Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1919-04-14
PseI;c4 IL
Pe~~e4tsa~io
By the Ex-Conmitteemnn

| Reports presented at the meeting
of the Executive Committee of the
Palmer Democratic State machine
at Philadelphia few days ago, are
said to have been the most dis
| couraging to reach the banded DEM
ocratic factional bosses since the
day after the May primary when
Judge Eugene C. Bonniwell was
shown to have upset their nominal
ton for Governor. The meeting
was called for last Friday for n
series of confidential chats about
the situation of the Democratic
machine in Pennsylvania, which
mas been creaking and jingling in
every joint since last summer. The
only official announcement was that
some "gumshoe" men were to be
started out through the State after
the Victory Loan Campaign to see
what ails the Palmer faction.
The truth is that the demoraliza-
tlon OF the so-called reorganization
FORCES of the Pennsylvania Democ-
racy, begun when its leaders grab
bed the places and the limelight and
forced every one to listen to praises
! or themselves was FASTENED by the
Bonniwell raid and brought close
TO rout by the rising popular senti-
ment against the national admins
tratlon. The situation was found
so, bad when the bosses met Friday
in Philadelphia, that not even an
attempt was made to advertise the
Butler -Westmoreland Congressional
election and it was decided that
every Congressional district was to
| De visited as soon as possible.
! Ihe Palmer people want to con-
troll the delegation from Pennsyl-
Vania to the Democratic national
convention of 1920. Hence the nerv-
business.
In opinion of some people who
have been studying the legislative
situation, the recess will not be such
bad thing for the General Assem-
bly, after all. 1t is admitted by some
that 1t has been "loafing," as the
Philadelphia Inquirer says, but at
the same time much of the loss of
| time has been due to the lack of
comprehensive program. There was
an excellent list of ideas. but the
bills were not ready when many ex-
pected they would be and situations
developing during the session as a
| result of finances and general condi-
tions have also complicated mat
ters. While these are being ironed
out for consideration of the Cover
nor when he returns from his rest,
some agreements may also be reach
ed on those biennial disturbers,
Philadelphia bills.
1t is not believed that much
time will be lost after the Legisla-
ture reconvenes. A number of hear
ings are scheduled. but they will be
over before May l and the appro-
priation bills can be made ready for
action in less than a fortnight from
to-day. When the lawmakers come
back they will either have their
work cut out for them or there will
be such uncertainty that the session
will be wound up in short order.
The Philadelphia Press in an
article by Odell Hauser rakes the
House for its way of doing business
and after saying that the charter
revisionists are busy discussing their
bills remarks: so. all told, the
coming weeks recess may be used
with profit both by the leaders and
by the members. On their return
the sessions will be very busy. 1t
would be a good thing. therefore. if
the sloppiness in procedure which
the, Senate is not altogether guilt.
less Of, either, could be corrected"
ie OHlO Legislature mas Oe-
cided to start a recess on April II
and return TO Columbus on May 3
to finish up. New Jersey closed
without a recess.
The Philadelphia Inquirer calls
attention to the fact that returned
soldiers are smashing some plans in
various counties. 1t mentions that
Victor A. Daniel will run for re-
corder in Lehigh and B. J. Mover
for county treasurer in Snyder. The
politics in the latter county will be
real strenuous.
The Philadelphia Public Ledger
says: "All talk of ripper legisla-
tion in connection with the Phila-
delphia charter revision bill was dis
counted yesterday when il was
learned that the Woodward bill will
be pushed by the Penrose forces in
the Legislature substantially in the
shape in which it was introduced.
There will be minor amendments to
the bill. amendments designed to
iron out minor defects in the meas
ure; but despite persistent reports
of ripper amendments, which the
Penrose men declare were set afioat
for the purpose of befogging the is
sue of charter revision. il was def
nitely said yesterday that no such
amendments are proposed. The Pen
rose leaders have virtually completed
their legislative program. Senator
Penrose undoubtedly will go to Har-
risburg when the Legislature recon-
venes to take charge of the fight on
the Woodward bill and the Brady
bills"