The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-07-05
Makes Known Intention In Letter To Progress
 sive Convention WILL PUSH DRIVE.
 IN EVERY STATE Will Conduct Campaign As Independent, He ] Tells Conclaye NOMINATION SET
 AS TODAY'S EVENT Wisconsin Platform To Be Basis Of Contest,
 Says Communication
tBy Associated Press.)

CLEVELAND, Ohio, July A. Formal acceptance of the invitation Co run for president was given to the conference for progressive po- liticaI action this afternoon by Sen ator Robert M. LaFollette.
 It was read by his son, Robert LaFollette, IT,, introduced as "a chip off the old block"
 ITO those who do me the honor of this invitation, I owe an unequiv- ocal answer" said the, statement. It proceeded to make that an une- quivocaI acceptance of the conven- tion's endorsement.
 LaFolIette declared the nation is fac ing the most momentous crisis in our time" with .predatory interests in con tr0l of American government. The Wisconsin senator took a slap at both the republican and democratic parties, declaring they had ~failed the people"
 He decIhred the time ripe for a mili- tant political moyment independent e the old parties and responsive to the needs of the common people.
 Ola Parties Played
 'sThe necessity for an independent progressive movement lies in the taA- uree of the old parties to kurge them selves of the clements that betray the people. Both are under the power Of 9is pfesf.ger,s cscoliaxc was eAIiea A.tha frank defender of organized wealthy by the nlessage, which added that the demo- cratic platform adopted at the New York convention does not meet the needs of the nation.
 .aThe fact that representatives of or ganized wealth voted for that platform" he added, "is sufficient proof of its char acter." :
 sEven if both the democratic and republican parties had adopted progress sive platforms, the people would know that neither could be trusted to keep their pledges.
 .lThe real issues have b5.n ignored by the two old parties" contended MT, La- Toilette, adding that both presidential nominees would owe a debt to bosses and big business
 ssBoth parties have always regarded their platforms as they regard them today, not as contracts, but as devices to catch votes.
 '.To break the combined power of big business over government and economic conditions, is the paramount issue facing
 Counts On People
 If the progressives will but unite with a single purpose to meet this is sue, they may rely on the support of the people" {.
 aThe people have already given proof in recent elections that they recognlz the real issues that confront them. They know that powerful interests confront the government" and he added that the underlying reason why both parties have Hailed to take the peoples side is that neither is in position to attack the evil forces controlling the govern ment."
 'sThe markets are manipulated and profits fixed on all farm products" said the statement which averred that this reacted against both producer and con sumner.
 "If we would not submit to an em- peror, we should not submit to an auto crat of trade" said Senator LaFollette.
 "The surest prevention of war is democracy" was sentence that brought extra applause. An assertion tllat the World war would not have occurred un- der present governments of France and England also was cheered.
 Appeals To Farmer
 ''The present deplorable condition of agriculture is the natural result of the failure of the republican and demo- cratic parties to give the farmers the relief to which they are entitled" said the statement.
 "The farmer now understands he must make common cause with the wage worker and the consuming public.
 "In the cooperative principle lies the
 (COntlnue. on -'age Twol