Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 103, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 May 1914 — THE REPUBLICANS CHOOSE LEADERS [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

THE REPUBLICANS CHOOSE LEADERS

Great Gathering and Enthusiasm of Delegates Reach High Pitch. MANY PROGRESSIVES THERE W. A. Prendergast, Former Progressive, Discussed National Issues and Howard Maxwell Scores Democracy for Extravagance in State. Indianapolis, Ind., April 23.—The Republican state convention which adjourned this afternoon was pronounced the largest and most enthusiastic ever held in the history of the Indiana organization. From start to finish it was wildly enthusiastic. Every indication pointed to the fact that republicians in every section of Indiana are united and determined to return Indiana to the Republican column in November. The convention exceeded the most optimistic predictions of the most optimistic party leaders. Enough republicans came to Indianapolis to fill three halls the size of the one in which the convention was held.

It was a great convention—that held in Jomlinson Hall. Five bands discoursed popular airs and enthusiasm marked every movement of the convention. Each officer, speaker and notable appearing before them re* ceived an ovation. It was more like a love-feast of old than a closely drawn contest as to who should be chosen leaders in the 1914 contest. The success of the convention—in numbers in attendance, enthusiasm and good feeling prevailing on all hands was especially pleasing tcT-Will Hays, chairman, and Jack Henley, secretary of the State committee, who have been untiring in their efforts to work out the arrangements leading up to the convention.

Above the speakers’ platform were pictures of Presidents Harrison, Linoln, Garfield and McKinley, martyred presidents, and ex-Governor Morton. The big stage had been built up in ampitheater effect, so those on the stage had complete view of the arena and the speakers’ platform. The large hall was decorated with national colors and placards had been placed, indicating where each county delegation had been assigned seats. This was a new departure and prevented much confusion. Prendergast and Maxwell Speak.

Hushed in silence while Dr. Allan B. Philputt cf the Central Christian church delivered the invocation which formally opened the Republican State convention hundreds of republicans burst into applause when Howard Maxwell of Rockville, temporary chairman, came to the front of the rostrum to deliver the keynote address.

An appeal to the Progressives to return to the fold and a challenge to the democrats of-, Indiana on the ground that the Ralston administration has been profligate in the expenditure of finances issued from the opening session. William A. Prendergast, comptroller of the city of New York, extended the olive branch to the progressives, and Howard Maxwell, of Rockville, Ind., in a speech that was considered indicative of the issues on which the state campaign would be made, charged that extravagance had marked the regime of the Indiana democrats. The convention adjourned until the following morning when at 10 o'clock, after the invocation, former VicePresident Fairbanks was introduced as permanent chairman of the convention. Mr.-Eairbanks was given an ovation, and the large audience hung on his every word for near two hours. It was a masterful address and the arguments advanced why

Republican principles should prevail in this country were convincing and couched in the language of a statesman. In appealing for Republican unity he said: “The hour calls for a high order of patriotism, for self-restraint, for sober judgment. Men must harbor no petty jealousies and nurse no resentments; they must bury beyond the reach of the hand of resurrection the memory of the past differences and stand together in a common cause. Party unity is dictated by a sense of common prudence, and all of those who believe in the vital necessity of restoring prosperity to the country and of insuring its continuance ’in fullest measure, and who believe that this can be accomplished by once more putting into effect Republican policies and Republican administration should stand shoulder to shoulder.' We know full well that those who differed with us, both leaders and followers, were actuated by the highest motives and that they followed where their conscience led. Our respect for them is undiminished.”

What Resolutions Contain. The resolutions Were presented and adopted as reported by the committee on resolutions. They contain a strong plank in support of the protective tariff policy. It ascribes present depressed business conditions and the lowering of prices of farm products to the new democratic tariff law. It denounces the Democratic party for its failure to enact legislation to fulfill its promises of go<Jd times and a -reduction in the cost cf living. No definite stand is taken on the subject of Panama canal tolls exemption, but the platform denounces the Democratic party for its failure to live up to its plaform promises on this subject. It says that American money built the canal, and that America should have absolute control of the canal, without any references to Great Britain or any other foreign country.

The plank relating to Mexico denounces the manner in which the Democratic administration has handled the situation, but the plank declares strongly in favor of supporting the President in whatever he may do in the use of armed force in Mexico. It says the course of the administration has been one. of policy and not of patriotism, but declares that now the republicans of the country support the President. It says the Democratic party promised to protect American lives and property in foreign countries, but that it has failed to do so in Mexico.

Condemns Extravagance. - The Democratic party is condemned for extravagance in the management of state affairs, for the creation of new offices and the multiplication of subordinates. It denounces also the excessive cost of the last session of the legislature, which was Democratic, and also denounces the party for running the state deeper in debt. On the question of woman suffrage the platform recommends that this subject be referred to the constitutional convention, if one is called, and if no convention i* called then the platform says an amendment to the state constitution providing for woman suffrage should be submitted to a vote of the people. The platform points to the record of the Republican party on moral and liquor legislation, and says the question of liquor legislation should be removed from party polities and prejudice.

There is a declaration in favor of the creation of a nonpolitical labor commission to which labor dispute* should be referred for adjustment* and there is a declaration in favot of some equitable plan of arbitration. Another plank calls for th* eradication Of child labor, and there are declarations in favor of workmen'* compensation laws, additional safeguards for toilers in sanitary conditions and safety. Better condition* and shorter hour* for woman worker* ar* favored.

HUGH Th. MILLER Republican Nominee for United States Senator.