Tragedy Not Minimized.
The tragic outcome of the movement
begun so dramatically four years ago
was too obvious to be minimized. and 1t
was not. The Colonel's course was
grievous disappointment. 1t stunned
and shocked the whole Progressive
body. AS one leader expressed It:
when the Colonels message was
read to the Progressive convention. you
could hear the hearts breaking In the
While the leaders here referred to
did not settle anything. 1t did serve to
membership will be hopelessly split in
any event. Nothing which IL likely to
happen now can keep that membership
from going different, political ways. 1t
looks as IL the hand OF death were on
the Bull Moose party, and as IL 1t would
gradually be resolved into something
like it's original elements.
II some political genius. some master
of political therapeutics. will come for
ward with a prescription which will
prevent dissolution for while. he will
be more than welcome.
But all the trouble and tragedy and
worry of former Boss Barnes In the
Republican camp WAS a strange spec
tacle, Even some Of his ancient enc
mics pitied Barnes-sick. shorn of
power. broken politically. He cut COM
paratively little figure in this conven-
ton.
man, IL Is generally felt Barnes has lost
his grip and that the days of his boss
ism are gone forever.
Old Guard Quick To Line Up.
Then too. while the Old Guard lead
ers engineered situation. beginning
months ago, TO prevent the nomination
OF Roosevelt and in doing so promoted
Hughes nominated.
Penrose. Mckinley OF Illinois. Hem
enway Barnes and some others held out
until they saw there was no wav II
stop Hughes. Once Hughes was nom-
mated, however. there was a quick
transition Then the one thing each
retainers Was:..... ,,...,... .
''TIow can / get the ear Of Hughes
When the Republican National Com
mittee met after the convention. the
subcommittee chosen tn go and consult
Hughes on the management Of the cam.
paign was made up chiefly OF Old
Guard field marshals.
Mckinley of Illinois. who persistently
fought Hughes. set In motion a plan Il
get on the right side Of the nominee by
has been secretary to Mckinley. picked
aaCratary to HUGHES,