The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1924-06-24
SEE.
LAFOLLETTE
As PERIL
Leaders Demanding Progress
sive Candidate to Meet His
Growing Strength
BY KENNETH CLARK,
Imterna4iOnAl NSwa aervlea.

4USAA-AN@~eFAAA4A
NEW YORK, June "a Senator
Robert M. La Toilette OF Wisconsin
il causing no end Of worry for the
chieftains of the Democratic ma
tional convention, which assembled
IN opening session today.
At Cleveland La Toilette proved
to be the thorn in the sides Of the
Coolidge managers; at ST. Paul.
where the Communists took the
third.party convention out Of the
hands OF the farmer-laborites he
was the direct cause Of q bolt; now.
again, for the third time. La Fol-
lette's admitted hold on Progressive
voters the nation over threatens to
prove a factor in the selection of the
Democratic nominee.
La Toilette himself isn't here: he's
back in Washington watching the
convention through the eyes OF his
son, Robert, Jr., a shrewd political
observer, who Is keeping In close
touch with every development.
Young La Toilette mills around the
delegations in the hotel Hobbies and
is in almost constant communica-
ton with those progressive Demo-
Gratis, especially IN the Senate. who
in the past have shown a tendency
to follow the political doctrines OF
his father.
Leaders Admit Strength.
Every national Democratic leader
here who processes to be on. the
inside" admits, somewhat reluc.
family. Of course, La Follette'E
strength with those voters in the
country, particularly IN the North.
west, who are in open revolt against
the old line parties, and who are
searching for an independent candi.
date to support.
The Wisconsin delegation, which
came here enthusiastically backing
"Al" Smith, Immediately passed the
word to the leaders that It would
be well nigh impossible to stop
La Toilette in Wisconsin II he de-
cides TO run, and that he would
poll heavily in the Northwest farm.
ing states generally.
That the militant Wisconsin Sen.
ator win enter the Presidential race,
his formal announcement as an in.
dependent candidate being expected
after the "Big Four Brotherhoods
convention In Cleveland July 4, Is
accepted as fact in all quarters
here. Apdssthis is the very reason
why La Follette's influence may be
injected forcefully into the final
reckonings at this convention.
Pointed Out BY Nelly,
The significance OF La Follstte's
entry into the White House sweep
stakes, and the influence 1t would
have on the Democratic party, was
first called to the attention Of the
leaders by Senator Nicely D) Of
West Virginia, who occupies q rath-
or unique position here in that he
is about the only West Virginian
who 10 not shouting day and night
for the candidacy OF John w. Davis.
Nicely thinks Davis is ''too reac-
tionary."
"If this convention nominates a
man like Davis, q man connected
with big business, we are seriously
impairing our chances for next
November; we are virtually aiding
the candidacy Of President Coolidge,
for both men represent the same
big interests OF the East" said
Nicely.
I'VE must nominate q progressive
Democrat IL we are to hope for
success next fall.
1--WE must nominate q man who
will cut heavily into the votes that
would 60 to La Toilette II two con,
servatives head the Republican and
Democratic tickets"
Nicely suggested Ralston, Of In.
diana. and Robinson, Of Arkansas,
as two, available progressive Demo.
Gratis" 4
It is also Known that such inAn
in the Senate as Wheeler Of Mon.
tana and Dill of Washington favor
a strong progressive"
They believe, with Nicely, that the
Democrats must select a man who
can counteract the La Toilette
strength in the Middle yVa~|