The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-12-13

next year. Just what will result is not
the discussion was that Missouri is
doubtful"
In view of past false prophesies it is
n .a 6oS s
Committee, all Of them political sharps,
that Missouri is "a doubtful State" but
that was the intimation conveyed by sev-
eral Of the visitors, who generally are
moderate in assertions.
It was echoed about the hotel corridors,
and there were Republican actuaries who
to the r DELIGHT eca
dence Of Democracy Of old Missouri, the
fast disintegration Of the party. the
steady inroads being made by the Repuo,
sans and the Of Its State ana nd
moorings.
GROsvENoR QUESTIONS FIGURES.
Some of these calculations were ques-
toned by Representative Grosvenor Of
Ohio, the Statistician of the House. His
figures have not been known to lie since
the time he used to take the floor. when
Tom Reed was Speaker. and read for the
benefit of the Maine man statistics show
ing that Mckinley was gaining over Reed
at about the rate OF 20 to l. as candi-
date for the nomination tn 1886.
question of Missouri's being in doubt: He
did not agree with experts who figure
the State as approaching the doubtful col
umr. and so stated in the House. Gros-
CANT way, showed that he IS watching Mis-
souri,. He said to a st. LOUIS visitor:
WORLDS EYES ON MISSOURI.
ut is hard to size UP the situation In
Missouri just now. The eyes of the world
are upon 1t. One is forced to think that
Prosecuting Attorney Folk is unfit for his
job or that some high court officials ought
to be In servitude."
Although Grosvenor would not class Mis-
souri, as doubtful. he is beginning to think
the State will bear watching.
Such discussion as took place to-day:
nsa on a The ens Nsien. Commtfee they
are not convinced that Missouri is doubt
full. at least there will be more attention
given the situation there than for Il long
to help the Republican campaign. which
Colonel Kerens promises will be IAN active
one."
TO CLASH OVER ATKINS.
The first development of Importance Is
expected to be a change in the State
chairman. at present held by Thomas ].
Atkins. Enough has been limited by Re-
publican leaders from the State now in
Washington to show that they VIII not
acquiesce IN Mr.. Atkins being long re-
Of the State Committee would be in June
1t Is unlikely that Mr.. Atkins will con-
tinue to be chairman until that time. 1t Is
mittee. to be specially called a new chair
man will be chosen. At least. that Is the
expectation of those who should know.
Mr.. Aktns's appointment. while 1t was
influential st. Louis Republicans. They
say he does not reside In st. Louis. or, at
least. is not resident" in the sense that
he is eligible for Assistant Treasurer.
DEMOCRATIC BY 100000.
The question of the State craftsmanship
may have an important bearing upon the
future usefulness of Colonel Kerens and
his hold may be shown in that election.
The Akins- Hitchcock infiu-
ence has been strong with President
Roosevelt. while the pull Of the National
dence.
II Kerens does not intend to "sulk in
his tent" as he said to-day the inference
Is that he will have first to fight for his
II the Atkins and Kerens men line UP on
this an savagely as they have over places
at the pie-counter. 1t is said, the. only
.doubt. about missouri Will be whether
10000.
But. it is admitted, the Republican
to-day heard a good deal
IF more or less plausible talk about what
the Republicans may do in Missouri 1t
was In the atmosphere about the Airing
ION. Nearly every one is figuring on
President Rooseveit's nomination at Chi
cago, and the majority of the forecasters
o-day were discounting his failure to
larry New York. The question then was
What Western States he would secure, |
md what he might" carry.
MIGHT CARRY MISSOURI.
There were many who thought he |
might" get Missouri and others qualified |
his by saying President Roosevelt might |
AIRY that State II most of the present |
Republicans leaders in Missouri should in |
he meantime move to Illinois or Arkan-
sas. for their working in harmony is not |
by a sane man. But 1t is |
rue. that the political situation in Mis-
ouri became a. prominent topic at the |;
National Committee headquarters Some |
republicans took . rosy view of 1t. some
ather dubious. but all seemed to think |
hat developments there are worth the
vatching: and the belief is they will be
ollowed by the National Committee more
loosely than for some time past.