The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1923-06-21
G. @. P. FACTIONS TO join
FORCES IN STATE FIGHT
Two Leaders OF Opposing Fac
tiOns Confer at Dinner in
Philadelphia
(By John W. Owens in Baltimore Sun

HcanS apparently are taking leaf
/ from the book of the Smith and the
Richie Democrats, and are moving
rapidly toward settlement of their
factional differences, in preparation
for the State campaign this fall.
William P. Jackson and Galen L.
TAFT, State chairman, the most init
mate political associate in the State
of Senator Weller, had dinner to-
gether in Philadelphia last Tuesday
night and discussed all angles of the
Republican situation in Maryland.
During the dinner, it is understood,
Senator Weller was talked with over
the telephone.
The basis of the settlement of fac
tionai troubles that was discussed at
the dinner, and that still is being dis
cussed, was this:
United action on the choice Of
a candidate for Governor. with
Acknowledgement Alexander
Armstrong favored.
Continuance of Mr.. TAFT at the
head Of the State Central Com
mittee, where he has been for
nearly ten years.
Continuance of Mr.. jackson in
the office Of national committee
man, which ne mad held for near
ly twenty years.
Cooperation between the Well
er and jackson elements in the
conduct of the State campaign
and avoidance Of a fight for par
ty control in the September pri-
maries.
The terms under discussion have
been reduced to writing. Senator
Weller and his friends are reported
to be prepared to accept them. 1t is
understood that Mr.. jackson has indi-
Gated to close political associates on
the Eastern Shore that the terms are
agreeable to him, and that he be-
lieves they will serve the best inter
ests of the Republican party in the
fights ahead, but that he feels that
he must consult with w. Baden
LoWndes and others who have been
closely associated with him in the
past year or two.
Ii is supposed he viii talk with
these friends within the next few
days.
II appears that efforts to bring to-
gether the Weller and Jackson fac
tons have been made by various in
tlUenGld party men who have main
tanned friendly relations with the
leaders Of both camps. Party men
have felt that the outlook for the Re
publican party became none too good
at best following the patching up Of
the differences between Governor
Richie and John Walter Smith and
la, g
renominate the Governor unanimous-
~. With q bitter fractional fight loom
ing among the Republicans, the out
look was downright dismal
The hesitation Of Nh Armstrong to
announce his candidacy for Governor
after he realized the full import Of
the row between the Weller-Tait peo-
pie and the Jackson-L owndes- Broen-
ing people emphasized the danger of
the situation to Republican regulars.
And the effort to bring about am I'M
dcrstandlng were thereupon put forth
vigorously, with the result of the
Jackson-Tait dinner in Philadelphia
and the outline of tentative terms of
agreement which apparently need
only the approval Of Mr. Jackson's
associates to be adopted
If, after consultation with Mr.
LOWndes and other associates, Mr..
Jackson accepts the basis of agree
ment the Republicans will be more
closely united, in strict political rela-
tions for Governor of Phillips Lee
Goldsborough Y years ago.
Shortly after Mr.. Goldsborough's
election he split with the late Will
lam F. Stone, then boss in Baltimore,
and later with Mr., Jackson, and still
later with Mr. Weller.
From that time on there always
have been factions.
For long time Mr.. GOidsborough
and Mr.. Lowndes headed faction OPP
posed by the organization dominated
by Mr.. jackson and Senator Weller.
after which came the alignment in
which Mr.. jackson and Mr.. Lowndes
opposed Senator Weller and Chair
man TAFT.
If the political differences between
Senator Weller and Mr.. jackson and
their respective friends now are ad-
justed the whole group .. leaders will
be on friendly political Germs, for
Senator Weller and Mr.. Goldsborough
vi SSICt q pti SO4id1 RECOMMENDATION
some weeks ago, which probably will
extend to politics.
Assuming the harmony plans are
carried into effect as expected, the
fall campaign probably will be man
aged as were the fights in the days
when Mr.. jackson and Senator Weller
were closely associated-that is, with
Senator Weller directing the work
The terms under Consideration call
for continuance of Mr.. TAFT as chair
man and he and Senator Weller are
so closely identified that they are one
man in politics. The prospective cleo
ton of Mr.. jackson as national COM
mitteeman would give the distinctly
Jackson men their accustomed place
in the party machinery.
SO far as known the harmony moves
have developed no serious discussion
of the State ticket other than with
respect to the Governorship. 1t is
supposed that if Senator Weller and
Mr.. jackson reach an understanding
Mr.. Armstrong will decide to run for
Governor and that the remainder of
the ticket will be chosen without diff
ticulty or delay.