Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-01-22
INDEPENDENTS LAY PLANS
FOR REPUBLICAN REFORM
Formation of Great Civic Committee
Among Them

A plan for reform within the Repub-
lican party. which will include the for
nation of committee with civic activi-
ties on a much larger scale than the Com
: mittee of One Hundred or the Committee
OF seventy, has been formulated by the
independents
The FIRST move TO carry out the plan was
! made yesterday at n luncheon given by
John c. Winston and attended by 10 other
men who have been prominent in indc-
pendent politics in Philadelphia for many
years.
There will also be harmony on the IS
Observation-Disclosures to the Republican con-
vention, and upon the Congressmcn-at-
large. This was decided upon today The
FOUR Congressmen-at-larEe will all bo
slated for reelection. They are John 4
X. Scott, of Philadelphia; Daniel f.
LafeRn, of York; Thomas s Crago, Of
Waynesburg. and Mahlon NJ. Garland,
of Pittsburgh.
James f, Woodward. of Pittsburgh. the
only other candidate for S,ate Treasurer,
was among the callers received by Sena-
tor Penrose in his office today. Other Or
ganizatton leaders who conferred with
Penrose We're Lieutenant Governor Nc
Claim, Robert McAfee, Judge Kephart. W.
Harry Baker, Senator Snyder Harmon
NJ. Kephart and William p. Gallagher
Senator Penrose and Mayor Smith will
mold another conference in Atlantic City
tonight and tomorrow. The Senator to-
day, after declining TO discuss the confer
ence be held with the Mayor in City Hail
last night, said that he "will see the
Mayor again tonight and most probably
tomorrow"
The Mayor went to Atlantic City this
afternoon.
None of the principals would discuss
the two conferences that Were held last
night. Senator Pcnrose was coseted with
Mayor Smith for five minutes in the May
or's Office in City Hal early I'm the eve
ming. II was just a friendly call" ac-
cordlng to both the Senator and the
Mayor.
1t was the first time the Senator has
been inside of city Hall since the Ash
bridge administration. according to poll
teians. The Senator today, with wave
OF his hand, said II 70 over to City Hall
frequently"
Two hours after the Senator left Mayor
Smiths, office Congressman William s I
Ware called on the Mayor and held long I.
conference with him. His call also was /
only friendly visit" he said
George ID. Porter independent candidate !
for Mayor at the last election. and sew |
eral of the heaviest contributors to his /
campaign were among those who at
tended, One of the men who was present
said today that the sentiment among in
dependents toward returning to the Re
publican party, In order TO present a
united front against the Democrats In the
presidential campaign this year, is grow
ing rapidly and that the movement would |
be started within a short time and would
become general among all the indepen-
dent forces.
There was a pronounced sentiment at
the luncheon in favor of effectinG an or
ganization that would make the Influence
of the Independents felt not only this
year. but in the fulilment of the pledges
made by the Republican party during the
asst campaign,
Regardless Of any factional fight in the
Republican organization, IL was decided
II the luncheon according y several men
Who were present 10 organize a commit
zee, which will have for its purpose the
blowing:
A relentless war against Contractor
rule" in the Republican party.
Efficiency and economy in the admin
stration OF Philadelphia affairs
Open competition ana an absolutely free
ield for all municipal contracts.
A close scrutiny OF all specifications for
public work and for a rigid inquiry into
he manner In which all public contracts
ire fulfilled.
The strict enforcement of the civil seTv- !
ce law and the Shern law regarding the
anticipation OF municipal employees In
'olitieal activities.
An unceasing fight against dual office
olding.
The purging Of the registration lists TO
sEure an honest vote.
These principles represent the consensus
{ opinion among those who attended the !
lseting. il was authoritatively said to-
~. and when the proposed committee
formed Il will be for the purpose OF /
orling along these lines. Z
Mr.. Porter held a long conference today {
ith many OF the other Franklin party | !
aders who are affiliated with him IN :
; night against contractor rule" In the
epubiiean party. They Included Fred
TEX : Drake, Harry 5. Shaw. OF he
- ward Alexis IAmeburner, Of the 18th I
ard. and John Callahan. Of the 18th 5
ard 4