New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-03-23
6. @. P. TO KEEP
MOOSE In LINE
Postponement of Selection
of Temporary Chairman
Viewed as Good Sign.
Prom tn. Tribune Buse,u J

From IL lft4Nc b1esu
Washington, March 22.-Relief Al a
danger past and increasing confidence
that the two branches o. the Republi-
can party would be able 70 bury all
differences was noticeable here to-day
among Republican politicians. after the
committee meeting in Chicago had adj
journed without selecting 4 temporary
chairman FOR the convention. There
had been serious fears that some one
might be selected who would be unac-
ceptsble 70 the Progressive branch, and
the fact that this was not done is taken
A. proof Of the sincerity Of the desire
Of the old line men TO heal the breach.
Il is admitted that the old line had
the votes to force the selection OF any
man they chose, ard a disposition OF
many Of them 10 run the party and
the convention without regard 70 the
feelings or desires OF the Progressive
brethren has been obvious. A flood OF
protests went 20 the committee yester-
uublicans here. when 10 was reported
that Senator Harding, Of Ohio, or some
other OF the old liners was 10 he chosen,
and the fact hat the committee needed
these protests is taken as a most IA
vorable sign.
Neither branch Of the party is en-
tirely willing to abandon rs positions
for the sake Of tho victory which union,
IL is believed, will insure. Progressive
have probably been willing TO go fur
Their than the old liners on compromis-
ing. but there is very definite line
beyond which they will not be driven.
While the Progressives who hsve re-
turned are not demanding that the fat
tod calf be killed over their return,
they arc in no mood 70 eat the prodi-
gals husks.
Moose Wants Recognition.
They are prepared to insist that they
be recognized as an integral and i'm
portant branch OF the party. and that
, such recognition be shown both in the
platform and in the allotment Of the
Cficers at the convention.
The old liners are divided. Several
OF them learned nothing in 1912. and
arc anxious to insist that the Progress
sives take a back seat and keep very
quiet. They want them 20 shoulder all
tho blame for the 1919 disaster and be
! have accordingly. They. the old liners.
in their own opinions. are the natural
| leaders. the holders OF the true faith,
and thcy must be the absolute masters.
/ They feel that the Progressives ought
I TO be thankful II they arc kindly per-
mitted TO hitch on 20 the bandwagon,
! but that any pretensiOn 10 help drive ls
sheer impudence.
/ There has been much uncertainty a'
/ 20 whether men OF this type would be
allowed 10 control tho old line councils
and the party. In such case the chances
were excellent for another split, which
might be even worse than the last, but
everybody has been keeping duict lest
/ open discussion merely result IN
+ adding 20 thc danger. Now tho Chicago
action is bo eyed 10 have shown that
+ the more liberal minded Of the regular
! arc i'm the saddle. and that such compro
misses may be looked for as will make
/ cooperation possible and insure union
and victory.
Test Comes Unexpectedly.
The making Of the choice of the tom
. DOlAIE tNallN MAN u lif NDHNthNiNn
test came about rather unexpectedly
and against the wishes OF leaders or
both sides. The position - one OF i'm
portance. because Of the power II car
/ rics C rule on the debate and proceed.
urc during contests over delegates. The
/ old line men have particularly feared
putting a Progressive into IT this year
because Of the danger that the conven
/ tion will he stampedod away from them
+ and nominate Roosevelt before they
can stem the food. A temporary chair
| man who would keynote" in q Pro
+ gressive or ROoseveltian strain would
add greatly 20 this danger.
Many Of the Progressive leaders be
f lieved that because Of this fear II
would be better to ask for recognition
+ later in tho game, and allow. the old
liners to name some safe but unin-
/ spired and uninspiring stalwart without
I opposition, merely stipulating that the
choice should be harmless. few OF
the more restless ones, however. dc
/ cided to push Senator Bcrah for the
place, which, though he discouraged the
move. brought on the fight at Chicago
With the question postponed for sew
cral weeks, il 10 now hoped that some
way out OF the tangle can be found
particularly in view o. the evidence
/ that the old liners do not wish TO push
/ matters 10 extremes.