The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1917-03-31
HOW WILL WHIT MARTIN VOTE
Further Discussion of Progressive
congressman's Attitude on the
Speakership.

LGEGSL anu sSiEI11AiSAaSc iii LCulSldnh,
because one of the most conspicuous
of the independent five is Hon. Whit.
r. Martin, the Progressive represent
ative of the third district of this
state
The following excerpt from the
New Orleans Times-picayune of We'd
nesday is therefore ''live matter" at
this juncture:
The attention of Congressman Whit
P. Martin Of the third Louisiana con-
gressional district, who was at the
Grunew>ld hotel Tuesday er2route to
Washington, having been called to
the statement Of Congressman C. III.
Randell, Prohibitionist, of California,
in press reports from
Washington, to the effect that the ia
dependents haa1 1agnd to vote with
the Democrats in The organization Of
the house, Mr.. Martin made the fol-
lowing statement
Congressman Randell is without
authority to speak for me. / have
not indicated to him or any one else
how I shall vote on the organization
of the house. At this time can only
repeat what / have already said: I
shall vote for what consider to be
the best interest of the people who
have done me the distinguished honor
of electing me to congress-
s'The only communication | have
had from Congressman Randell is the
following telegram, which | received
just before leaving my home this
morning.: Mann announces with
drawal. favor bipartisan organ
ization, which means Independents
must act quickly IA secure credit for
organization. Suggest we announce
at once. Will vote in war crisis for
Democratic organization for special
session, not committing ourselves for
regular session. Wire quick answer,
also give me list of committees you
prefer
ssTo this telegram ! replied as fol-
lows, and this answer speaks for it
self: In organization of house my
vote will be cast sntirely in what ]
believe and conclude is for the best
interest of my district and state and
without regard to seton of Mann, as
set forth in your telegram. The ad-
will have my undivided
support In the present war crisis, and
this without reg:af TO which party
may organize rsls ilOuse cannot IN
dorse your suggestion that independ-
ents act at once and cooperate with
Democrats in order to secure credit
for organization and secure commit
tee assignments. Our course should
be prompted by what each independ-
ent thinks is best for his district,
state and country.
The attitude taken by MIR. Martin
is inferentially indorsed in the follow
ing editorial from the New Orleans
Item, but the paper is evidently In
clined to the belief that the interests
of the Progressive congressman,s con-
stituents will be best served in the
present emergency by his support OF
the Democratic candidate for the
speakership. The Item says:
"A great deal Of political import
ance will attach for few weeks TO
the attitude of Congressman Whit
Martin, Progressive representative
from the third district Of Louisiana.
A greater interest, for MIR. Martin
and his people, will continue TO at
tach for long time on the decision
his attitude prompts him to take in
the organization Of the lower house.
"Mr. Martin holds his seat in con-
gress because great element in Lou
is;ana has been dissatisfied with the
conduct of Democratic politicians IN
Louisiana, and because other elements
in Louisiana are dissatisfied with the
treatment accorded great Industries
in this state in the past by the nation
al Democratic party.
ssThis newspaper, believing that its
first duty is IN it, own people, has
voiced much5f tins dissatisfaction.
II believes that this Is the duty OF q
free newspaper.
s.The Item believes in square deal
ing all around. Mr.. Whit Martin was
electedaby a very narrow majority at
a time when it appeared that his
vote might determine the speaker,
shin of the house, and the control OF
congress- by either the Democratic o.
Republican parties. An immediate
crv of fraud was raised and a move
ment was started to deprive Mr.. Mar
tin of his seat. -,
"With local encouragement or Witf
local adolescence it is reasonable
to assume that Mr.. Martins seal
would have been in jeopardy. Inn
paper Immediately took the position
that it was no more right to steal
seat in congress from Progressive
than from a Democrat. Since our ex
preston, we have heard no more o.
the patriotic movement to contest MIR
Martins seat. -,
1sMr. Martin goes to congress with
out commitment to support ethel
Democrats or Republicans. His frs
duty Is to his constituents in the thlrt
district. In every honorable way h
should act for the advancement o
their interests.
circumstances which some nigh
foresee have brought the Progressiy'
movement in Louisiana into extra
ordinary prominence. When tn
Item determined to endorse and sup
port the campaign of John M. Par
ker for the governorship of Louisiana
it was thoroughly aware Of the odd
against immediate victory for hi
sound cause. We did not know t
what extent the people of the stat
could be aroused.
1.-THE result OF the Louisiana eles
ton was substantial enough TO wal
rant the selection Of Mr.. Parker .
vice-presidentiaI nominee for his n,
tional party, and then, by curior
turn Of fate, John Parker and ii
/ r %