The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1922-03-27

The Nonpartisan league convention
which ended in the early hours OF
Sunday morning at Fargo, represents
a political triumph for A. c. Townley
against almost overwhelming odds, in
the opinion Of many delegates who at
tended the convention.
At the same time A. A. Liederbach,
Christ Levang and Ole Kaldor, major
ity .of the state executive committee,
In final statement made in the
Courier-News Sunday, declared that
1--WE find ourselves in the anomalous
position OF having sustained personal
defeat but of having the principles
which we maintained since the begin
ming Of our incumbency sustained"
Townley's victory came in overturn-
ing Liederbach and his associates,
electing new state committee con-
sidered friendly to Townley and turn
ing control of the Courier-News intn
the committees hands. Townley's
resignation may not be accepted by
the national executive committee, or
he may 90 to the league membership
for "vote of confidence" Announce
ment of Townley's intended resigna-
tion caused much dismay among some
leaguers, who, although they may
disagree with him, hold that he is un-
rivalled as an organizer and leader for
the league in it's fight.
GrOnna Out in Cold
The defeat of AISLE J. Gronna for the
nomination for United States Senator
was not so much a victory for anyone
as defeat fol, ,Gronna. He was urged
by Liederbach and the "Courier-News
crowd" but opposition to him was vir.
tually unanimous. Former Governor
Frazier, nominated for senator, was
not at the convention.
Gronna, in seeking league endorse
Sment, was only following his actions
of two years ago. He was confident
then of getting the league endorse
ment and asked the l. V. A. to let the
senatorship alone in its Minot con.
yention,g according to reliable reports
at that time. The5IlV..A. leaders did
So iGronna failed to get the league
nomination. Then he became bit.
ter opponent Of the league. This year
he apparently started to play the same
game, as he had been regarded as the
I. V. A. candidate.
The balance of power plan was not
discussed, although today there are
many leaguers who believe that it was
the salvation Of the league, and that 3
defeat in June would mark the en-
of the league as power in the state
On the other hand Liederbach an
his associates forced the nomination
of full ticket, including candidates
for supreme court positions. Th
nomination of Obert Olson, of Bis
marck, without his knowledge, was {
slap taken at Townley and othe
league leaders who prevented his en-
dorsement two years ago.
Baker for Governor.
B. F. Baker of Glenburn was en-
dorsed for governor defeating H. H
Aaker of Grand Forks for the nomi
nation. Mr.. Aaker's name was ais
presented to the convention for lieu
tenant governor, and he was agal
beaten, this time by p. A. Bowman 9
Kuhn Aaker finally secured the en-
dorsement for secretary Of state.
vi Lne three COuSleasloioi cd!N'
dates endorsed, P. A. Moeller of En-
derlin is a railway conductor and wa
endorsed as a concession to the labc
element John Sherman of Steele
farmer and has been a member
the state house of representatives fc
Kidder county. J. H. Sinclair
Kenmare is the present congressma
for the third North Dakota distric
having first been elected to that o
flee four years ago on the Leagl
ticket.
b. F. Baker of Glenburn, who WI
endorsed for governor has been
member of the state senate for sever
sessions. During the last session
was prominent in the work of t
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