Evening Republican, Volume 59, Number 74, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 April 1917 — Two Political Parties Not to Join in Selection. [ARTICLE]

Two Political Parties Not to Join in Selection.

Indianapolis, Ind., April 17. —At a conference of republican party leaders, held at the Severin hotel today, made up of members of the republican state committee, the state executive committee, and others, a decision was reached to turn down the suggestion that was made recently by the democratic state organization that the two parties join in an effort to nominate fifteen high grade citizen as candidates for delegates-at-large to the coming constitutional convention. This confeemce approved the unanimous report that was made by the special committee to consider the proposition that was made by the democratic organization. The committee report that fixed the party’s policy after it had been approved by the larger party conference, was as follows? k . - - We find the sentiment among republicans very much in favor of endeavoring to induce the very strongest men in the state to become candidates for delegates. We find the sentiment very much divided as to the means of accomplishing this end. It is ,our opinion that the method suggested will not prove a practical plan for bringing about the result desired. We are very strongly convinced that the duty of our citizenship is very clear to give much attention at once towards securing the services in the convention of delegates with no ulterior motive, furthered by no special interest, advancing no special propaganda and moved by no force whatever, except to accomplish the greatest possible good for the state. We recognize the fact, as suggested, that there are active forces of various kinds moving in the state "To control, directly or indirectly, the deliberations of the convention, and we commend to the people the closest scrutiny of all such procedure to the end that nothing be allowed to be done, and that no default be permitted which will result in the successful consummation of such ends. We recognize also the good faith of the suggestion for joint action of the two political parties; and we urge that all citizens, not as partisan but as patriots, go out at once and u?e every influence which they can command to induce the candidacy of the very best possible men, regardless of their political affiliations, and that such a number of such men be in chaced to become candidates that there can be no doubt of the final selection of men who are fit and qualified.