The Sunday telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1914-1927, 1916-07-23
PRIMARY POLICY
MAY SPLIT
PARTY
One Republican Faction in Me-
braSka Would Do Away
with Direct System.

LINCOLN, Neb., July 22.-State con-
yentions of the dominant political par
ties in Nebraska viii be held the same
day, as fixed by law, July rs, the Re
publlcans at Lincoln, the Democrats
at Hastings. After they are over the
state campaign is expected to start in
earnest Both parties have their
troubles.
The republicans generally are unit
ed and the wanderers who strayed into
the Progressive camp four years ago
are coming hack in droves, but they
are threatened with a division over
what generally would he regarded as
minor matter. but which al present
looms large-the proposed abandon
ment Of the direct primary system of
nominations.
The direct primary law has been in
existence several years, and among the
rank and file of the voters it is regard
ed as an Improvement over convention
/ nominations. but number of Rcpub-
| liCan leaders have never been satisfied
with its workings. and have chosen the
coming state convention as fitting
time to commit the party to a return
to the old system.
MOOScrS Oppose Change.
imong the Progressives there is
pronounced opposition to the change,
and if the Republican reactionaries. as
they are designated, should commit the
party to a return to the convention
plan Of nominations, they stand to
lose many Progressive votes.
PrOgressiyes insist the demand for
change comes from an element that
was formerly in position to mani
pulatc nominations at conventions. but
has lost its power and standing under
the direct primary.
If this division Of sentiment does
not provoke a struggle. the coming
state convention should be harmonious
almost to tameness. The ticket nOmi-
mated at the April primary is regarded
without a weak spot. and all that is
left for the delegates to do is to adopt
a platform and select a new state CEN
tral committee. Jesse c. McNish, the
chairman, is unlikely to be retained in
that position 1t is understood he does
not care for the place.
May Keep MCNiSh as Chairman.
When the two factions of the Repub-
lican party settled their differences
and amagamated two years ago, the
charmcn of the so-called Progressive
and standpat wings resigned and Nc
Nish was selected as the chairman OF
the reunited party. He may be drafted
to continue in the Office.
On the surface, at least, the differ
enCes among the Democrats are much
more serious than those Of the Repub-
iicans. Some, like the Republicans,
would like to see the primary system
condemned, but there are so many
more wcighty differences that question
is looked upon as a minor matter and
may hardly be touched.
The Bryan-HitchCock war is wagng
more fiercely than ever; the ranks are
split wide apart on the rocks of prohi-
btion and progressive legislation. and
leaders are trying seemingly vainly TO
find a common ground Of agreement.
II Senator Hitchcock stays away from
the convention, as It is reported he
will. there may be a semblance of har-
mony.
Bryan's Spelling for War!
Bryan will be there and with him
Brother Charley, and both OF them are
said to be spelling for fight on any
sort Of a subject the faction represent
ed by Hitchcock cares to spring.
The victorious wing Of tie party
which just now is the Hitchcock wing
has been striving for several weeks
to find suitable material for a state
chairman. William H. Thompson, the
chairman, is follower Of Bryan, but
a majority of the committeeman are on
the side Of Hitchcock. Thompson will
not take it again,
AS the chairman is usually given
nearly complete charge Of the cam
paign. the candidate for governor is
! generally consulted as to his wishes
Keith Neville. the head OF the STATE
ticket, OF course wants no Bryan man
for his manager, particularly in the
face Of a growing conviction among
the men Of all parties that the two
Rryans intend to bolt him and give
doris shops, sweet shops, and small