Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1924-07-22
WHEELER ASSAlLS
OLD LINE PARTIES
AS REACTIONARlES


nominee
In this situation. I find myself
unable to support either the Repu3-
lican candidates, no frankly admit
their reactionary standpat policy, or
the Democratic candidate, who may
claim in well chosen phrases that
he is a progressive, hut whose train
ing and constant association belle
any such pretensiOn.
Between Davis and Coolidge
there is only q choice for conServa-
tives to make. The uncontrolled,
liberal and progressive forces must
look elsewhere for leadership.
This is a time when everyone
who claims to be a progressive must
show his colors, must support the
candidacy of Robert M. La Toilette
and the genuinely progressive pro-
gram. or else forever disclaim any
pretense to progressive political &c
ton. 1t is our duty to our country
to give 10 the progressive and lib
eral forces of this nation an oppor-
tunity to express themselves in the
coming election. AS between Cool
idge and Davis, they are disfran-
chised.
Issues Clear Cut
"The issues before the people were
never more pronounced-the CleaV-
age is clear cut. The Republican
and Democratic parties deliberately
and solemnly chose the path of in
difference toward, if not support of,
the privileged interests. No one eX-
cept those who believe in a govern
ment of special interests can vote
for the presidential nominee on Ell
ther the Republican or Democratic
national tickets.
"The progressive, forward-looking
people of the nation, irrespective of
party affiliation, who honestly be-
lieve in clean government, in the
enforcement of the law against the
class as we'll as against
the common offender; those who be-
lieve in the prosecution of the prof
iteer and those guilty of corruption
IN high places; those who still hold
to the political principles and per
sonal ethics of Jefferson and Lin
coin, must needs find a political abid-
ing place outside of the two old par
ties as they are constituted and man
aged today.
I'm accepting this call, I do not
abandon my faith in the democracy
of Thomas Jefferson. J am Demo
crat, but not Wall street Demo
crat. L shall give my support and
whatever influence / may possess
to those candidates for office who
have proved their fidelity to the in
terests Of the people wherever they
may be found, but I shall oppose
tinl-o 10
may appear who bears the brand of
the dollar sign.
believing as I do that the Tresi-
dental candidates selected by the
Democratic and Republican parties
for 1924 will be unable, if elected, to
serve the best interests of the peo-
pie fthe United States, / therefore
accept the call of your committee.
and shall do my best to hep make
this, my country, safe for democ-
racy."
Extended Campaign Planned
Shortly after the issuance of Sen
ator Wheeler's statement, Senator
La Toilette went personally to the
office of his running mate, and eX-
tended congratulations. Represen-
tative John M Nelson, of Wiscon-
sin Joined in the conference.
Senator Wheeler later said he
would be unable to keep the tenta-
tive engagement made for him by
a La Toilette club in the suburb of
Washington to address a mass meet
ing tonight
For two or three weeks the ma
tional organization will make no
dates or fill up any itinerary for
campaign tour. After the middle
Of August, however, Senator Wheel
er is expected to begin an extended
campaign trip across the country.
In a formal statement Senator
La Toilette later declared that the
acceptance of Senator Wheeler was
"as gratifying to me personally as
it will be to the millions of pro
gressive voters
The result, he said, will be to add
tremendous strength to the progrrs-
sive ticket in every state in the
union"
Burton K Wheeler is a man OF
courage, integrity, ability and pa,
triotism. He has never faltered or
turned back. In the struggle
against privilege he has ever been
in the front rank of the peoples
army. In him progressives find a
leadership in which they repo ;e
complete confidence.
The recent national convention
of the Democratic party outraged
the sentiments and disappointed the
hopes of the rank and file of that
party. 1t left millions of Demo
Gratis without leadership in their
own party. Senator Wheeler has
supplied this leadership not only for
progressive Democrats but for indie
pendent citizens unidentified with
any political organization.
Was First Choice
Senator Wheeler was the first
and unanimous choice oil the com
mittee by the recent progressive con
ference to indorse an independent
progressive candidate for vice presi-
dent. To my knowledge, he was the
only progressive to whom this in
dorSement was offered.
LAS a son of New England, he
comes from that sturdy stock who
fought for American freedom, as we
are fighting for it today. COmbin-
ing with this heritage the courag'
eous accomplishment of the west
Senator Wheeler will appeal to ev.
cry section OF the country; a truly
representative American.
AS federal district attorney and
United States senator, his achieve
ments have won for him the re
spect and the confidence of the
masses.
His candidacy will add tremen
dous strength TO the progressive
! ticket in every state in the union