The Washington times., 1924-07-14
START
la Toilette
CAMPAIGN
Conferences Here Discuss
Running Mate and Plans
for 100000 Fund
By KENNETH CLARK,
international News Service.


Another of series of impor-
tant conferences at which definite
plans will be formulated for
launching nationwide Senator
Robert M. La Follette's indie
pendent campaign for the presi-
dency was held here today.
These meetings between La
Toilette and his campaign lieu
tenants will continue until Fri
day, when the Wisconsin Senator
formally will be notified by the
national committee of his in
dorsement for the presidency by
the Conference for Progressive
Political Action.
Mate To Be Chosen.
At the same time, La Toilette and
the committee will select a Vice
Presidential running mate from the
list of nearly a dozen names that
have been under discussion.
Two subjects were paramount
before the conferees who passed
in and out during the day in La
Follette's quiet office in secluded
corner of the capitol. They were:
~ Choice of a Vice Presidential
candidate, and
~ Finances for running the
campaign.
Everyone connected with the cam.
paign, including La Toilette him
self, kept close mouthed about the
running mate selection. The word
was passed that no mention should
be made about the second place
choice on the ticket until the
selection actually is announced
next Friday. 1t was learned how
ever that Huston Thompson, chair
man of the Federal Trade Com
mission, was still uppermost in the
minds of La Follettes closest
advisers.
The question of how to raise the
big sum of money that will be re-
quired for the campaign has been
largely delegated to the finance
committee of the Progressive con-
ference, and Congressman John NJ.
Nelson, campaign manager, in
charge of the national headquarters
in Chicago.
La Follette's chief demand was
that a nationwide appeal should
be made for dollar contributions,
already recommended by the COM
mittee Sums ranging as high as
IS, 900 900 We're estimated as es-
sential to finance campaign of
the proportions determined upon
| by La Follette's managers.
These La Toilette meetings are
something new even in a city so
filled with conferences as Wash
ington. They seem never to start
and never TO end. that is, lasting
almost continuously during La Fol
lette's waking hours.
When La Toilette, who appears
to be more vigorous and healthy
than ever, arrives at his office, a
veritable army OF men and women
workers and well.wishers are crowd
ed in the ante room.
Young Bob" who more and more
is taking a hand in actually direct
ing the campaign, usually tries to
dispose of most of the visitors so
his fathers time will be as free as
possible for conferences with lieu
tenants from all over the country
who drop in almost hourly.
1t is La Follette's usual custom
to eat luncheon late, and then take
| a short automobile ride before re-
turning home to receive additional
visitors.
These meetings at his quiet home
| in Wyoming avenue. which has be-
come the official rendezvous of La
Toilette leaders, oftentimes extend
far into the night.
Behind Closed Doors.
! What actually happens behind the
| closed doors only La Toilette and
those who meet with him know.
The order that nothing must be
said until La Toilette is ready, and
| he is expected to make his next
formal statement at Fridays meet
! ing, has not been violated publicly.
La Toilette is extremely kind to
newspapermen, but he reports mo
news, boys"
La Follette's notification" speech,
on which he is said to be devoting
all his spare moments, is expected
to contain another vigorous de-
nouncement of both old parties with
pledge that he will clean up" the
Government generally if elected.
Measure Congress Candidates.
Meanwhile, La Toilette and his
advisers continued working on an
''acid test" legislative yardstick by
which persons seeking election to
the House or Senate will be meas
ured.
Failure to measure up" from
the progressive point Of view will
be placed down beside congressman
who voted against such legislation
as the following:
Soldiers bonus, McNary- Haugen
farm bill, revision of the House
rules, discharge of the committee
from consideration of the Howell.
Barley rail bill, the coalition pro-
gressive-Democrat tax bill and child
labor constitutional amendment.