The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-03-27
THE THIRD PARTY LURE

The call sent out from St. Paul by con- ference of delegates from several states for a national convention of political organiza- tions favorable to the so-called third party" movement to be held on June 1, has attracted little attention or comment for the reason that the public feels little interest in it, either as a need or as a movement promising any practical benefits It is set forth that the purpose of the convention will be to nomi- nate president and vice president and adopt a national platform.
 That the gathering will assemble on con- genial ground is generally admitted. Wiscon- sin Minnesota and that section of the North west for some years have been the center of radical leaders, strange doctrines, startling governmental theories and political vagaries It is fertile ground for grouches and griev- ances, especially since weather, tariff and other conditions somewhat interfered with the wheat profits.
 Third-party projects have shown little de- velopment in strength or practical results in the history of national politics. It is hard to build a workable organization on a foun- dation of dissatisfied clements. The present tendency may be interpreted as a symptom of dissatisfaction with the Republican party, g whose record it is true, has been nothing to inspire pride and has afforded no grounds Tor boasting during the last few years. Hence leaders in this movement are drawn from the G. O. F., perhaps with the thought hat they have nothing to lose, even though he prospects for gain are not reassuring.
 Already Senator LaFollette's name is con- spicuously mentioned in connection with the third party project, and it is known that he is in the minds of the leaders as the probable choice for the presidential nomination. There have long been indications that LaFollette was discontented in the Republican party. While he has no influence or following to speak of outside of that section of the North west, the party in which he has long been a disturbing element, and to which he has clung in name if not in principle, would probably shed no tears and display no crepe if he should leave it and flock with the group to which he is by sentiment most akin. While he has been elected to office n num- Der of times on the Republican ticket, he has never shown a disposition to adhere to the party principles, and so far as his be- Iefs and record are concerned, he might just as consistently join any new party, whatever its governmental theories or platform of prin- ciples. When he was consistently hissed at the Chicago convention of 1920, the treat ment was not an outgrowth of personal dis like, but a verdict against his right to be re- garded as a Republican at all.
 Whether or not LaFollette will break away from the Republican party to assume the leadership of another unpromisinS political experiment will not be determined by any qualms of conscience, but rather by his judgment in political expediency He is q disciple of that school of politics, and has long manifested signs of being careful stu dent of the possible personal benefits from any venture. Time and again he has be- trayed hatred of Republican doctrines Per haps that may influence him in deciding