Evening journal., 1920-03-15
GOVERNOR TO MAKE
DELEGATE FIGHT
Continued from First Page.

But It soon became very apparent
that the Layton faction while making
very loud professions In favor OF Cen
eral Guponts reelection were work
ing like beavers to prevent Governor
ownsend-Genersl duponts personal
friend and leader In Sussex county
from being selected as a national dele
gate The fight finally became OPEN
against Governor Townsend. Several
names were suggested in Governor
TOwnsend's place and none Of them
was a man who could be depended up
on 10 support General dupont. None
Of the men sugg, ,sted was pledged 10
General dupont, and from their past
records and alignments could not be ex-
pectcd 10 vote for him. The Layton
faction still insisted il was not tight
on General DUPONT, but a fight on Gov
ernor Townsend, because Of his part
in securing the passage Of the school
Code, against which the LaylOns nave
stirred up and kept alive in Sussex
county a very deep and bitter resent
ment.
They believed these tactics would
win for them, but the prospects or
whipping Governor Townsend in Sus-
sex county did not improve as the days
went by. In fact. they began to wlther
and look very poorly. The Townsend
workers, aroused at this fresh display
Of bad faith both TO The Governor and
10 General dupont opened a very ag-
gressive campaign. Il became apparent
that on straight fight the Governor
would carry Sussex county. But in
their Tight for the Governor, his work
ers did not throw any stones at Con-
rressman Layton, Notwithstanding
Daniel ]. Layton and all the Congress
mans political henchmen were lighling
Governor Townsend. The Townsend
workers held that so long as Congress
man Layton did not repudlate his
promise TO support General dupont
his presence In the national delesa-
ilon was perfectly satisfactory
At this point the Layton forces al !
tempted some political strategy ltcame
in the form OF a proposal to Governor
Townsend by Congressman Layton that /
In the interest Of party harmony, they !
both withdraw as candidates for dele
gales TO the national convention. and
let other men be chosen. II the Cover |
nor had "falen for" this proposition.
II would have eliminated from the sus-
sex county situation the only two can
didales for national delegates who were
sure 10 vote for 4. Coleman dupont
In event OF their election, and nave
thrown the fight open TO an unpiedged
and very uncertain neld.
Governor Townsend Immediately as
I
no need Of Congressman Laytons
in the Interest Of party
harmony because all Of the Townsend
faction were satisfied with Layton.s
going 10 Chicago as a delegate and Vot-
ing for 7. Coleman dupont.
This proposition from Congressman
Layton came In the midst Of a meeting
a few days ago OF the Republican
County Committee Of Sussex county
This meeting In itself was a success
sion OF hIgh-lights and political sensa-
tlons. The purpose OF the called meet
ing was 10 "set up the pins against
the Governor. All his opponents inI
Sussex county were present. He was
not invited. However, lnasmuch as u
Was a meeting Of his own party com
mittee in his own county, and he had
not missed attending such meetings
for years, he did not feel he wouid De
lntruding II he attended.
The county chairman is Elijah Lyneh |
state detective In Sussex county Dy the |
grace OF Governor Townsend's appoint /
aent. Since his appointment he mas
and is now a right had man /
of ihe Layton machine The meeting +.
vas In fun blast when the Governor /
''dropped in" lie arrived In the midst /
NJ very vigorous attack which 1t Is /
said was premaiurely stopped by the /
Governors unexpected appearance
Layton was present. lie
was called on for a speech. He told
the committee Il is the especial wish OF
National Chairman VIII II. Hays that
General I. Coleman dupont be re-elect
ed national committeeman from Della
ware: that other Republican national
leaders wish the same thing and now
essential 10 is to have party harmony
this year Immediately following ms
speech ne called Governor Townsend |
10 one side and made him a pfoposl-
Ito already referred to-that BON
withdraw from the race as national
delegates. although so doing would
lose General dupont two sure votes.
Tho Governors reply was delivered to
Ibe meeting and those who heard II
saw lt was knockout
lie told the committee he was for
party harmony and had always been
,o. lie expressed the opinion there was
m genuine reason for Congressman
[,aylo's offer TO withdraw in the in
crest of harmony, because Mr.. Lay
.on's candidacy as national delegate
Mas not disturbing party harmony. He
gave the committee TO understand that
10 and his friends were supporting
Layton's candidacy for
rational delegate since Dr.. Layton had
given assurances OF his desire to see
General dupont reelected. But the
ioveror also gave the committee to
understand that he and his friends did
lot regard party harmony as a Jug
handle affair and they expected the
same spirit OF fairness from Congress-
nan Layton and his crowd tnat was
shown Congressman Layton.
Continuing. Governor Townsend
said ne was for party hsmony and
party success two years ago; that he
had been for II 10 such an extent that
he had personally contributed $500 to
Layton's campaign fund,
This statement caused a sensation. as
the story has been circulated that
Governor Townsend reslly sought Con-
years ago.
.