The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1923-10-10

A plea for harmony opened the
special state convention of the Non
partisan League, called into order
here today by Chairman w. ].
Church Of York. More than 200 del
egates and other Nonpartisans were
in Patterson hall here when the con-
.vention assemb bled, shortly before II
o'clock.
Declaring that he believed "the
fruit is ripe for picking in the mex
campaign" the state chairman assert
ed that the big business of the cor
vention ought to be the healing OF
the wounds caused by internal dis
sension. j. C. Miller of Bot.ineau,
elected temporary chairman, follow
ed the harmony program in naming
the credentials, committee, announc-
ing that he intended to divide ap-
pointments between "the two fac
tions here"
Aside from the airing Of differ
ences which have arisen among
leaguers, particularly with respect
to A. C. Townley. William Lsnks
and the state committee, interest ap-
peared to center upon a method by
which the league could organize for
the next campaign. Resolutions
adopted by the Griggs and Burleigh
county conventions asked for new
convention next February % unite
progressive proposals. Interpreta-
tions on the resolutions differed as
to whether the intent should be an
abandonment Of the name Nonparti-
san League and the form alton Of a
new party to which all "Progres-
sives" would be invited. or simply
a reorganization all down the line un-
der the same or another name.
Four Questions Up.
Four questions were set before the
convention by the state committees
call-whether to establish daily pa
per, naming of official newspaper or
gan, relations with the National
Nonpartisan League and whether to
change the name of the organiza-
tion.
"This convention was called by
your chairman on the advice of men,
bers at large, to thresh out Difficult
ties and get in shape for the next
campaign" said Chairman Church.
"While there arose some differences
as to the method by which the state
committee apportioned delegates,
want to say that if there was mis-
take it was one Of judgment and not
of the heart.
1--WE are here for only one purpose
to get in shape for the campaign
next year, for unification not deci-
nation Of the league ranks. be-
lieve the fruit is ripe for picking in
the next campaign"
Asks Abuse Left Out.
Chairman Church asked members
to leave abuse, desire to retaliate
or vindicativeness out Of their dis
cussions.
A move, apparently supported by
insurgents" was made to elect a
temporary chairman by secret bal
lot but this was, voted down after
discussion and Representative Miller
named chairman by acclamation.
Representative Frank Vogel Of Nc
Lean county was named temporary
secretary.
Chairman Miller appointed Sena-
tor Ralph Ingerson. c. P. Peterson
and ]. A. Gray % members Of the
credentials committee, and then re-
moved Mr.. Peterson and named Wal
ter Wexford Of Pembina county. In
doing 80 he said he intended to di-
vide the membership among factions
and that it appeared ne, had named
members almost entirely Of one fac;
! tion. The COMMITTEES was left with
two "insurgents" and one regular :
! Il appeared that the convention
would not reach actual business be-
fore afternoon. &
/ Chairman Church, before The con.
| vention, declared that 80 psf cent
| Of the delegates nstnsl we're dele
\ aates 70 the pEevious Fargo cenven-
tibn, except FOR rssisnetions s. in
ability TO serve. and 4eclated SAia
Twas sufficient answsr ~ ctiticissnu
II OF ''insufgents'' that the stase eom-
(Continnsd On Paee %
: kf45s n 5sa