Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1916-01-14
PARTY DISRUPTION

nERSISTENT efforts TO create a
breach in the Republican party
are reported from time to time
and these activities seem to center
in the metropolis of the State. Not
withstanding the widespread and in
sistent demand of the rank and file
for harmony there are influences at
work in Philadelphia tending to the
disruption and breaking down of that
essential spirit of unity which is nee
essary in any effective campaign.
Mayor Smith has shown on several
occasions a commendable desire to
prevent any breach that would result
in party DISCRIMINATION. As the ad-
ministratiVe choice of the Republi-
cans of the metropolis he has endeav-
ored from time to time to harmonic
the differences which crop out at fire.
quent intervals between the potential
leaders of that city. But he is evi-
IDENTITY having a hard time to reconcile
these differences so as to prevent an
open break in the party alignment.
Just the same he has the sympathy of
Republicans throughout the State in
his attitude.
During recent years Philadelphia has
become the breeding place of party
discomfort and disruption. While it,
provides a large part of the Republi-
can majority in the commonwealth,
lit is nevertheless true that it is also
providing a large part of the disturb
ance which leads to disaffection and
factionalism elsewhere in the State.
Time was when Philadelphia was not
permitted to dominate the party poll
cies and dictate 'ts nominees, and un-
less we are greatly mistaken the time
will soon come when the party in the
rest of the State will refuse to be up
set and controlled by the malcontents
Of the big city on the eastern border.
This newspaper can hardly be ac-
cused of weakened Republicanism
at any time. II may be criticized
perhaps, for a too consistent stalwart-
ism. We will not, therefore, be mis-
understood when we predict that un-
less the Philadelphia leaders cease
their everlasting controversies and
petty scrimmages over individual pre-
ferment the party, as represented BY
the other districts of the State. will
perforce declare an embargo upon the
malcontents in Philadelphia and so
organize as to obviate the conditions
which too often endanger the inn
portant policies and constructive work
of a great political power.
At the very outset of a national con-
test fraught with tremendous respon-
sibilities and results we find the
Philadelphia leaders engaged in their
usual controversy over who's who. I'll
matters little to the great body of Re-
publicans in Pennsylvania who is boss
in Philadelphia; it matters great
deal to them, however, that there shall
be harmony in the party and the soon
er the Philadelphians awake to this
fact the better it will be for them
and for the organization as a whole
Unfortunately there is a sentiment
too prevalent in the metropolis at the
junction of the Schuylkill and Della
ware that PENNSYLVANIA is bounded byI
the confines of the city which is CO.
extensive with the county and that all
of Pennsylvania outside of Philadel-
phia is merely an annex for party and
other purposes to that city. This fic-
ton is bound to get rude jolt one of
these days. and it would seem to be
about due.
County and district leaders all over
the State are weary of the never-end-
ing conflict. Nor are they chary In
expressing their disapproval of the
ceaseless friction which endangers
the harmony and effectiveness of the
organization throughout the Common
wealth.
Let the factions in Philadelphia
fight it out if they cannot be happy
otherwise, but let them likewise un-
derstand that the party in the State
must not be drawn into their private
squabbles nor made the tail for their
political kite.