Salt Lake Tribune | 1917-03-31 | Page 2 | Progressive to Hold Conference

PROGRESSIVES TO H0LQJ1EERE1E Told by President Convention Conven-tion Will Not Hamper Government. NEW YORK, March 30. Headquarters of the nationol Progressive party, of which Matthew Hale is acting chair- j man, gave out a statement today say-ing say-ing that "in spite of the International crisis there was no intention to abanjrfi the national convention fixed foruirll 12, 13 and 14 at St. Louis." w Accompanying the statement was a , copy of a letter from President Wilson to Chairman Hale which was cited to show that the president has no fear that "political activity" and the holding of the convention at this time "might embarrass the president while he and his advisors are jealously looking after our foreign affairs." The letter, dated March 22, reads: It would give me genuine pleasur to attend the projected convention at St. Louis on April 12 next If the circumstances cir-cumstances were not eo unusual as the present. I am sure that you will agree with me In judgment that In view of the most recent developments develop-ments of our foreign relations It is Imperative that 1 should devote all my thought and energy to my duties here In Washington, and that probably prob-ably it is to the best Interests of the country that I should think only of those duties and not turn to occasions occa-sions of the sort to which you invite me, important as they are. 1 am very proud, indeed, to have you feel as you do that I have proved myself the leader of the liberal forces of the country. Such assurances make me very grateful and give me the deepest encouragement.