New-York tribune., 1920-05-19
Danger of Bolt
By La Toilette
Regarded Past
Defiance Issued by Cronna
10 Nonpartisan League
He | d as Eliminati,,a
Danger of Third Party
Will Be RegularC candidate
North Dakotan Believed to
Have Expressed Ideas
of Wisconsin Senator
By Carter Field

From Tho TribuHo'S WdsAin0ton Bnrcov
WASHINGTON. May 1S.-Danger of
third party. headed by Senator Rob
ert N. La Toilette, is believed by Re
ruhicans to be ended the last chance
expiring with a statement by Senator
AISLE ]. Gronna, of North Dakota. throw
ing defiance to the Nonpartisan League.
Senator Gronna for years has been
one Of La Follette's closest political
friends and ieutenants. He has stuck
10 La Toilette at times when few others
did, and has never wavered about do
ing so publicly 1t is believed here that
My. Gronna. IN announcing his candi-
dacy for reelection and in giving de-
fance to the Nonpartisan League. did
SO with The full approval of La Fol
le;te. and was assured of La Follette's
support inside the Republican, party.
The NOnpartISan League has been
considered as constituting q consider
able element Of the strength which
would support La Toilette if he should
decide 10 head third ticket. With
Gronna. La Follette's political shadow.
stating that it is necessary in the
cause Of just and safe government to
beat the league. it is not thought there
is any likelihood Of third party move
ment which would include both the
league and La Toilette.
In explaining his attitude on the
state situation to North Dakotans. SEN
ator Gronna injected this significant
sentence:
Having conferred with the Republi-
can leaders | have no hesitancy in say
ing that | believe the national plat
form will be acceptable to every Re
publican"
Wanted to Make Impression
SO far as his own candidacy is con-
cerned there was no need for Senator
Gronna to mention the national situa-
ton at this time. The view taken here
is that he desired to impress upon
Republicans generally that he intends
TO remain regular.
It is believed in political circles here
that if Senator La Toilette had anv
idea of boiling the Republican party
and heading a third ticket with Frank
P. Walsh as running mate, Senator
Gronna would not have made the decla-
ration that he was sure the Republi-
can platform would be sound. Instead
he would have remained quiet on the
way clear for following La Toilette if
he needed the call of the Committee
OF Fortyeight.
Gronna's Message
Senator Gronna's telegram, which
was sent to John Knauf, of jamestown,
y. D., said in part:
Since last November have repeat
edly told intimate friends that my de-
sire was to retire from public life, at
least temporarily. [ have therefore re-
trained from any work in the interest
Of my candidacy for reelection.
1T seems that a few friends actuated
by the best motives proposed my name
at 'the Fargo convention. Personally
was not responsible for this action,
and / should not and would not follow
the leadership of Townley or Lemke
tleaders of the Nonpartisan League).
After advising with friends feel it my
duty to do my bit to help restore a
just and safe government for North
Dakota, and also help in the recon
~struction work of our national govern
ment
My associates in Congress. regard
less of party, request me to do so.
therefore announce my candidacy for
reelection. have studied the platform
Of the Republican party adopted in the
Minot convention, and | approve it in
toto.
q again ask the support of the people
Of my state in the primary and general
election, and l pledge myself to work
:or their best interests"