Evening star., 1917-01-17
Denounces Committees Action.

ana prCRreSS1VeS as 1t desires to nave
with it as a campaign COM
mittee.
"All these things were willfully and
defantly done, In spite OF the fact that
Mr.. Hays. the republican state chair
man of Indiana. had taken word to Mr..
Hemenway. leader Of the group insist
ing upon this arbitrary action, that II
the contemplated action were taken
we would have nothing to do with such
an impotent and powerless campaign
committee
Basis Of Objections.
Exception to the election Of a vice
chairman was based on the fact that
hitherto the vice chairman has always
been appointed by the chairman" The
precedent was broken, the statement
says, for a distinct. twofold purpose
"to keep the control of the machinery
of the republican party, present and
prospective, in the hands of their own
little coterie" and "to shift the respon-
sibility for Mr.. Hughes defeat from
their own shoulders, where it right
fully belongs. to the shoulders Of
Chairman WILCOX"
These men in yesterdays meeting,
tempting to shear him of his power as
chairman Of the national committee
through the election OF vice chairman
belonging to their own group. by es-
tablishing headquarters in Washington,
where 1t would be very inconvenient
for Chairman Wilcox to be: by re-
stricting his control of publicity and
financial matters, endeavored SO to hu-
initiate him as 20 force his resignation
and allow their man to assume the
chairmanship."
There follows a eulogy Of Mr.. Will
cox's work in the campaign and in his
task to harmonize republicans and pro-
gressives. and to SHOW the independ-
ent voters of the country that the re-
publican party is liberalized." The real
reason, the statement says. for oppo-
sition to Wilcox is his effort to make
wishes of the rank and hle," and be-
cause the men who opposed him know
only too well that II Chairman Wilcox
succeeded in his endeavors. they. in
power" Their action was declared to
be "one Of pure self interest. without
the slightest regard to the welfare of
their party or their country"
Says Committee Was "Hand-Picked."
The executive committee of the re-
publican national committee was
hand picked by Murray Crane of Mas
the statement asserts. and
from the day Of its appointment "he
has connived secretly in every possible
way" to keep the party machinery in
Barnes. Crocker. Sam Perkins and
Martin"
''The statement calls for a speedy unit
ing of all elements opposed to the dem
ocrats. urging an immediate meeting Of
the entire republican national commit
tee to take up this work. naming a
OF management to outline
policies and principles for which the re-
united party should stand. and that
will give us some constructive leader
ship
when Mr.. Wilcox was shown this
statement he glanced at it hastily and
refused to comment upon 1t, saying that
'it was the expression OF personal
opinion. and do not want to enter into
a discussion of another mans opinion"
Charges Declared to Be Unfounded.
A statement declaring the charges of
Mr.. Perkins were unfounded was is
sued last night by James A. Hemen-
way, F. w. Estabrook and former Gov.
Iillett. They declared 1t was indorsed
by John T. Adams, Cornelius N. Bliss.
ir.. and other members of the commit
lee.
Col. Roosevelt Backs Perkins.
OYSTER BAY, n. Y, January 17.-Col.
Theodore Roosevelt last night ex-
pressed approval of the stand taken by
George W. Perkins and other progress
,iyes in regard to the action of the
Executive committee of the republican
rational committee.
IT heartily approve of what Messrs.
Perkins and Colby have DONE" Mr..
Roosevelt said "I think they have rem
people and to the republican party
Views of Chester a. Rowell.
FRESNO, Cal. January 17.-Chester |
1. RoweIl, chairman of the republican |
tate committee of California. and re-
,arded as spokesman for the progress
i've element in state politics, said last |
light:
s'The national old guard is conduct |
ng itself with exactly the same sui
,uard organization in this state pre-
-ented victory in California for the re-
publican ticket last year.
THE present situation nationally is |
he same which we naQ IN California.
The public protest issued by George |
v. Perkins and Everett Colby will. of |
curse, puncture the whole bluff and
,ad faith of the pretended harmony
aove of the reactionary group in the
epublican national executive commit
ee, and will mean that the republican
arty must either find some way to re-
udiate this misrepresentation commit
ee, or else suffer the consequences Of |
Is suicidal policy. The country will |
ot trust the old guard nor the repub-
lean party under its control"
Women to Vote in North Dakota.