Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1920-06-17
HARDING SEEKS 10 OBTAIN SUPPORT 0F
 THE PR0GRESSIVfS
Will Invite Mem berS of That Wing to Meet Nominee
 On Platform
LODGE. BRANDEGEE AT
 THE FIRST CONFERENCE
First Meeting is Considered as Ip- dicati0n Ohioan Will Meet All Party Leaders and Ascer-
 tain Views

Washington, June 16.--Plans for bringing Senator Harding. the repub- lican presidential nominee into clos CT touch with party leaders, particul- arly those of the progressive wing, were discussed today at lengthy conference between the senator and Walter F. Brown of Toledo, his floor manager at the Chicago convention.
 The conference, it is understood re- suited in a decision to send invita- tions to a number of prominent pro- gressives asking them to meet with the republican nominee to discuss the present situation and the coming campaign. The list of those to be invited will not be made public at present.
 Friends of Senator Harding said tonight that the proposed conference would be held before the nominee's formal notification, which will be some time after July 15. The sena- tor, it was said hopes to utilize the views expressed by the party leaders in the preparation of his speech of acceptance. While some of the meet ings may be held before MT. Harding leaves Washington Monday, the great CT portion are expected to take place while he is on his planned vacation.
 The visit of Mr. Brown today was regarded by political observers as significant. In 1912 he was chair man of the Ohio state progressive committee and was active in the cam paign for Theodore Roosevelt. He was . delegate to the recent Chicago convention and after the defeat in the state primary of Harry M. Daugherty of Columbus, the senator's campaign manager, as a delegate-at- large, was selected as MT. Harding's floor manager.
 "i think you will find that the pro- gressives will be behind Senator Harding" MT. Brown said after leav- ing the senator.
 Indication that MT. Harding in-1 tends to ascertain the views of all leaders in the party was contained in his announcement today of q confer- ence last night attended by Sena- tors Lodge, republican senate lead- CT. Brandegee, of Connecticut, Fall of New Mexico and Shoot of Utah. This meeting at which the republican platform was discussed is expected to be the forerunner of many similar informal meetings.
 The candidate made public letter today to Secretary of State Smith of Ohio, withdrawing his petition for re-nomination as the republican carl- didatc for senator at the August state primaries.
 Shortly before the senator left hiS office General Pershing called and remained in conference with him about fifteen minutes.
 Tt was merely social call" said : the general, "The senator is very good friend of mine."
 The deluge of congratulatory tele- grams and letters which began coin-s cident with the nomination, continu- ed today. Although the nominee ar rived at his office early and remain- ed late. additional help had to be obtained to clear away the great mass of correspondence.
 One telegram was from Thomas Taggart, the Indiana democratic leader and candidate for senator.
 I desire to take this opportunity to congratulate you upon your nomi- nation" said Mir. Taggart. Tt was certainly great victory for you. I remember with much pleasure your many kindnesses while in the senate < and I have said repeatedly that If S we had to have a republican prea- dent, that you would be my fifSt choice"
 A letter of congratulations from Rear Admiral William s. Sims also was received.