New-York tribune., 1918-02-16
Perkins and Associates Re-
turn From St. Louis in
Jubilant Mood
Adams May Be Ousted
Leaders Fear Retention Would
Lead to Other Pro-
German Charges

Progressive members Of the Repub
home yesterday from the 81. Louis
meeting were jubilant over the election
OF Will II. Hays as chairman. While
there was no disposition "to crow over
their victory, The feeling prevailed that
che cold guard" had been put out of
business and that the decks were pretty
we'll cleared, if the voters of the party
should want him, for the nomination
Of Theodore Roosevelt in 1920.
George w. Perkins, who was an ac-
tive counsellor to the forces opposed to
the candidacy Of John r. Adams, of
Iowa, issued the following statement
yesterdays:
1.-The effort for harmony at st. Louis
was complete success. Before Mr.
Hays was chosen chairman by the unan-
imous vote and voice of all in attend
ancc at the conference the Republican
executive committee by unanimous
vote had offered to permanently CON
tinuc the campaign committee OF 1916.
The Progressive members Of this COM
mittee, while appreciating the offer,
felt that it would be unwise, as it might
seem to the public to indicate con-
tinuance of the old factional differ
ences, so they suggested that this COM
mittee be done away with. Later the
old executive committee decided to re-
tire also, and in this way give Mr..
Hays, the new chairman, q clean slate
and free opportunity to draw to his
support such men from all quarters as
he deemed best qualified to carry on
the strenuous work ahead.
Fair to Progressives
"Mr. Hays has been chairman of the
Republican State Committee Of Indiana
for several years. His management of
the Hughes campaign in Indiana dur
ing 1916 was a signal success. He re-
united the party completely. and his at
titude toward the Progressives was so
fair that it was remarked upon by all
Progres ssivcs throughout the United
States.
"The St. Louis meeting adjourned BY
all joining in the singing of America.
and the scene in the hotel lobby after
ward, where all joined in hand clasp
ing and congratulations, showed un-
mistakably that every one felt the ef
fort to reach a harmonious agreement
had been completely successful.'
1t is understood that Chairman Hays
will appoint new executive committee
within sixty days. Undoubtedly there
will be q new "advisory committee" as
heretofore, including prominent Pro
gressive members who are not mem
bers of the national committee.
There appears to be some doubt as
to the present status of Mr.. Adams,
as to whether he is still vice chairman
o. the National Committee. The opin-
ion prevails in some quarters that as
he was elected by the old executive
committee and his election was never
ratified by the National Committee he
passed out of office with the old execu-
tive committee. At any rate, it is Ger
tain that he will not long remain vice
chairman if any formal action is re-
quired for his retirement.
The Progressives feel that the entire
cold guard" regime should be done
away with, in order to secure perma-
nent harmony Of effort in the future
and insure the best chances for success
in the next national campaign.
The alleged pacfst activities of Mr..
Adams prior to the declaration of war
with Germany, which were used by his
opponents with such good effect at ST..
Louis, would still leave the committee
and party open to attack by the Demo-
Gratis if he retained his position as
Nice-cHdiIman. ~ may pe lnaI no ne"
vice chairman will be selected to succeed
MIR. Adams. or it may devolvc upon
Chairman Hays to appoint man to
the place.
In view of Colonel Roosevelts rapid
improvement, it is expected that it will
not be long before the progre essive
leaders turn to their old chief for
counsel and advice. Mr.. Perkins called
at Roosevelt Hospital and saw the
Colonel within a few hours after his
return Yesterday