Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1920-05-21
STORMY SESSION ENDS WITH A
PROGRESSIVE PLATFORM AND
DELEGATION FAVORABLE TO
McADOO, OR OTHER PROGRESS
SIVE DEMOCRAT

The democratic state convention
which adjourned its labors at Spo-
kane last Tuesday evening was de-
cided triumph for the regular or Will
son-McAdoo Bryan group Of demo-
Gratis as opposed to the reactionary
group, who have always been dubbed
assistant republicans by members
OF the progressive wing of the party.
The alignment changes little from
year to year, but substantially the
lineup was the natural cleavage be-
tween those who would go forward
with civilization and those who are
satisfied to 'go back to the flesh
pots" of former methods.
The contesting delegations of King
and Pierce counties were but Incl
dents in the struggle between the
factions, and on the surface repre-
sented merely the triumph of one
group Of men for the national COM
mitteemanship over another group.
To many that is all the fight meant,
but the deeper significance is that
the democratic party Of Washington
is progressive. and will never vote for
or endorse the wet program, the anti
suffrage program. the anti-League OF
Nations program, nor any other reac-
tionary policy for which the repub-
1iean party of Lodge. Penrose and
Smoot stands.
The fight began when the meeting
OF the state committee to make up
the roll OF delegates convened Sun
day afternoon. A good deal of pre-
liminary skirmishing had been done
even before this time. but no one
knew what the outcome was likely to
be. At this meeting the regulars of
King county, having all the prima
facie evidence Of endorsement by the
county organization were given seats
IN the temporary organization. The
Pierce county fight presented diff
lerent aspect. one delegation having
the endorsement of the secretary and
the other OF the chairman of the
county organization. so both deleg 4
tions were seated with a half vote
each. which of course neutralized
their vote on all questions of differ
ence In the convention.
The convention was then organ
lzed with Senator A. f. Judd Of Cen
tralia as temporary chairman. and
george E. Starr of Seattle temporary
secretary. The announcement of
committees on Credentials. Platform,
and Permanent Organization and
Rules and Order of Business fol-
lowed the delivery of Mr.. Judd's
speech, and the convention took a
recess to await the action of the va
rlous committees.
Hon. p. M. Troy was Thurston
county's member of the credentials
commitee, j. NJ. Tadlock Of the plat
'orm committee, and II. L. Parr of
'ne committee on permanent organi-
1auon and rules. Mr. Parr. however
was detained by pressing business
ana could not attend.
me King county contest was heard
"st An incident Of that struggle
was an attempt by the federal group
20 influence the convention in their
'a'or by bringing into the contro'
'ersy two or three ex-service men
VINO claimed to represent the ex.
service men OF Washington, and made
uemand to be heard. AS they had
"o seats in the convention. and their
poAesman, young man named
''hweilenbach, did not show that he
was authorized by the ex-service mer
represent them. they were MOI
"'owed to speak during the discus
wv" OF the report OF the committee
vi credentials. Mr.. Schwellenbacl
'orward obtained a proxy from one
~ Tue Fogarty delegation Of Snohom
a county, and again attempted tt
.. o. tue moor. but amid the confusion
"o chairman was not informed tina
ne'd proxy. Besides at the time
demanded to be heard the roll cal
proceeding on the previous ques
'ioh. There wera pumhers of OK
''ce men at the convention from