Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1921-current, 1922-11-19

clared a new party must be matter
of evolution and could not be establish
ed through meeting of any group OF
men and adoption of resolutions.
The call proposed meeting of pro-
gressive members of congress Decem
Der l and a gathering of progressive
leaders generally on December 2. In
vitations to the latter meeting we're
sent, it was announced, to "a represen-
tatiye group of influential progressive
men aud women throughout the coun-
try whose names were not dfvulged.
Time to Organize
Telegraphic REPLIES were requested
and it was said the names of those ac
cepting would be announced as replies
were received. Previous to announce
ment of the conference Senator IaF'oi-
iette issued a statement declaring that
the time has come for the organiza-
ton of a well defined group in support
of accepted progressive principles and
policies. and for the defeat of the ad
ministration ship subsidy bill, propos-
ed antistrike legislation and project
ed transfer of federal forests to the
interior department"
Senator Capper, republican. of Kan
sas, chairman OF the senate farm bloc.
almost at the same time, issued
statement declaring against the ship
subsidy bill and outlining a program
of legislation. including farm credits,
prohibition of tax-free securities and
reduction of freight rates and govern
ment taxes.
Both senator's LaF gillette and Cap
per said the recent elections were a
victory for the progressives over the
reactionaries, but it was not apparent
to what extent the plans of the farm
bloc might coincide with those of the
LaFollette HEddleston group.
Active Body Planned
The call issued by Senator LaF'ol
lette and Representative Huddleston
announced that it was for the organ
ization of an active working group in
congress- The general conference on
December >, it was said further, would
include leading progressives and those
not already actively affiliated with
the Peoples Legislative service an
organization formed two years ago at
dinner of senators, representatives
and others
1T was decided af thar time that
it was premature TO attempt TO organ
ize the handful of progressives in the
two houses of congress. said the call,
but witaout organization these mem
bers of congress who are devoted TO
the peoples interests have struggled
manfuIly against overwhelming odds
and have won many important vic
tories. They have blocked many vic
ious bills and have saved the taxpay
ers hundreds OF millions of dollars and
exposed some gigantic evil. But above
all. they have let the people know
Vhat was happening in Washington.
Borah Is interested
The people have responded. They
have elected very considerable num-
ber of senator's and representatives
with splendid records of fidelity to
public service. They have done all
that could be done az this election TO
express their will that this government
shall be genuinely progressive.
1T is apparent, therefore. that the
time is opportune for conference TO
discuss a definite plan for the cooper
alton of all the progressiyes in con-
gress."
Just what senator's and representa-
tives will join in the progressive move
was not revealed, but several have
pointed out recently the desirability of
some such step. Among others,
Senator Borah. republican, of Idaho,
has said that he planned to meet in
conference with progressive members
of the senate and house with view
TO cooperation in legislation.