In Chicago

The C. P. P. A. (Conference for Progressive Political Action), although it is hardly remembered today by the general public, is the body which nominated, or rather endorsed, the self-nomination of Robert M. LaFollette for President at Cleveland last July. The same body met, last week, in Chicago to consider whether it would try to perpetuate a third party movement.

As it assembled, there were three chief divisions within its ranks. There were 16 labor unions, there were a number of progressive organizations, such as the Committee of 48, and there were the Socialists.

Before the meeting, the representatives of the 16 unions met and agreed that they would not join in an attempt to found a third party--that they would revert to Labor's policy long ago laid down by Samuel Gompers: political opportunism, support of any party or candidate likely to serve their interests.

When the convention as a whole assembled, it became apparent that the rest of the Conference wished to establish a third party. Robert M. LaFollette Jr., was on hand representing his father and asking that a third party be formed without affiliation with "any group."

At the end of one day of talk, the meeting of the C. P. P. A. was adjourned and its delegates, excepting the labor union representatives, met to set up their third party.

Here, at once, a second division of opinion arose. The Committee on Organization made a majority report--for organization of a party on state lines, similar to that of the two major parties; and a minority report --for group representation--that is to say, a class party of "producers" against "capitalists and parasites." The former plan carried the day, the Socialists being defeated 94 to 63. There is to be an "organizing" convention of the new party in the fall.

Thus did Senator LaFollette get what he wanted, but to unsympathetic observers, it seemed less as if this were the founding of a new party and more as if it were the disintegration of a temporary alliance. There were no outbursts of ill-feeling, but quietly the Labor element of the LaFollette organization dropped out; and it is expected that the Socialist element, balked of its demand for a "class" party, will do likewise.

Whether the new party is well born or still born will be determined largely by the economic conditions of the next four years. From the bare whisper which reached the world of last week's activities, some judged that the new babe would never be christened.